Turmeric for Diabetes Mellitus Type II Prevention Research

The use of turmeric for diabetes is popular in some traditional and natural medicine practices.

This supplement demonstrates anti-diabetes effects and has been found to aid in the prevention of Type II Diabetes.

In one study, using a turmeric-based supplement reduced the number of prediabetic individuals who became diabetic over a nine-month intervention.

Animal, human and laboratory studies indicate that turmeric and its active constituent, curcumin, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some researchers hypothesize that because of these properties turmeric may help reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes. Additionally, both turmeric and curcumin have been observed to affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.

Turmeric and curcumin have been observed to affect a number of cell signalling pathways, which may explain its observed ability to reduce some markers of diabetes.

However, neither turmeric nor curcumin have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment or prevention of any condition or disease. Additionally, turmeric is likely to only be one part of a larger diabetes management plan.

Turmeric

Herbal Supplement

Joints

Heart Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Contains anti-inflammatory curcuminoids
• Promotes brain & cardiovascular health
• Supports the immune system & anti-oxidant enzymes

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a term used to describe a diverse set of metabolic syndromes caused by ineffective or deficient insulin secretion.

Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas. It delivers sugar from the blood to surrounding tissues for energy production. DM is characterized by the insufficient production or efficacy of insulin, which can result in hyperglycemia (elevated blood-glucose levels).

Glucose is the body’s main source of energy and is necessary for survival, but high blood sugar levels can lead to a variety of health complications, including kidney damage and blindness. With DM, glucose management becomes inconsistent.

This inconsistency can be caused by limited insulin function, decreased insulin production and/or increased glucose synthesis.

Turmeric and Curcumin

The turmeric spice is derived from the rhizomes (underground stems) of the herb Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Turmeric is a golden-yellow spice made by boiling, drying and grinding the rhizomes of C. longa.

It has been used as both a spice and medicine for millennia. In cooking, it is a main ingredient in Indian curry; in medicine, it is traditionally used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to treat infections, liver ailments, digestive issues and skin ailments.

Turmeric’s main bioactive molecule is called curcumin (diferuloylmethane). Curcumin is concentrated in turmeric rhizomes. Extensive research has been conducted on both turmeric and curcumin.

Both demonstrate a number of therapeutically useful characteristics. Turmeric and curcumin exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-bacterial and anti-diabetic properties.

Both turmeric and curcumin supplements are readily available. On average, turmeric contains between 2 – 7% curcumin. Curcumin supplements should be standardized to contain a specific concentration of curcuminoids, the chemical group to which curcumin is a member. Curcumin supplements may contain up to 95 % curcumin.

Neither turmeric nor curcumin supplements are easily absorbed by the body. Research indicates that adding a black pepper extract called piperine improves the bioavailability of curcumin and turmeric. For this reason, some supplements include piperine.

Turmeric for Diabetes Prevention

Research suggests that taking a curcumin supplement derived from turmeric may reduce the likelihood of developing Type II Diabetes Mellitus. In one research study published in the journal Diabetes Care, curcumin was given to a population of prediabetic individuals who showed signs of insulin resistance.

Half of the group was given a curcumin capsule for nine months while the other half of the group was given a placebo. During the study, changes in insulin resistance, anti-inflammatory cytokine (adiponectin), and beta-cell functions were measured.

After the 9 month study was completed, 16.4% of the subjects given the placebo were diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.

Comparatively, none of the participants given the curcumin supplement were diagnosed as being diabetic. This group also showed better beta-cell function, improved insulin sensitivity and lower markers of inflammation.

The study also reported that the rate of adverse effects was very low in the group given the curcumin supplement. According to the researchers, “this study demonstrated that the curcumin intervention in a prediabetic population may be beneficial.”

Turmeric’s Anti-Diabetic Effects

In in vitro, animal and human studies, turmeric and curcumin have demonstrated certain anti-diabetic effects.

Curcumin is thought to widely affect cell modulation and signalling, which may be how it acts to reduce blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Turmeric may also improve the long-term management success of diabetes mellitus.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, the following observations were made during animal studies focused on the use of turmeric for diabetes:

• Reduced blood-glucose;
• Increased plasma insulin levels;
• Improved dyslipidemia (abnormal blood-lipid levels);
• Decreased triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in the liver;
• Increased antioxidant levels in the liver, particularly the antioxidants glutathione peroxidase, SOD (superoxide dismutase) and catalase.

In a pre-clinical trial, individuals with pre-diabetes who took 1,500 mg of curcumin per day for nine months were less likely to develop type II diabetes than those individuals who did not take the supplement. [1]

Curcumin Mechanism of Action

Curcumin, the bioactive constituent of turmeric, appears to affect a range of cell signaling activities. Turmeric has been observed to normalize renal (kidney) and hepatic (liver) markers, including levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, volume of urine and albumin.

Curcumin has also been observed to reduce the expression and function of glucose transporter 2, which carries sugar from the blood across cell membranes, and vice versa.

Turmeric and curcumin have also been observed to reduce several other symptoms associated with diabetes mellitus, including oxidative stress, cognitive deficiencies, chronic inflammation and cholinergic dysfunction.

Large-scale, well-organized human clinical trials are still necessary to fully understand the effect of turmeric and curcumin on diabetes management. This supplement has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment, management or prevention of diabetes mellitus.

Side Effects of Turmeric/Curcumin

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates turmeric and curcumin as “Likely Safe” when used orally and appropriately.

In some studies, 2.2 g of turmeric has been used daily for eight months without report of serious side effects. Participants in one month trials have used 4 g daily doses with no report of adverse effects. Single 12 g doses have also been used safely.

Mild side effects of turmeric may include stomach upset, gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, jitteriness and/or dizziness.

Major side effects from turmeric are not likely in healthy adults. However, certain serious side effects have occurred when using turmeric improperly or excessively.

In particular, turmeric and curcumin may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Turmeric/curcumin may interact with medications that exhibit antihypertensive or anti-platelet effects.

In addition, any medications that use p450 cytochrome substrates or P-glycoprotein substrates may be affected by turmeric supplements. Turmeric and curcumin may interact with estrogen, docetaxel, norfloxacin, paclitaxel, talinolol and sulphasalazine.

Be cautious about combining turmeric with herbal supplements that demonstrate similar effects to the medications discussed above. These include ginger, ginseng, ginkgo, fenugreek, red clover, angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, devil’s claw and willow.

Turmeric may decrease blood sugar levels and should not be combined with medications or supplements that have a similar effect without first consulting with a doctor. It is possible that hypoglycemia could occur if combining multiple substances that lower blood sugar levels.

These lists are not exhaustive. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking turmeric to make sure the supplement is right for you.

Conclusions about Using Turmeric for Diabetes

Chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is associated with poor circulation, retinopathy, renal dysfunction and certain cardiovascular disorders.

Turmeric has been observed to affect blood glucose levels and a number of cellular processes involved in inflammation and diabetes. However, turmeric use is likely to only play a small role in a larger diabetes treatment plan. Do not use turmeric for diabetes or any other medical condition before consulting with your doctor.

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