The benefits of aloe vera are no secret. From lotions and creams to supplements and juice, its uses in the health and beauty industry are endless. With the plethora of nutrients in aloe vera, it can improve metabolism, help with weight loss, and make hair and skin healthier. One little-known fact about aloe vera is that it’s also great for people with diabetes.
In people with type 2 diabetes, their body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels on their own. People with type 2 diabetes must incorporate exercise, diet changes, stress management, and sometimes insulin or oral medications to ensure healthy blood sugar levels. Sometimes, people with diabetes complement their treatments with natural approaches, such as adding aloe vera to their treatment plan.
While research on the benefits of aloe vera to treat type 2 diabetes is limited, if you want a more natural treatment of the condition, supplementing with aloe vera may be something you should bring up with your doctor. If you’re interested in learning more, keep reading. We will review some of the ways that aloe vera can be beneficial to your diabetes treatment plan.
Overview of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that is found in warm countries. It’s been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years.
With its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is used to treat many different health issues, including colic, high blood pressure, constipation, and the most common ailment, sunburn.
Two substances from aloe vera are used in health care products.
- The clear gel that you apply to the skin to provide relief from burns and psoriasis. You can also take it orally to treat conditions such as bowel diseases, fever, and osteoarthritis.
- A yellow latex that one can take orally to alleviate constipation.
There are over 200 active substances in aloe vera that include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and polysaccharides that work together to offer substantial benefits of the plant.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Diabetics
Fasting blood sugar numbers and A1C measurements are used in a diabetes diagnosis. After the diagnosis, medical providers depend on A1C (the three-month average of blood sugar levels) to determine how well blood sugar levels are being managed.
Aloe vera contains compounds like mannans, anthraquinones, and lectins that can help control blood glucose levels and alleviate abnormal lipid profiles in people with diabetes. It can also repair and prevent damage to insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
In 2016, the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a review citing how aloe vera can improve blood sugar levels and A1C in people with diabetes. Their study showed that oral aloe vera supplements lowered fasting blood sugar in participants by 46.6 mg/dL and reduced A1C levels by 1.05%.
How does it work? Researchers believe that aloe vera supplements lower the absorption of sugar after a meal, stimulate the breakdown of sugar, and help prevent sugar production.
Risks of Aloe Vera for Diabetics
While aloe vera's blood sugar lowering effects are excellent for people with diabetes, there are also risks involved. This is especially true for those taking insulin or other diabetes medications.
By combining diabetes medications with oral doses of aloe vera, you risk causing your blood sugar to crash, resulting in hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are fatigue, shakiness, sweating, and sometimes an irregular heart rhythm. Severe symptoms of hypoglycemia include blurred vision, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Aloe vera is also known to have laxative effects. Pairing this with medications may lower the absorption rate and, in turn, the effectiveness of oral medicines you may be taking.
Adding Aloe Vera to Treat Diabetes
If you'd like to try adding aloe vera to your treatment plan, it’s essential to talk to your doctor to avoid any adverse effects. Even when you get your doctor’s approval, monitor your blood sugar closely to watch for low blood sugar reactions.
Keeping a diary of any symptoms you experience when adding aloe vera can be helpful for your doctor. Document how you feel, how much aloe vera you’re taking, and any side effects you may experience.
Want to Learn More About How Aloe Vera Can Benefit Your Diabetes? Aloe Labs Can Help
While aloe vera has the potential to help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, additional research is necessary to determine the most effective dosage and preparation method. Until more information is known, it’s essential to speak to your doctor before using aloe vera products.
And when you get the go-ahead, trust Aloe Laboratories for all your aloe vera needs. We provide a variety of safe, high-quality aloe vera products to meet your needs and provide you with the most value for your money.
Contact us today and reap the health benefits of quality, organic aloe vera.