Type 2 diabetes: A lesser-known supplement which could help lower your blood sugar

Type 2 diabetes: A supplement which lowers blood sugar levels (Image: Getty Images)

TYPE 2 diabetes directly affects a person's blood sugar levels therefore understanding your levels is extremely crucial. What is equally crucial is finding ways to lower these levels and according to studies, taking this supplement could help. What is it?

Type 2 diabetes: Doctor explains impacts of the condition

Type 2 diabetes symptoms are not always obvious and do not tend to make a person feel unwell. Some of the more common symptoms of the condition include having a need to urinate more often, feeling thirsty all the time and blurry vision. These signs occur due to blood sugar levels rising. There is a supplement which could help lower a person’s blood sugar and reduce their risk of serious health complications.

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In a study with The US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, dandelions and how they could help with blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics was investigated.

The study noted: “Plant-based medicine is very useful in the management of type 2 diabetes.

“Therapies originating from western medicine are costly and have poor availability for the majority of the global population, especially those in less developed countries.

“Dandelion has been considered a key anti-diabetic plant because of its anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties.

“This is due to the various bioactive components present in dandelion, including polyphenolics, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes and phytosterols.”

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Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds which are found in dandelions.

They are found in all parts of the plant and may help reduce blood sugar.

Test-tube and animal studies showed that these two compounds helped to improve insulin secretion from the pancreas while simultaneously improving the absorption of glucose in muscle tissue.

This led to improved insulin sensitivity and a reduction in blood sugar levels.

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In some studies, chicoric and chlorogenic acid helped by limiting the digestion of starchy carbohydrate foods.

This discovery contributes to dandelions potential ability to help reduce blood sugar.

While the results of these studies were encouraging, more research is needed to determine if dandelions could work the same way in humans.

Type 2 diabetes: Dandelion supplements help with insulin and lowering blood sugar (Image: Getty Images)

Other research indicates the power of dandelions in aiding with weight loss due to their bioactive components.

These components may support weight loss and maintenance, though the data is not entirely conclusive.

Weight loss is a key indicator when it comes to proper type 2 diabetes management.

Some research theorise that dandelions' ability to improve carbohydrate metabolism and reduce fat absorption may lead to weight loss.

These factors also ensure lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics.

Dandelion leaves, stems and flowers are often consumed in their natural state and can be eaten cooked or raw.

The root is usually dried, ground and consumed as a tea or coffee substitute.

Dandelion is also available in supplemental forms including capsules, extracts and tinctures.

It is important to speak with your GP before embarking on new supplements to help lower blood sugar levels. 

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