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What brand of turmeric is best for a diabetic?
Diabetes & Endocrine System | Last Active: Dec 4, 2017 | Replies (42)Comment receiving replies
@retiredteacher In your search for evidence-based information on turmeric and its use in treating diabetes, I thought you'd appreciate this systematic review
Curcumin and Diabetes: A Systematic Review by Dong-wei Zhang et al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3857752/
The conclusion states:
"Recent research has provided the scientific basis for “traditional” curcumin and confirmed the important role of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its associated disorders. Curcumin could favorably affect most of the leading aspects of diabetes, including insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and islet apoptosis and necrosis (Figure 2). In addition, curcumin could prevent the deleterious complications of diabetes. Despite the potential tremendous benefits of this multifaceted nature product, results from clinical trials of curcumin are only available in using curcumin to treat diabetic nephropathy, microangiopathy and retinopathy so far. Studies are badly needed to be done in humans to confirm the potential of curcumin in limitation of diabetes and other associated disorders. Further, multiple approaches are also needed to overcome limited solubility and poor bioavailability of curcumin. These include synthesis of curcuminoids and development of novel formulations of curcumin, such as nanoparticles, liposomal encapsulation, emulsions, and sustained released tablets. Enhanced bioavailability and convinced clinical trial results of curcumin are likely to bring this promising natural product to the forefront of therapeutic agents for diabetes by generating a “super curcumin” in the near future."
I found this blog about turmeric, including this article "Turmeric Dosage For Diabetes" https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-dosage/turmeric-dosage-for-diabetes. The blog also list brands, however you'll want to do due diligence and research the validity of the claims made on the website. It is unclear who is the publisher. The article might give you a starting point to discuss with your doctor or diabetes educator.
Replies to "@retiredteacher In your search for evidence-based information on turmeric and its use in treating diabetes, I..."
Curcumin (concentrated form of turmeric used in supplements) DOES have side effects. I took it for several months because of its possible anti-cancer effects and had to stop it because it radically affected my oxalate metabolism, and will facilitate the formation of kidney stones (which I have a tendency to have). When I stopped taking the curcumin, my oxalate levels went back to normal.
I have taken metformin for many years and have no side effects. Metformin is quite safe.
Turmeric, the spice, is healthy at normal levels, in curries etc... but it is not good to eat it by the teaspoonful either.
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Thanks, Colleen. It seems that recently, I have heard about turmeric rather frequently. The people I know are well educated and their doctors are aware that they are taking this herb. I don't know everyone I've heard from, but it seems that the herb is a better choice and has none of the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs like Metformin. As you know I research almost daily, and in doing so I have discovered other herbal treatments for diabetes that real people have found lower A1c and help inflammation and boost the immune system. To date I have kept my diabetes in check and don't have to take any medicine. I was in range at my endo appointment last week, so no changes. I don't have another appointment for four months. He says I am a "controlled diabetic" and don't need to change anything.
I am curious enough to continue researching turmeric. It is interesting to think that turmeric might have more benefits for diabetes than any of Big Pharma's expensive drugs.
Thanks for your information.
retiredteacher