Is ginger good for diabetics?
According to Everyday Health (USA), ginger has the potential to control blood sugar levels. After analyzing the studies, it was concluded that ginger can inhibit enzymes that affect carbohydrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity, thus leading to greater glucose absorption in the muscles. Researchers added that ginger also has the ability to reduce the risk of diabetes complications due to its lipid-lowering effects.
According to a study by Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Iran), ginger powder supplementation can help improve fasting blood sugar levels. Participants in this study took 2 grams of ginger per day for 12 weeks. As a result, this group also had lower average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months (A1C).
A review from the US and South Korea found that ginger supplementation may help reduce A1C levels and fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
1. Uses of ginger in preventing diabetes complications
- Helps improve insulin levels
When the body does not respond to enough insulin to convert glucose into energy, blood sugar levels are always high. This is the main cause of type 2 diabetes.
Using ginger in meals can promote the pancreas to produce more insulin, helping the body metabolize sugar, reducing symptoms and complications caused by diabetes.
- Treating kidney disease related to diabetes
Diabetes affects 25 to 35% of kidney disease. People with diabetes can develop chronic kidney failure.
Meanwhile, ginger is used similarly to metformin (a drug widely used for diabetic patients) to prevent the degeneration of kidney cells, thereby reducing kidney damage caused by high glucose levels.
- Support the treatment of diabetic retinopathy
People with long-term diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy. Excess blood glucose promotes the release of cytokines that cause inflammation and redness of the eyes, which in the long term will lead to damage to the function and structure of the eyes.
Gingerol in ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, which are very effective in reducing blood glucose levels and preventing retinal damage.
- Prevent heart disease caused by diabetes
About 65% of deaths in people with diabetes are due to high blood pressure or heart failure. This is due to inflammation and oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body).
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so it can prevent dangerous complications such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart failure caused by diabetes.
- Reduce nerve tension caused by diabetes
High glucose levels in the body can cause nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy affects the nerves, causing chronic pain and numbness.
The compound 6-shogaol in ginger can reduce headaches and nerve tension caused by diabetes.
2. The best time to drink ginger tea to control blood sugar
A study has shown the mechanism of ginger in controlling blood sugar. It can inhibit enzymes responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and improve blood biochemical parameters and blood lipids. Thanks to this mechanism, ginger is very effective for people who are trying to regulate blood sugar.
The main active ingredient of ginger, gingerol, has the effect of improving glucose uptake into muscle cells. This can help control high blood sugar levels. In addition, ginger also aids digestion, treats colds and flu, and supports people with asthma.
Therefore, you can drink ginger water every morning to help improve blood sugar levels in diabetics.
The best way to drink it is a cup of ginger tea in the morning on an empty stomach, or 1 hour before or after meals.
You can mix 1 teaspoon or 2 grams of dried ginger powder in warm water, you can add a little salt if you want. Or boil 1/3 of a small fresh ginger root with 1 cup of water (about 240ml), filter the water and drink.
People with diabetes need to know this when drinking ginger water
Ginger can interact with diabetes drugs, anticoagulants and blood pressure medications. According to Healthline (USA), ginger can thin the blood, reduce blood pressure leading to excessive bleeding and irregular heartbeat.
Although side effects are rare, you may experience heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach pain if you eat large amounts of ginger. Pregnant women should not eat more than one gram of ginger per day.
Note that ginger is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment. You should consult your doctor before adding ginger to your daily diet. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking ginger, you should stop using it.