Studies in animal and humans, using the defatted fenugreek seed powder, resulted in significant reductions in fasting blood sugar and improved glucose tolerance. Other plants and herbs that have been shown to be especially helpful to diabetics are onions and garlic, bitter melon, and as I mentioned a moment ago, flavonoid-rich herbs such as bilberry. Historically, bilberry tea has been used as a treatment for diabetes, but we now think the berries, or extracts of the berries is better. I suspect that green tea will be good for diabetics as well. In Ayurvedic medicine, certain herbs rich in epicatechin have been shown to be beneficial in protecting pancreatic beta cells in diabetic animals.
Green tea is very rich in epicatechin.
And the last herb I wanted to mention is Ginkgo biloba, primarily because of its immense value in treating the peripheral vascular problems that occur in diabetics. Ginkgo has been shown to prevent diabetic retinopathy in diabetic rats, for example. Carnitine is important for type two diabetics. We usually think of carnitine as an agent that helps burn fat, and this may be part of the reason it is important for diabetics. Many type two diabetics benefit greatly by losing body fat.