If left untreated, it can cause kidney disease, increase your risk of heart disease, and even cause blindness. For many, the condition is manageable through diet and exercise. Others may need additional treatment support through oral medication or insulin injections. By consistently monitoring blood sugar levels, it's possible to avoid many of the long-term risks associated with diabetes and live a long and healthy life.

There are numerous methods to control diabetic symptoms , but researchers continue to study alternative strategies to prevent and treat diabetes in all its forms. One of these strategies is the use of turmeric supplements. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines use turmeric for several medicinal purposes, including the prevention of diabetes.

Could a spice commonly found in curry really prevent diabetes? And how much of it would you have to take? Learn more about turmeric, its therapeutic properties, and whether you should be adding it to your daily routine to manage or prevent diabetes.

We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Diabetes, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available - and be a part of finding a cure. Diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia. Your body needs glucose for energy.

It gets glucose from the food you eat, most commonly as carbohydrates found in foods such as milk, bread, potatoes, spaghetti, and beans.

After you ingest carbohydrates, your body breaks them down and turns them into glucose. The glucose enters your bloodstream, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. Some foods have more sugar than carbohydrates, which increases those levels even faster.

Normally, once glucose enters the bloodstream, insulin produced by the pancreas starts to move it into your cells. Insulin moves glucose from your blood into your cells, which use it for energy.

If you have diabetes, there is an issue with your insulin responsiveness or production. This causes more glucose to stay in your bloodstream. Over time, this can lead to many different health problems, including:.

There is no cure for diabetes. However, by consistently monitoring your blood sugar levels and keeping them in a healthy range, it's possible to prevent the long-term effects of diabetes.

Many people can manage their diabetes through diet and exercise. Others may need oral medication or insulin injections. The treatment you need will largely depend on the type of diabetes you have. There are three main types of diabetes:. An autoimmune reaction that prevents your body from producing enough insulin causes type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes happens when your body becomes insulin resistant and can't use your available insulin efficiently. Gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy. It goes away for most people after giving birth , but mother and child will be at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms of diabetes include:. Being thirstier than normal. Needing to urinate more frequently. Having blurred vision. Experiencing unexplained weight loss.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor so they can determine if these symptoms are due to diabetes or other health conditions. They can check if it's diabetes through a blood test. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent many complications of the disease.

Turmeric is a spice from the root of the turmeric plant, Curcuma longa. The turmeric you buy is made by drying and grinding up the plant's root. Turmeric is a common cooking ingredient, especially in curry dishes, and it's known for its vibrant yellow color.

While most people know turmeric as a spice they use in their kitchen, people have appreciated its medicinal qualities for more than years. The active chemical compound in turmeric is called curcumin.

People practicing Ayurveda use curcumin to treat eye infections, wounds, burns, and coughs. It's still a popular remedy within Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Since traditional medicine has used turmeric for at least two thousand years, the potential benefits of curcumin have drawn the attention of many researchers.

They want to understand how and why the spice can help with various health conditions while also ensuring people use it safely and effectively. While research is ongoing, the benefits of taking curcumin include:³.

Easing discomfort and swelling from arthritis. Easing symptoms of anxiety. Aiding post-workout recovery, including reducing muscle aches.

Supporting healthy kidney function. Removing fat from the bloodstream. Many of the benefits of curcumin come from its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Curcumin helps your body reduce inflammation by blocking enzymes that create an inflammatory reaction.

As an antioxidant, it can remove free radicals in the body. High concentrations of free radicals can cause premature aging, chronic inflammation, and damage to healthy cells.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric may partially explain its effectiveness in preventing diabetes. There is strong evidence that turmeric effectively reduces symptoms of diabetes and could even prevent prediabetic patients from developing type 2 diabetes.

Some of these benefits primarily come from turmeric's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Researchers have found that chronic inflammation plays a role in developing several health concerns, including heart disease, certain types of cancers, and Crohn's disease.

Chronic inflammation also impacts insulin resistance and diabetes. It creates a vicious cycle: Excess body fat causes chronic inflammation, which makes you more resistant to the effects of insulin.

