We spoke about quercetin last week, when Richard Conant was our guest. Well, flavonoids such as quercetin have been shown to promote insulin secretion and and they are powerful inhibitors of sorbitol accumulation. We didn t discuss this during the first segment, but one of the problems that result from diabetes is an accumulation of sorbitol in certain tissues. Flavonoids, as a group, increase vitamin C within cells, decrease leakiness and breakage of small blood vessels, and improve immune response. Many of the botanical or herbal remedies for diabetes are rich in flavonoids, and this may be part of the reason why.
All flavonoids are good, whether from citrus or grape seed, pycnogenol or bilberry.
Speaking of plants, we have to mention Gymnema sylvestre. This herb has been used for a long time as a treatment for diabetes, and recent research has confirmed its effectiveness. It is thought that Gymnema enhances the ability of the pancreas to secrete insulin even in type one diabetes. There was one study, where they gave Gymnema extract to 27 patients with type one diabetes, patients who were on insulin therapy. It resulted in reduced insulin requirements, a decrease in blood sugar levels after fasting, and improved blood sugar control.