5 Herbs, Spices and Supplements that May Benefit Diabetes Management

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you know that there are lifestyle changes you need to make to control the disease. Your diabetes care plan largely focuses on healthful eating to keep blood sugars within the target range, exercise, monitoring blood sugar and the medications you take. But increasingly as consumers turn to alternative therapies to control medical conditions, many are looking at plant-based herbs and supplements as well as spices to relieve diabetes symptoms and reduce disease-related complications

There have not been enough studies to support the effectiveness of dietary supplements to prevent or treat diabetes, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.[1] Supplements should never be used to replace standard diabetes treatment, since doing so could put your health at risk. Furthermore, speak to your medical professional before starting any supplements, especially if you are taking medications. Herbs and supplements can cause interaction with prescription medications. Furthermore, some may be toxic if taken in large quantities. [2]

The following are some herbs, spices and other dietary supplements that have shown some promise in helping manage blood sugar and other complications associated with diabetes:

Cinnamon: There have been many studies on the effect of cinnamon on blood glucose levels. A 2109 study systematically reviewed and synthesized evidence on the efficacy of cinnamon for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes patients. The results indicated that cinnamon reduced Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) level in type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes patients compared to a placebo. Researchers concluded that the diversity observed among the studies that were included in the research warrants further clinical trials after standardizing the cinnamon formulation.[3]

Another 2016 study indicated some benefit of cinnamon to lower fasting blood sugar levels. In this study, patients continued to take their diabetes medications but also cinnamon supplements. The researchers concluded that adding cinnamon supplements to standard medications for diabetes and other lifestyle therapies had modest effects on lowering fasting blood sugar values and HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c. A1c test result reflects an average blood sugar level for the past two to three months.)[4]

Garlic: There have been several studies which suggest garlic consumption in moderation for those with type 2 diabetes could help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. The results of nine studies on garlic and diabetes indicated a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (sugar) within 1-2 weeks in the group taking 0.05-1.5g of garlic supplement daily. Also, A1c was significantly reduced by week 12. [5]

Ginger: A 2015 review and meta-analysis of clinical trials published in 2013 and 2014 found that ginger supplementation significantly lowered blood glucose and HbA1c levels. However, the study was limited by the relatively few clinical trails and the modest number of participants in each.  Researchers concluded further studies are needed to carefully evaluate what dosage of ginger provides the greatest efficacy for the treatment of diabetes.[6]

Fenugreek: Fenugreek is a seed that contains fibers and chemicals that help to slow down carbohydrate and sugar digestion. Some evidence also indicates the seed may help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. A randomized, controlled parallel study for the efficacy of Fenugreek and matched controls was conducted in men and women whose ages ranged from 30-70 who had prediabetes. Participants received 5 grams of Fenugreek powder twice a day before meals. The progression of type 2 diabetes was monitored at baseline and every 3 months for the three years of the study. The study indicated Fenugreek supplementation was associated with lower conversion to diabetes with no adverse effects and was beneficial possibly due to decreased insulin resistance.[7]

Bitter Melon: There is some evidence that bitter melon, which is a medicinal fruit, may help manage diabetes. The supplements are highly concentrated extracts of the seeds. A 2020 study assessed the efficacy and safety of bitter melon as an adjuvant treatment in type 2 diabetes patients. Patients who took the extract had lower average fasting glucose levels than the placebo group. The HbA1c levels of the bitter melon and placebo groups remained unchanged. [8]

These are just some of the herbs, spices and supplements that may have some benefits for those with diabetes. There are others. But in all cases, you want to confer with your physician about their use in the management of your diabetes

[1] “Diabetes and Dietary Supplements,” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Accessed May 29, 2022. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/diabetes-and-dietary-supplements

[2] Johnson, Jon, “7 Herbs and Supplements for Type 2 Diabetes,” Medical News Today, April 28, 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317051

[3] Deyno S, Eneyew K, Seyfe S, Tuyiringire N, Peter EL, Muluye RA, Tolo CU, Ogwang PE. Efficacy and safety of cinnamon in type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes patients: A meta-analysis and meta-regression. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2019 Oct;156:107815. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2019.107815. Epub 2019 Aug 16. PMID: 31425768. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31425768/

[4] Madrid, Eric M.D., “These Herbs, Spices and Nuts Could Help with Diabetes Management,” iHerb, Feb. 2019. https://www.iherb.com/blog/these-herbs-spices-and-nuts-could-help-with-diabetes-management/606

[5] “The power of garlic when you have diabetes,” Diabetes Care Community,” April 25, 2019. https://www.diabetescarecommunity.ca/diet-and-fitness-articles/the-power-of-garlic-when-you-have-diabetes/

[6] Daily, James W; Yang, Mini; Kim, Da Sol; Park Summin, “Efficacy of ginger for treating Type 2 diabetes: A systemic review and meta analysis of randomized clinical trials,” Journal of Ethnic Foods, March 2015. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352618115000086#abs0010

[7] Gaddam A, Galla C, Thummisetti S, Marikanty RK, Palanisamy UD, Rao PV. Role of Fenugreek in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in prediabetes. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2015 Oct 2;14:74. doi: 10.1186/s40200-015-0208-4. PMID: 26436069; PMCID: PMC4591578. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26436069/

[8] Kim SK, Jung J, Jung JH, Yoon N, Kang SS, Roh GS, Hahm JR. Hypoglycemic efficacy and safety of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Aug;52:102524. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102524. Epub 2020 Jul 22. PMID: 32951763. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32951763/