Long-term inflammation may also contribute to obesity, creating more body fat and continuing the cycle. As insulin resistance goes up, blood sugar levels continue to rise. If untreated, this will lead to type 2 diabetes. Inflammation may also play a role in type 1 diabetes.

Researchers theorize that inflammation may trigger the autoimmune response that causes the body to stop producing insulin in those with type 1 diabetes. Curcumin may prevent the development of diabetes by acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.

It inhibits the effects of certain enzymes in the body that create inflammation. This is why turmeric is a popular treatment for those experiencing muscle pain after a workout or arthritis.

Antioxidants eliminate free radicals, which are molecules with high reactive power from our metabolism. External factors such as exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, industrial chemicals, ozone, and some foods can stimulate the production of free radicals.

A small number of free radicals are important to your health. A high concentration can cause oxidative stress.

You are at risk of long-term oxidative stress and chronic inflammation if you:. Are overweight or obese. Are a smoker or user of tobacco products. Eat a lot of processed foods or foods high in fat and sugar.

Are exposed to high amounts of air pollution, certain pesticides, or industrial chemicals. Oxidative stress damages healthy cells, causing chronic inflammation. As turmeric reduces inflammation and acts as an antioxidant, it may prevent that. Turmeric may also offer benefits to those with diabetes.

Research shows that turmeric may:. Lower blood sugar. Increase insulin sensitivity. Prevent weight gain. These effects may make it easier to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. This is key to diabetes management and preventing long-term health risks associated with the condition.

A systematic review of curcumin's effects on diabetes concluded that it could balance blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance. Increasing insulin sensitivity is key to preventing the development of type 2 diabetes.

During trials, curcumin:. Delayed the development of type 2 diabetes. Improved the function of beta cells. Prevented the destruction of beta cells. Improved insulin sensitivity. In the group that was taking a placebo, In the group taking curcumin supplements, no one developed type 2 diabetes in that same period.

The group taking curcumin supplements also showed an improvement in the function of their beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production. They had also reduced their insulin resistance, meaning their bodies could use their insulin more efficiently to lower blood sugar levels. While there are health benefits to taking turmeric, it's not easy to get enough of it to make a difference.

Because turmeric has low bioavailability, it's difficult for your body to absorb, and it breaks down quickly once inside the body. Very few of the necessary chemicals reach your bloodstream. Turmeric has to be mixed with other substances to increase your body's ability to absorb it.

If you want to take turmeric for diabetes, you'll need to take a turmeric supplement that's been treated to increase its bioavailability. There are many suitable over-the-counter turmeric supplements available that your body can absorb properly.

It's important to note that turmeric alone will not prevent or manage the symptoms of diabetes. You need a combination of treatments, including a change in your diet, increasing the amount of exercise you get, and possibly taking prescription medication.

You should always work with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment. While some research confirms the positive effects of turmeric, more studies are needed to determine potential side effects and drug interactions.

For example, if you take certain prescription medications to thin your blood, avoid taking turmeric. Turmeric in large doses can cause an upset stomach or abdominal pain. In one study, a few participants taking curcumin supplements reported itchiness, constipation, and vertigo.

Turmeric is not suitable for people who are:. Pregnant or who may become pregnant. Under the age of Receiving treatment for anemia or liver disease. As with all supplements, check with your doctor before taking turmeric to determine if it's safe for you.

To avoid the side effects of taking turmeric, start with a smaller dose. Different new delivery systems, such as solid lipid particles, micellar systems, or hydrophilic nanoparticles, can increase curcumin concentration up to 15 to 20 times.

Moreover, endovenous use of curcumin is safe if used if the dose administered is lower than that used orally. In pregnant animals, curcumin showed to be safe, but further studies are needed to confirm its safety in pregnant women 79 , Curcumin is also a nontoxic, non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic, non-photo toxic agent and considered safe at lower doses than oral doses in intravenous administration in humans.

Nevertheless, some adverse effects are related to its consumption, such as dyspepsia, nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea. It was also demonstrated that turmeric could interact with some medications; it affects cytochromes P, and the pharmacokinetics of some conventional drugs such as anticoagulants, antibiotics, antidiabetics, cardiovascular drugs, anticancer drugs, and antidepressants are influenced by curcuminoids 52 , 80 — Several studies have investigated the effects of curcumin on diabetes.

