Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial herb that is native to South America and thrives in somewhat warm environments. The dried leaves are used as artificial sweeteners. Stevia is effective in reducing blood glucose levels in people, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. If you want to use stevia or any other supplements to help treat your diabetes, talk to your doctor first.
Stevioside
Stevia is a suitable option for diabetics because it does not increase blood glucose levels. Moreover, clinical trials at Georgetown University Medical Center indicate that stevia has the potential to benefit type 2 diabetics. The anti-diabetic property of stevia is attributed to stevioside, a glycoside derived from the sweetest part of the stevia plant.
Insulin Sensitivity
Results of animal studies on the protective effects of stevioside on diabetes -- reviewed by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine -- suggest that stevioside improves beta cell function and enhances insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats. Diets supplemented with stevioside also have been shown to reduce elevated blood sugar levels, explains Elena Tateo, a research nutritionist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Metabolic Syndrome
Stevioside inhibited the development of metabolic syndrome, a pre-diabetic condition, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes when it was administered with a soy-based formula, based on a study published in the September 2005 edition of "Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental" journal. Metabolic syndrome is the principal risk factor for type 2 diabetes. It happens when your body's cells stop responding to the insulin produced by your body.
Blood Sugar Lowering Effect
Researchers at Azad University of Agriculture and Technology in India have studied stevia's blood sugar lowering effects in elderly type 2 diabetics. During stevia supplementation, patients showed no significant reduction in blood glucose levels.
References
- Azad University of Agriculture and Technology; "Development of Stevia Products and their Effect on Blood Glucose Level of Diabetic Patients"; Seema Sonkar and Sukirty Nigam
- "Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental"; "Preventive Effects of a Soy-based Diet Supplemented with Stevioside..."; S.E. Dyrskog; September 2005
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine: Stevia --- Is it Time for Another Look?
- Georgetown University Medical Center: Stevia
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