Herbs to Help Lower Blood Sugar

Diabetes is a serious disease in which blood glucose levels, also known as blood sugar levels, are elevated. This can result from insulin resistance on the part of the body's cells, insufficient insulin production, and/or excessive consumption of carbohydrates. Some diabetics can control their condition through exercise and diet alone, while others cannot. Herbal supplements can be useful for blood sugar control either on their own or as an adjunct to medical treatment.

Features

• Herbal supplements can be used to lower blood sugar, to help the pancreas produce insulin and to minimize cravings for sweets. Some herbs act very quickly to reduce blood sugar, while others----such as those that help the pancreas----may take longer to produce results. Individual results will vary.

Types

• Herbs effective for lowering blood sugar include bitter melon, goldenseal, juniper berries, fenugreek and cinnamon. These are available in a variety of forms, including juice, teas, extracts and supplements. Observe dosage recommendations for each product. Juniper berries, fenugreek and cinnamon can also be used in cooking.

Benefits

• When blood sugar is kept within normal limits, many of the serious complications of diabetes can be minimized or avoided. Herbs can lower blood sugar without many of the side effects of prescription medications.

Function

• Bitter melon lowers the insulin resistance of the body's cells. Goldenseal nourishes the pancreas and lowers blood sugar. Juniper berries help the pancreas produce more insulin. Fenugreek helps lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin production and also helps lower triglycerides and cholesterol. Cinnamon helps lower blood sugar and delays gastric emptying; when food stays in your stomach longer, you feel more satisfied and have fewer cravings.

Warning

• Herbs can be just as effective as prescription medications, so use caution; goldenseal, for example, can cause hypoglycemia, a dangerous condition in which the blood sugar is too low. When you are considering using herbal supplements, you should first consult your health-care provider, especially if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications. Some herbs are contraindicated with certain medications. Always consult your health-care provider before discontinuing any prescription medications.