Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health problems if left untreated including heart diseases or strokes. Developing type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to lifestyle factors and can be hereditary. Researchers know that you can inherit a risk for type 2 diabetes, but its difficult to pinpoint which genes carry the risk. New research has found that vitamin D supplements may slow the progression of type 2 diabetes in newly diagnosed patients and those with pre diabetes, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. Leading health experts believe certain herbs may also help in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. What are they?
Sweetie Chirata
The active ingredients in this herb help the pancreatic cells release insulin, can help reduce glucose absorption from the digestive system and improve the intracellular metabolism of glucose.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in Eastern Medicinal Systems to treat diabetes for hundreds of years. The active ingredient can reduce glucose levels and improve insulin tolerance.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek contains fibres that can help to improve insulin production as well as insulin release and sensitivity. Fenugreek also helps reduce carbohydrate absorption in the digestive system.
Syzgium Cumini
The active ingredient in this particular herb helps to restore the normal physiological function of the liver, which can create a reservoir of glucose macromolecules, thereby reducing fasting blood glucose levels.
Gymnema Sylvestre
This herb has many active ingredients including Saponin, which is known to reduce carbohydrate cravings. As well as this, metabolically it encourages insulin release.
Bitter Melon
Bitter Melon is traditionally used as a treatment for diabetes in Eastern Medicinal Systems.
It’s active ingredients help to restore the physiological function to damaged pancreatic cells, reduce glucose absorption and increase the sensitivity of the muscle cells to insulin.
Picrorhiza Kurroa
Picrorhiza Kurroa has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine.
The active ingredients in this herb can act as an antioxidant that helps restore liver function – protecting it from toxins.
This can increase glucose tolerance subsequently proving the potential for weight loss.
Tinospora Cordifolia
Also known as Heart-leaved moonseed, Tinospora Cordifolia contains a mixture of alkaloids, diterpenoid, lactones, glycoside, phenols and aliphatic compounds which all help to increase glucose metabolism at the cellular level.
This can result in a decrease of blood glucose levels.
Melia Azadirachta
The active properties in this herb including flavonoids, tannins and saponins help to reduce the transformation of starch into glucose subunits and lower the absorption of carbohydrates in the body.
Amla
Also known as Indain Gooseberry, the active property in Amla is Tanned, which can help rehabilitate the physiological function of pancreatic cells.