These studies are shown in Table 1 and discussed below. A Pilot Study performed in Mexico 28 showed evidence that dietary supplementation with curcumin can reduce oxidative stress in patients with non-diabetic or diabetic proteinuric CKD.

Curcumin significantly improved the elimination of free radicals activity in individuals with non-diabetic proteinuric CKD and reduced the plasma levels of malondialdehyde MDA. However, its effects were limited; patients with diabetic proteinuric CKD treated with placebo showed a significant reduction in MDA content after the intervention.

Curcumin treatment did not modify the antioxidant activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase SOD , and erythrocyte catalase, or to increase nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 -like 2 Nrf2 activation in both patients with non-diabetic and diabetic proteinuric CKD.

A study with a higher dose and longer follow-up is necessary to confirm these findings. Another study, which investigated the effect of nano-curcumin in T2DM individuals, was adequately randomized, with no significant loss of participants, and even with a dose that the authors considered low, the effects of curcumin were positive.

The fasting blood glucose FBG , Hemoglobin A1c HbA1C , body mass index BMI , Estimated Average Glucose eAG , total cholesterol TC , LDL-c, HDL-c, and triglyceride TG were compared between the two groups after the intervention.

Curcumin improved FBG, HbA1c, BMI, and eAG, but did not affect LDL-c, HDL-c, TG, and TC The results of Panahi et al. Future studies may assess the impact of these antioxidant effects on diabetic complications and cardiovascular outcomes.

The treatment of T2DM patients with curcuminoid plus piperine resulted in a reduction in serum Lp a and an increase in HDL-c concentrations.

These results are important because, until very recently, the possibilities of influencing Lp a were extremely limited. Serum concentrations of lipids including TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, TG, lipoprotein a Lp a , and non-HDL-c were investigated at the beginning and at the end of the trial and revealed significant reductions in serum TC, non-HDL-c, and Lp a levels, and increase in serum HDL-c levels in the curcuminoid group compared to the placebo.

Therefore, curcuminoids plus piperine may be a useful supplement in treating dyslipidemia in patients with T2DM The trial results performed by Panahi et al. However, this study has insufficient information regarding standard-of-care treatment that may be involved in the lack of curcuminoid efficacy on some parameters measured, particularly hs-CRP.

Second, dietary intake and physical activity were not assessed; nevertheless, by randomization, it is expected that these characteristics were distributed similarly in the study groups minimizing the risk of bias.

Finally, the trial duration was short, and it would help assess the efficacy of curcuminoids in long-term trials. Positive effects of curcumin were also found by Adab et al. BMI, TC, TG, LDL-c, HDL-c, insulin, HbA1C, FBG, fasting serum insulin, Apolipoprotein A1 and B were evaluated at the beginning and after the period of intervention.

The authors concluded that this intervention could be used as an adjunct therapy to reduce diabetes complications, atherosclerosis, and overweight.

The limitations of this trial may include a short intervention duration and low sample size. The trial performed by Adibian et al.

However, the authors suggest that higher sample sizes, longer duration, and different curcumin doses could lead to better outcomes. In the trial performed by Asadi et al. The study also showed a reduction in glycemia after 2 h Bs2hp , weight, and body mass index; however, these modifications were not significant.

Meanwhile, the authors recognize some limitations: a short duration of follow-up, a single-dose trial, and low male participation. The randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial performed in Iran by Hodaei et al.

However, this intervention had no effects on oxidative stress, serum insulin levels, IR, and HbA1c. The authors recognize that the study had a short duration of intervention and showed significant loss of patients.

Srinivasan et al. The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity PWV , left brachial-ankle PWV, aortic augmentation pressure, aortic augmentation index, and aortic augmentation index decrease significantly. The authors attributed the lack of statistical reduction in endothelial dysfunction markers as adiponectin, leptin, ICAM, and VCAM due to methodological analysis limitations.

In the trial performed by Vanaie et al. The authors recognized some study limitations, such as small sample size and short intervention time. The treatment of patients with T2DM with nano-curcumin capsules showed a beneficial effect on depression and anxiety. Moreover, curcumin was safe and well-tolerated during the study However, these effects were minor, and no significant effect was observed for stress.

