What brand of turmeric is best for a diabetic?

@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.

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

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.

Hi, @retiredteacher -- you may have seen this recent thread on Mayo Clinic Connect: http://mayocl.in/2m6abr2. If not, thought you'd be interested in it and may be interested in dialoguing with some of the members there, if you are still investigating.

Thanks @lisalucier. I stopped investigating turmeric. I read articles and found several people to talk to about it. (Not doctors, but people who have had experience with it) After weighing my situation, I decided not to take turmeric. I am hesitant to take any medicines unless I have absolute faith in the claims, and I didn't find enough pros for this herb for me.

I continue not to have to take any meds for my diabetes2, but my blood is still high in the A.M. It goes down during the day, and then it seems that regardless of what I eat for supper, it is still high in the A.M. When I asked the endo. about that, I think I told you, he made no suggestions or comment---"just keep doing what you're doing as numbers are really good."

For the last weeks diabetes is not my main problem; I am having horrific personal problems that have made me feel ill and have insomnia. I don't think there is a solution, but I am spending my time trying to find some answers. So diabetes is on the back burner for now.

I hope everyone is doing well with their diabetes and other health issues. We all have crosses to bear and then add illness and it's like the weight of the world on our shoulders.

God bless all.

retiredteacher

@retiredteacher If you can find fresh turmeric root this is the best. I have started growing my own. Do be cautious with the turmeric as it can harm the kidneys if too much is used. Always follow the recommended dose and be sure to discuss the use of turmeric with your doctor/pharmacist. As with most things-too much of a good thing can be harmful and DO avoid the hypes. Ground can have some disgusting things and do your homework. Lot of hype on the internet as we all know. Like the line from the Gremlin's movie, "They're everywhere, they're everywhere"!

I am not diabetic, but have found by eliminating some foods my inflammation has improved. We are not all alike and the best I can advise is to listen to your body and how you react to different foods.

Wishing you the best on your journey {adventure} and thank you for your input. Retirement is not always a walk in the park.

Hello @retiredteacher

I am sorry to hear that personal problems are weighing you down right now. Take care of yourself!

Teresa

@parus
You have a new picture! Can you give us a little information about it? (I miss the duck, but I know variety is the spice of life!).

Teresa

Hi, @retiredteacher -- I echo @hopeful33250 Teresa's message. Also hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.

Wondering how things are going with your insomnia and the personal problems you were working on?

@hopeful33250 My latest watercolor...rather summed up my attitude which needs some adjusting. Looks odd in the circular format. Yup, variety is a necessary ingredient in life. A mise en abyme in watercolor.