Can Gymnema Improve Health In Those With Type Two Diabetes?
Gymnema sylvestre is a plant compound that is often used as a supplement for those dealing with type 2 diabetes due to its supposed abilities to support healthier blood sugar levels.
But what does the science say?
In this post we will examine what the studies say about Gymnema and whether or not you should include it as part of your overall strategy to fight diabetes.
What Is Gymnema?
Lets start with the basics.
Gymnema is shrub found in the forests of Africa and India.
It has been used for thousands of years in traditional (non-western) medicine for a variety of purposes.
Chewing on the leaves of the plant temporarily interferes with the taste buds and makes sweet flavors taste muted and unpleasant, which may have led to its Hindi name, Gurmar, which translates to "destroyer or sugar."
What Is Gymnema Used For?
Gymnema has been used for a variety of purposes including:
- Lowering Blood Sugar
- Reducing Sugar Digestion In The Gut
- Lowering LDL or "bad" cholesterol
- Stimulating Insulin Production In The Pancreas
It is generally considered safe to consume for adults.
Is Gymnema Effective For Diabetes?
Existing studies have suggested that Gymnema is promising as a supplement for those with type two diabetes, but more research is needed to fully understand its benefits.
One study done in 2001 on 65 participants with type 2 diabetes showed that after 90 days of taking Gymnema twice daily, all participants had lower fasting glucose levels, with the average reduction being 11%.
Prior to the study the average A1C amongst the group was 8.8%, whereas after the 90 days the average A1C had dropped to 8.2%.
On top of that, 11 patients out of the 65 actually had their prescription medications reduced.
Where Can You Get Gymnema?
Gymnema is most commonly found in either powder or pill form.
It can be taken as a stand-alone supplement, or more commonly as part of a blend of ingredients all designed to support healthier blood sugar levels.
Because of its impressive resume, we included Gymnema in our Blood Sugar Support supplement.
Blood Sugar Support contains a blend of 6 of the highest quality ingredients we could find and combined them into one powerful once-a-day supplement.
Final Thoughts
Gymnema sylvestre is a natural and safe herb that you may want to incorporate into your overall health regimen.
It isn't a replacement to medications, but it can be used alongside traditional medicine, other alternative medicines such as Berberine or Bitter Melon, diet changes, and exercise to make up a complete and robust program to help you fight back against diabetes.