The authors considered that the intervention might show better effects in the long term or higher supplementation doses.

Funamoto et al. Besides, the authors noticed that leptin demonstrated a decreasing trend after administration of Theracurmin. The results of Shafabakhsh et al. Also, nano-curcumin intake upregulated gene expression of PPAR-γ and LDLR in PBMCs and increased total nitrite and total antioxidant capacity TAC levels without affecting GSH levels and gene expression of TGF-β.

The authors concluded that this supplementation showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects; however, they recognized some limitations in the trial, since they did not check compliance to nano-curcumin intake, and they were also unable to determine the effects of the administration on other biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Another clinical trial developed by Shafabakhsh et al. Furthermore, it was able to improve Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PSQI score. The clinical trial developed by Mokhtari et al. Therefore, the study revealed strengths, such as the first study that evaluated the effects of nano-curcumin on wound healing parameters and metabolic control in DFU patients.

As DFU patients are susceptible to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic disorders, there was a good rationale for this project.

However, the trial had few limitations, including the small sample size and the short intervention period. Furthermore, the authors could not assess the effects of curcumin supplementation on gene expression related to insulin resistance, lipid homeostasis, and inflammation in patients with DFU.

The trials that met the eligibility criteria for this review showed that curcumin significantly improves insulin resistance, serum glucose levels, HbA1c, lipid profile, and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with T2DM. Despite this, as T2DM remains incurable, understanding the role of curcumin in this pathology may represent a new therapeutic target.

T2DM has a multifactorial pathology and affects thousands of people worldwide. Its treatment consists of lifestyle changes, diet, physical activity, and therapies with medications for the rest of life. We suggest that more robust and rigorous randomized controlled clinical trials are carried out to establish the role of curcumin in the therapeutics of T2DM.

Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author. All the authors contributed equally to the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Turmeric is the common name for the root Curcuma longa. It is a bright yellow-orange spice that is a staple in traditional food dishes from many Asian countries.

Nowadays, some people use turmeric in cooking or as a supplement to improve their health. If scientists find sufficient evidence that it can offer health benefits, turmeric could play a role in medical therapies in the future.

In this article, we explore the role of turmeric in alternative and Western medicine and look at its potential benefits for diabetes management. Scientists believe that turmeric may have properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress , which are factors that appear to play a role in diabetes.

For this reason, they believe that turmeric may be useful for people with diabetes. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which appears to be the source of many of its health benefits. Most research to date has focused on curcumin rather than whole turmeric. The authors of a review in the journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine compiled more than research papers on the connection between diabetes and curcumin.

The results suggest that curcumin can help people with diabetes in different ways, which may include improving insulin resistance and cholesterol levels. The review paper above discusses studies in animals that have indicated that curcumin could have a positive effect on high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.

However, the authors also note contradictory research findings, which showed that curcumin had little effect on blood sugar. Taking turmeric or curcumin by mouth may help reduce blood sugar to more manageable levels in some people, but more research in humans is necessary to confirm this effect.

Many studies have suggested that turmeric might also protect against the development of diabetes. A study in Diabetes Care found that people with prediabetes who took curcumin for 9 months were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those taking a placebo.

The authors of the study also noted that curcumin appeared to improve the function of the beta cells that make insulin in the pancreas. These findings suggest that including turmeric or curcumin in the diet may help people with prediabetes slow down or reverse the development of this condition.

Compounds such as curcumin may also help reduce the risk or severity of some diabetes-related complications:. In laboratory tests, rats with diabetes who consumed curcumin were less likely to have liver problems that those that did not.

In a human trial , 63 people with acute coronary syndrome took a low dose of 45 milligrams mg per day of curcumin for 2 months. Diabetes appears to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the number one cause of premature death in people with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC.

High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage, which doctors refer to as neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy affects body functions over which a person has no conscious control, such as digestion. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to pain, tingling, and a loss of sensation in the hands and feet.

Some studies have suggested that turmeric may help prevent certain complications of diabetic neuropathy , including:.

Curcumin may also help prevent or reduce the severity of:. Curcumin has also shown the potential to protect animals from diabetic vascular disease and, as a result, to speed wound healing.

