Diabetes is a disease that affects metabolism.  It is characterized by high blood sugar level brought about by inadequate insulin or the incorrect use of insulin or both.

Gymnema sylvetre from Africa, Australia, and Central and South India is a climbing woody shrub that is known in ancient times as “destroyer of sugar”. The leaves of Gymnena sylvestre  contains a substance which known to inhibit the body’s ability to taste sweetness and ability to absorb sugar in the intestine. . Our ability to taste sweetness is said to stop or is affected upon chewing on the leaves of gymnena sylvestre.

Gymnema Sylvestre and Diabetes

Gymnena has been used to help lower blood sugar, lower LDL cholesterol, helps reduce amount of sugar absorbed by the intestines, stimulate insulin in the pancreas. It is used to treat liver disease, water retention and stomach problems. Its effectiveness is said to be due to its ability to increase insulin secretion which in turn helps lower blood sugar levels.

Although gymnema sylvestre is a herb that is normally safe to use and it appearing that there is no known drug interactions concerning gymnema, it is still very crucial to inform your doctor when and if you decide to use it to treat diabetes. Blood sugar level should be constantly monitored to prevent the possibility of lowering the sugar in dangerous level. It is not advisable for breast feeding women, pregnant and women who plans to get pregnant to use gymnema. And to avoid possible complications of negative reactions, gymnema should not be taken two weeks before having surgery. when taking anti-diabetic medications like aspirin,  monitor intake of gymnema because aspirin lowers blood sugar and my lead to hypoglycemia.

Treatment of diabetes involves control of blood glucose levels and preventing eventuality of complications. Diet will be altered to regulate intake of carbohydrate and other important nutrients. Medications will be used to control blood sugar and insulin injection or insulin pump will be also given.  Regular exercise and other physical activities will also be recommended to improve health and reduce the risk of complications like heart disease.

Gymnema is used in the form of pill or tablets and may also be consumed in the form of leaf extract or powder.  Adding this to your diabetic diet may help suppress sugar and carb cravings. This will help in controlling your blood sugar levels and aid in managing weight control by suppressing such cravings.

Taking supplements may help counter the side effects of other prescribed anti-diabetic drugs, it is still advisable to undergo a healthy dietary regime and daily exercise.

Gymnema Sylvestre and Diabetes