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Medical Video: Is Gymnema the Future of Diabetes Treatment
Today more and more people are diagnosed with diabetes, so it's not too surprising that demand for alternative medicine is increasing too. One herbal supplement that is popular among people with diabetes is extract of Gymnema, or GS4.
Gymnema plants are large branching climbing plants that grow in dry forests originating from India. This plant was first used as a treatment for diabetes 2,000 years ago in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda), but scientific studies of what its effects have just been studied recently.
How is the gymnema?
Gymnema is thought to do a number of things: block sweetness and help regulate blood sugar by blocking the absorption of sugar in the intestine and stimulating insulin release from the pancreas.
When you put this plant on your tongue, it will make you stop tasting sugar. This plant is processed into a supplement and it has been recognized that it can help people with diabetes to control blood sugar.
There is very little clinical evidence that supports the use of Gymnema for diabetes. Only a few studies are available and most of them still make animals as objects. Studies involving humans are also not of high quality to prove that Gymnema is effective in helping control blood sugar. One small study in humans found that a daily GS4 dose of 400 milligrams (mg) reduced the amount of insulin needed by people with diabetes on insulin therapy. Some researchers believe GS4 can increase the body's ability to produce insulin itself by beta cell regeneration.
Gymnema supplements are also used to help reduce weight and cholesterol. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. Some animal studies have found that this supplement can reduce cholesterol. One study in humans with diabetes found that GS4 can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Gymnema as an ingredient in weight loss supplements has been shown to lose weight, but it is not clear whether one type of material is more effective than combination ingredients.
GS4 is available in pill form. The general dose that has been studied is between 200 mg and 600 mg every day. This dose is considered safe, but further research is needed.
Discuss with your doctor first before using this supplement. This is especially true if you are on insulin or other medications to control blood sugar. If Gymnema is effective in lowering your blood sugar, your insulin dose or medication may need to be adjusted. Using Gymnema without a doctor's supervision can put you at risk for hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar).
Medical treatment for diabetes is a combination of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and reading your blood sugar levels, and taking medication or insulin. Gymnema is not a substitute for this treatment, but it might be added to your treatment plan if your doctor approves it.
