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According to statistics from the International Diabetes Federation, about 10 percent of adults could be suffering from diabetes by 2040. Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors.
Traditional herbs have been used since ancient times to treat or prevent many diseases, including diabetes. Ginger, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale Roscoe, is one of the best and effective medicinal herbs used in the prevention and management of diabetes. Its promising effects are also described in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of ginger for diabetes.
• Active Compounds in Ginger
A study concerning the active compounds in fresh and organically grown ginger suggests that this important herb or spice contains several natural compounds such as paradols, gingerols, acetyl derivatives of ginger, gingerodils, shogaols, 3-dihydrozogol , diarylheptanoid and methyl ether derivatives. Some of these are compounds.
Among them, gingerol is a major compound that exerts most of the antidiabetic effects.
• Effect of Ginger on Fasting Blood Glucose
Fasting means abstaining from eating. When a person fasts for a long period of time, their glucose levels drop. A hormone called glucagon is released by the pancreas to stimulate the secretion of stored glucose in the liver to balance the lack of glucose in the body.
In response to glucose release, the body secretes insulin to balance sugar levels in the body. Diabetics have reduced production of insulin or the body's inability to convert glucose into energy, causing blood sugar to remain high.
Fasting blood sugar helps determine diabetes by measuring the level of sugar. Having a sugar level between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, while 126 mg/dL or higher means diabetes. Fasting blood sugar below 100 mg/dL is considered normal.
According to one study, consuming ginger powder for 12 weeks (2 grams per day) can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar. In addition, blood sugar decreases rapidly after four hours when doses of 100–800 mg/kg are administered.
Can Ginger Prevent Diabetes Complications?
The answer to this question is yes. Ginger may help prevent several diabetes complications, such as diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease), diabetic retinopathy (eye disease), diabetic cardiomyopathy (heart disease) and diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage).
1. Ginger for Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a kidney disease associated with diabetes. It affects about 25-35 percent of diabetics who are less than 30 years of age. Diabetic neuropathy can result in severe kidney failure and death within 2–3 years.
One study showed the renoprotective effect of ginger, similar to metformin, a widely used drug for diabetes. Ginger helps prevent the degeneration of kidney cells and thus, prevents kidney damage due to high glucose in the body.
2. Ginger for Diabetic Retinopathy
Long-term diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, or damage to the eyes. Excess blood glucose can promote inflammatory cytokines (which cause inflammation) and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from existing vessels). It results in functional and structural damage to various parts of the eye, such as the retina.
According to one study, ginger ale has anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities that may help lower blood sugar and prevent damage to retinal vessels.
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3. Ginger for Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage caused by high glucose content in the body. Diabetic neuropathy primarily affects the nerves and causes chronic pain and numbness. One study showed that 6-shogaol, an active compound in this important herb, may help reduce pain due to diabetic neuropathy.
To finish
Long-term ginger can help prevent diabetes. However, if you already have diabetes, managing glucose levels by consuming ginger may not be effective. Therefore, experts suggest a combination of herbs and medicines for effective management of diabetes.
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