Pregnancy in itself is a very challenging period in a woman’s life, however, if we add the condition of gestational diabetes, the situation becomes a little more complicated. We have already learned from previous articles that gestational diabetes is a condition that can occur in pregnant women, characterized by an increased level of glucose in the blood that usually passes after childbirth. However, it is important that glucose levels are kept under control to avoid complications for both mother and child. In addition to the usual therapeutic approaches, such as proper diet and exercise, research has shown that certain herbs can be useful in reducing blood glucose levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
Here is an overview of some of the most effective herbs that have been shown to be useful in tackling gestational diabetes:
Garlic (Allium sativum): Garlic is a powerful ally in the fight against gestational diabetes. The active ingredient allicin can improve insulin sensitivity and help maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus): In addition to being a delicious addition to tea, raspberry leaf contains compounds that can help regulate blood sugar, making it an ideal choice for pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Cinnamon is one of the most studied herbs for blood sugar control. Research has shown that cinnamon can increase insulin sensitivity and improve glucose metabolism.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): The fresh, spicy taste of ginger is not only refreshing, but also beneficial for pregnant women with gestational diabetes. In addition to ginger being known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, studies show that ginger is also associated with better blood sugar regulation.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): The active ingredient curcumin in turmeric not only provides antioxidant protection, but also helps improve glucose metabolism.
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem extracts show hypoglycemic activity, which means they can help reduce blood sugar levels. Neem is versatile and can be used as a dietary supplement or as an ingredient in teas.
Before deciding on any nutritional supplement or herbal preparation during pregnancy, always consult your doctor or other health professional. They will be able to provide personalized advice and help you choose the best options to suit your needs and ensure safety for you and your child. Although these herbs are generally safe, there may be individual variations and the possibility of interactions with other medications or pregnancy conditions.
Prepared by: Ph.D. Amila Zec Dohranović
Sources:
Adebodun, Great & Kayode, Abolanle & Adebodun, S. (2023). A Review on alternative treatments of gestational diabetes mellitus: Focus on phytotherapy. Functional Food Science. 3. 10.31989/ffs.v3i9.1137.
Xu YXZ, Xi S, Qian X. Evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbal Products for the Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. J Diabetes Res. 2019 Dec 3; 2019:9182595. doi: 10.1155/2019/9182595. PMID: 31886289; PMCID: PMC6915007.
Smeriglio A., Tomaino A., Trombetta D. Herbal Products in Pregnancy: Experimental Studies and Clinical Reports // 2014; DOI: 10.1002
