Aloe vera is a tropical plant commonly used in herbal medicine. Although the most well-known use for aloe is the treatment of sunburn, aloe vera may also help prevent or treat other health conditions, such as the high blood glucose levels found in people with diabetes. However, the evidence for this use is still preliminary, so speak with your doctor before consuming aloe vera juice.
Aloe and Blood Glucose
Preliminary evidence indicates that aloe vera may lower blood glucose levels when consumed orally. However, the blood sugar-lowering effect may depend on the part of the aloe plant used, according to a study published in "Phytotherapy Research" in March 2001. This study found that rats given aloe vera leaf pulp without aloe leaf gel extract experienced a decrease in blood sugar levels, while those given aloe leaf gel extract experienced an increase in blood glucose levels. Before drinking aloe vera juice look into how the brand you are considering is made, because some brands use the entire leaf, including the gel, or just the gel to produce their aloe vera juice.
Side Effects
The internal use of aloe vera can cause side effects, including diarrhea, intestinal cramps, hepatitis, electrolyte imbalances, blood in the urine, weight loss, muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat. Aloe juice can have a laxative effect if it is made with aloe latex, which comes from the skin of the aloe leaf.
Safety
Consumption of aloe juice is not safe for everyone. Do not consume aloe if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you suffer from kidney problems, intestinal problems or hemorrhoids. If you consume aloe vera for an extended period of time, it may increase your risk for colon cancer, according to MayoClinic.com. Because of the risk of severe side effects from drinking aloe products, it isn't recommended.
Considerations
Speak with your doctor before drinking aloe juice, and do not self-treat your diabetes with aloe juice or use aloe juice in place of the treatment prescribed by your doctor. The research on using aloe for lowering blood glucose levels is still preliminary, including mainly animal studies. Further research is needed to determine whether aloe vera juice is beneficial for lowering blood glucose levels in people, as well as the appropriate dosage of aloe juice for this condition.
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