Turmeric, or curcumin, is a spice that has been used medicinally for about 4,000 years to treat a wide range of ailments. Today, turmeric is used to help manage various conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, and it is being investigated for use in diabetes. However, reliable human studies supporting its benefits in managing diabetes are still lacking. If you have Type 2 diabetes, consult with your doctor before using turmeric medicinally.
Treatment
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that causes abnormally high blood sugar levels. Too much sugar in your blood will ultimately cause major health problems such as damage to your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Regular exercise, weight management and maintaining a healthy meal plan can help control your diabetes. Some herbal supplements, such as turmeric, may also possibly help to lower blood sugar levels.
Effectiveness
Laboratory studies in animals with diabetes showed that turmeric lowered blood sugar levels, as well as cholesterol. The only human studies testing the effects of turmeric on blood sugar levels have been done in non-diabetic healthy volunteers. Results of these human volunteer studies showed no effect of turmeric on blood sugar levels. Whether turmeric can help to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes is unknown.
Dosing
University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, suggests daily adult doses of turmeric to be 1.5 to 3 g of the cut root, 1 to 3 g of dried powder root, 30 to 90 drops of fluid extract and 15 to 30 drops of tincture taken four times daily. Suggested doses of turmeric standardized powder are 400 to 600 mg, taken three times a day, UMMC states.
Considerations
Turmeric is considered likely safe when used in food and possibly safe when taken in medicinal doses, says the National Institutes of Health. Turmeric can occasionally cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea and allergic reactions. You should not use turmeric if you have gallbladder problems, such as gall stones, or within two weeks of scheduled surgery. You should also avoid turmeric if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
