Turmeric contains valuable natural substances that support our digestive system and metabolism. The metabolic disease diabetes is one of the challenges of medicine. Can turmeric also have a beneficial effect on a diabetic metabolic condition?

Turmeric and diabetes

The so-called type 2 diabetes or diabetes of old age is one of the disease patterns that are currently increasing most rapidly worldwide. The World Health Organisation speaks of a "diabetes epidemic", which, together with obesity, high blood pressure and elevated blood lipids as the "metabolic syndrome", are among the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and the resulting premature deaths.

High blood sugar is caused by the pancreas being overtaxed by a permanent increase in the intake of carbohydrates. It can no longer produce enough insulin to transport this excess of carbohydrates, which is caused by overconsumption of sugar and white flour products, into the body tissues. Another factor in the development of diabetes is the fact that the accumulation of waste products in the body makes the sugar-lowering hormone insulin less effective. This is called "insulin resistance".

Turmeric stimulates the digestive fire Agni

It is known from Ayurvedic energetics that turmeric stimulates the digestive fire Agni. Translated into modern medical terms, this also means that turmeric contributes to the improved formation of digestive enzymes and metabolically active hormones. As a result, the nutrients ingested can be better utilised. This can mean that the blood sugar level does not rise as high after a meal. In addition, existing metabolic blockages are released by the breakdown of ama (undigested metabolic waste products). Studies show that this has a favourable effect on reducing insulin resistance.

In a prospective study, pre-diabetic patients received turmeric daily. No diabetics developed from the group with turmeric intake within 9 months, while 16% diabetics developed from the group without turmeric intake. (Link to the study:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22108476)

This study result suggests that turmeric helps to lower blood sugar and delay the development of manifest diabetes mellitus type 2. The explanation for this is postulated to be that the yellow spice powder can stimulate the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Another mechanism of action may be a possible reduction of insulin resistance in the body's cells, which means that sugar can be better utilised.

 

Diabetes prevention with turmeric

A therapy of adult-onset diabetes with turmeric has not yet been scientifically proven. However, from the data available so far, it can be deduced that the daily use of turmeric as a spice (approx. 1.5g = ½ teaspoon) can contribute to delaying the development of adult-onset diabetes.

From a holistic point of view, one can assume that the joint application of Ayurvedic dietary recommendations, which include a simple, type-appropriate and calorically reduced diet, and regular use of turmeric as a spice or as a food supplement in capsules  can make an interesting contribution to diabetes prevention.