When a person with diabetes has a wound, it can take a long time to heal, and the person will have a higher risk of infection than someone without diabetes. These factors can lead to severe complications. In some cases, scientists have not yet confirmed that the benefits of turmeric that they have noted in animal models are transferable to humans, so more research is necessary.

Scientists believe that type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. A article noted that curcumin might adjust how the overactive immune system works in people with type 1 diabetes. This finding suggests that curcumin may help strengthen the immune system.

It could also boost the action of immunomodulatory medicines that doctors prescribe to manage type 1 diabetes. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH , turmeric appears to be safe, and people can include it in their diet regularly.

However, if people consume too much turmeric or curcumin, they may experience the following signs and symptoms:. People with certain health conditions may also need to avoid turmeric as it could worsen their symptoms. Taking too much curcumin or turmeric for an extended period may also contribute to liver problems.

Turmeric or curcumin might also increase the effects of other blood sugar medications, which could lead to hypoglycemia , or low blood sugar. People should talk to a doctor before increasing their intake of turmeric or curcumin and before taking turmeric or any other supplements for their symptoms.

Learn more about the side effects, benefits, and risks of using turmeric. If people with diabetes add turmeric to their diet, it should supplement and not replace a comprehensive diabetes management plan. People with diabetes should use insulin or other medications as their doctor advises and take the following lifestyle measures to reduce the risk of complications:.

A doctor will work with the individual to create a health plan that addresses their specific symptoms and needs. The doctor can also offer advice on the use of turmeric in food or as a supplement, but they may recommend consulting a dietitian for help with nutrition and meal planning.

Turmeric contains compounds that may be useful for treating various conditions, some of which can occur alongside diabetes. According to the NCCIH, some studies have found that curcuminoids might:.

Research has also suggested that turmeric may help with:. Learn more here about how turmeric can benefit a person with psoriasis.

It is best to test the flavor by adding just 1 teaspoon of turmeric first. A person can then add another teaspoon if they want a stronger taste. Research suggests that curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, can have a significant effect on some of the symptoms and complications of diabetes.

However, most research to date has involved animals, and more human trials are necessary to confirm the benefits of this spice. In , one team of researchers urged caution over proposing turmeric as a cure-all. They called for more detailed studies, noting that because turmeric varies widely in quality, like other spices, it is difficult to carry out consistent tests.

Turmeric is not a medication, and it is not a replacement for any drug or lifestyle measure that a doctor may prescribe to treat diabetes. People should not use it as a substitute for any aspect of diabetes care. However, under the guidance of a doctor, turmeric or curcumin may benefit a person with diabetes, whether they use it as a spice in cooking or take it in supplement form.

We hear that turmeric is good for many things. Eat a lot of processed foods or foods high in fat and sugar.

Are exposed to high amounts of air pollution, certain pesticides, or industrial chemicals. Oxidative stress damages healthy cells, causing chronic inflammation. As turmeric reduces inflammation and acts as an antioxidant, it may prevent that.

Turmeric may also offer benefits to those with diabetes. Research shows that turmeric may:. Lower blood sugar. Increase insulin sensitivity. Prevent weight gain. These effects may make it easier to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. This is key to diabetes management and preventing long-term health risks associated with the condition.

A systematic review of curcumin's effects on diabetes concluded that it could balance blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance. Increasing insulin sensitivity is key to preventing the development of type 2 diabetes. During trials, curcumin:. Delayed the development of type 2 diabetes.

Improved the function of beta cells. Prevented the destruction of beta cells. Improved insulin sensitivity. In the group that was taking a placebo, In the group taking curcumin supplements, no one developed type 2 diabetes in that same period.

The group taking curcumin supplements also showed an improvement in the function of their beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production. They had also reduced their insulin resistance, meaning their bodies could use their insulin more efficiently to lower blood sugar levels.

While there are health benefits to taking turmeric, it's not easy to get enough of it to make a difference. Because turmeric has low bioavailability, it's difficult for your body to absorb, and it breaks down quickly once inside the body. Very few of the necessary chemicals reach your bloodstream.

