Aloe vera is a common plant with many different uses. Many people are aware of its benefits for skin care, but it may also have other benefits, including slowing the progress of type 2 diabetes.

One review, published in 2013, looked at the use of aloe vera to treat symptoms of diabetes in rats. Findings suggested that aloe vera might help protect and repair the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The researchers believed this might be due to aloe’s antioxidant effects.

The researchers called for more research into aloe and its extracts to be sure of these effects.

Ways of taking aloe include:

• adding juiced pulp to a drink or smoothie

• taking capsules that contain aloe as supplements

People should not eat aloe vera skin care products.

Aloe vera juice may offer a number of health benefits. Find out more here.

Click here to purchase aloe vera supplements online. Please note that this link will take you to the website of an external vendor.

Cinnamon is a fragrant spice that comes from the bark of a tree. It is a popular ingredient in sweets, baked goods, and other dishes.

It has a taste that can add sweetness without any additional sugar. It is popular with people with type 2 diabetes for this reason alone, but it may also offer other benefits.

A 2010 review found evidence from studies involving humans that cinnamon may improve levels of:

• glucose

• insulin and insulin sensitivity

• lipids, or fats, in the blood

• antioxidant status

• blood pressure

• lean body mass

• digestion

In another review published in 2013, researchers concluded that cinnamon might lead to:

• lower fasting blood glucose levels

• less total cholesterol and “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol

• higher levels of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol

• a reduction in triglycerides, or fat, in the blood

• increased insulin sensitivity

It did not appear to have a significant impact on hemoglobin A1C. The A1C test is a standard test for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

Nevertheless, lipids, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity are all important markers for people with diabetes.

In both studies, the researchers note that the results may depend on:

• the type of cinnamon, as the amount of active ingredient depends on the type

• the amount or dose

• the individual’s response to cinnamon

• other medications the person may be taking

Most studies have not involved humans, so there is a lack of evidence about how cinnamon might affect people, including its possible side effects. Scientists need to carry out more research to confirm the safety and effectiveness of cinnamon as a therapy.

People can take cinnamon:

• in a variety of cooked dishes and baked goods

• in teas

• as a supplement

Anyone who is thinking of using cinnamon supplements should speak to their doctor first.

Momordica charantia, or bitter melon, is a medicinal fruit. Practitioners of traditional Chinese and Indian medicine have used bitter melon for centuries. People can cook the fruit and use it in many dishes. Some scientists have been looking into its potential medicinal uses.

There is some evidence that bitter melon may help with the symptoms of diabetes. One review has noted that people have used many parts of the plant to help treat diabetes.

Research has shown that taking bitter melon in the following forms can lead to a reduction in blood sugar levels in some people:

• seeds

• blended vegetable pulp

• juice

• supplements

Eating or drinking the bitter melon can be an acquired taste, but taking supplements may make it more palatable.

There is not enough evidence to support using bitter melon instead of insulin or medication for diabetes.

However, it may help people rely less on those medications or lower their dosages.

Learn more here about the impact bitter melon can have on blood sugar levels.

Bitter melon capsules are available for purchase online.

People have used milk thistle since ancient times for many different ailments, and especially as a tonic for the liver.

Silymarin, the extract from milk thistle that has received the most attention from scientists, is a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These are the properties that may make milk thistle a useful herb for people with diabetes.

Many of the studies on silymarin are promising, but the research is not strong enough to recommend the herb or extract alone for diabetes care, according to one review published in 2016.

There appear to be no reports of significant side effects, and many people take milk thistle as a supplement. However, it is best to speak to a doctor first before using any supplements.

Find a range of milk thistle capsules on sale here.

Fenugreek is another seed that may help lower blood sugar levels.

The seeds contain fibers and chemicals that help to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar.

There is also some evidence that the seeds may help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Findings of a 3-year investigation published in 2015 noted that people with prediabetes were less likely to receive a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes while taking powdered fenugreek seed.

The researchers concluded that taking the seed led to:

• increased levels of insulin in the body, leading to a reduction in blood sugar

• lower cholesterol levels

The study involved 66 people with diabetes who took 5 grams (g) of the seed preparation twice a day before meals, and 74 controls, who did not take it.

A person can:

• include fenugreek as a herb in certain dishes

• add it to warm water

• grind into a powder

• take it as a supplement in capsule form

A range of fenugreek capsules is available for purchase here.

Gymnema sylvestre is a herb that comes from India. Its name means “sugar destroyer.”

A 2013 review noted that people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes who took gymnema showed signs of improvement.

In people with type 1 diabetes who took the leaf extract for 18 months, fasting blood sugar levels fell significantly, compared with a group who received only insulin.

Other tests using gymnema found that people with type 2 diabetes responded well to both the leaf and its extract over various periods.

Some people experienced:

• lower blood sugar levels

• higher insulin levels

Using either the ground leaf or leaf extract may be beneficial. But once again, talk to your doctor about using it before starting.

Click here for a range of gymnema capsules.