Turmeric has to be mixed with other substances to increase your body's ability to absorb it. If you want to take turmeric for diabetes, you'll need to take a turmeric supplement that's been treated to increase its bioavailability. There are many suitable over-the-counter turmeric supplements available that your body can absorb properly.

It's important to note that turmeric alone will not prevent or manage the symptoms of diabetes. You need a combination of treatments, including a change in your diet, increasing the amount of exercise you get, and possibly taking prescription medication. You should always work with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

While some research confirms the positive effects of turmeric, more studies are needed to determine potential side effects and drug interactions. For example, if you take certain prescription medications to thin your blood, avoid taking turmeric.

Turmeric in large doses can cause an upset stomach or abdominal pain. In one study, a few participants taking curcumin supplements reported itchiness, constipation, and vertigo. Turmeric is not suitable for people who are:.

Pregnant or who may become pregnant. Under the age of Receiving treatment for anemia or liver disease. As with all supplements, check with your doctor before taking turmeric to determine if it's safe for you. To avoid the side effects of taking turmeric, start with a smaller dose.

In general, most people tolerate turmeric well. Studies have shown that it's safe to take up to 12g of turmeric a day. However, how much you take will depend on the compound used to increase the bioavailability of the curcumin.

If you are taking an over-the-counter supplement, follow the recommended dosage on the bottle. While research into the effects of turmeric on diabetes continues, there are many other treatment options for diabetes management.

Taking turmeric alone won't prevent or manage diabetes, so you'll need a combination of treatment options. Other treatments include:. A well-balanced diet low in carbohydrates can keep your blood sugar low. In some prediabetic patients, it may even prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

That means eliminating simple carbohydrates such as those found in table sugar and baked goods. Replace them with lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise can reduce blood sugar levels naturally.

It allows the body to expend energy and can even boost the efficiency of insulin in the body. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Walking, swimming, dancing, or riding your bike are great ways to start being active. While some patients can manage their blood sugar levels by changing their diet and getting more exercise, others will need additional support from medication.

This is especially common in patients with type 1 diabetes. Oral medications and insulin injections can bring blood sugar levels back into a healthy range and prevent long-term effects. All successful diabetes management starts with consistent blood sugar monitoring.

You can monitor your blood sugar levels at home using lancets and test strips or a continuous glucose monitor. Keep a log of your blood sugar levels either in a notebook or on your phone, so you can track patterns and share them with your doctor. You may need to adjust treatments over time as your body's insulin needs change.

Around 1 in 10 adults in the United States have diabetes, a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. While there is no cure for diabetes, it's largely manageable. There is evidence that turmeric may be effective in diabetes prevention and treatment due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Inflammation can lead to weight gain, causing insulin sensitivity. This leads to a rise in blood sugar levels and the development of type 2 diabetes. Chronic inflammation has links to the development of type 1 diabetes. Turmeric and its ingredient curcumin may assist in controlling diabetes.

Studies have shown that it can reduce blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and prevent weight gain.

Always talk to your doctor before starting a supplement to ensure it's safe for you. Turmeric shouldn't be the only treatment you use to prevent or manage diabetes. It can be part of a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan that includes good blood sugar level monitoring, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise.

In some cases, you may also need medication to keep your glucose levels in a healthy range. Make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss adding a turmeric supplement to your treatment protocol. The facts, stats, and impacts of diabetes Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is diabetes? Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes The problem of curcumin and its bioavailability: Could its gastrointestinal influence contribute to Its overall health-enhancing effects? How does oxidative stress affect the body?

Medical News Today. Can turmeric help prevent or treat Type 2 diabetes? Everyday Health. Diabetes and inflammation WebMD.

Diabetes World Health Organization. Risk of development of diabetes mellitus after diagnosis of gestational diabetes Curcumin: From ancient medicine to current clinical trials Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin Understanding acute and chronic inflammatio n Harvard Health Publishing.

Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin Discovery of curcumin, a component of the golden spice, and Its miraculous biological activities Efficacy and safety of low and very low carbohydrate diets for type 2 diabetes remission: Systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished randomized trial data Diabetes Sep Last updated: May Last updated: Sep Last updated: Oct For sponsors For sponsors.

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The clinical trial developed by Mokhtari et al. Therefore, the study revealed strengths, such as the first study that evaluated the effects of nano-curcumin on wound healing parameters and metabolic control in DFU patients.

As DFU patients are susceptible to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic disorders, there was a good rationale for this project. However, the trial had few limitations, including the small sample size and the short intervention period.

Furthermore, the authors could not assess the effects of curcumin supplementation on gene expression related to insulin resistance, lipid homeostasis, and inflammation in patients with DFU.

The trials that met the eligibility criteria for this review showed that curcumin significantly improves insulin resistance, serum glucose levels, HbA1c, lipid profile, and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with T2DM.

Despite this, as T2DM remains incurable, understanding the role of curcumin in this pathology may represent a new therapeutic target.

T2DM has a multifactorial pathology and affects thousands of people worldwide. Its treatment consists of lifestyle changes, diet, physical activity, and therapies with medications for the rest of life. We suggest that more robust and rigorous randomized controlled clinical trials are carried out to establish the role of curcumin in the therapeutics of T2DM.

Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author. All the authors contributed equally to the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

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This indicates that the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin may be limited. There is evidence that turmeric may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. A clinical trial found that curcumin decreased blood sugar by reducing serum free fatty acid levels in the blood.

A large amount of free fatty acids in your blood can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The trial also found that curcumin increased fatty acid oxidation , the process of transforming fatty acids in the blood into metabolic energy.

In another clinical trial conducted in Thailand, people with prediabetes were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin or placebo capsules. After 9 months, about 16 percent of the placebo group was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while none of the participants in the curcumin group were.

A review of research published in also found evidence that curcumin could mitigate or prevent type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia in animals. While these studies are promising, there is a lot more work to be done to determine how turmeric can affect blood sugar.

At this time. more large-scale research and human trials are needed. When taken as a supplement, turmeric has been associated with an increased risk of kidney stones in some individuals.

In Bangladesh, it was found that some sources of turmeric contained lead chromate , an additive that enhances its yellow color. Lead chromate is a huge risk to human health and development.

Lead has turned up in turmeric in the United States as well, and Consumer Reports has provided a list of turmeric supplement brands to avoid because they may contain this harmful substance.

Curcumin may also interact with some prescription drugs. If you are taking prescription medications, consult your doctor before taking a turmeric supplement. Remember to use caution when cooking with this spice, since it has a tendency to stain clothes and countertops.

Golden milk, or turmeric milk, is a popular and nourishing drink originating in India. Try out this recipe to add more turmeric to your diet. This flavorful dish is full of flavor and bright in color. Cauliflower is also a great source of fiber , which can support healthy glucose levels.

This chickpea curry is filled with dietary fiber, beneficial herbs and spices , B vitamins, and plant-based protein. Try whipping this up for dinner and enjoy the delicious flavors. Start your day with antioxidants and protein with this simple breakfast dish. Replace the sourdough with whole grain bread for even more benefits.

Your blood sugar levels can significantly impact how your body feels and functions. When you join the Nutrisense CGM program , our team of credentialed dietitians and nutritionists are available for additional support and guidance to help you reach your goals.

Ready to take the first step? Start with our quiz to see how Nutrisense can support your health. Heather is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist RDN, LDN , subject matter expert, and technical writer, with a master's degree in nutrition science from Bastyr University.

She has a specialty in neuroendocrinology and has been working in the field of nutrition—including nutrition research, education, medical writing, and clinical integrative and functional nutrition—for over 15 years.

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J Med Food. Meng B, Li J, Cao H. Antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of curcumin on diabetes mellitus and its complications. Curr Pharm Des. Download references. His study was supported by the grant from National Nutrition And Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.

Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 9, Hafezi St.

Box: , Tehran, Iran. Talented Student Center, Student Research Committee, Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar.

HH, MA and GS designated the study, analyzed and interpreted the data and drafting study; GS and MH supervised the study; O-NP revised the content of manuscript, analysis and final of the version to be published.

All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Correspondence to Omid Nikpayam or Golbon Sohrab. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.

Written informed consents were obtained from all participants. Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.

Reprints and permissions. Hodaei, H. et al. The effect of curcumin supplementation on anthropometric indices, insulin resistance and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

Diabetol Metab Syndr 11 , 41 Download citation. Received : 12 March