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Diabetes harms the body’s production and use of the hormone insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Managing these levels well can help prevent further health problems.
Various treatments can help people keep their blood sugar levels within the target range, including healthful lifestyle adjustments. A person may also use complementary therapies and supplements, such as bitter melon.
This article looks at the use of bitter melon for diabetes, whether it is a healthful complement to treatment, and how it may impact blood sugar levels. It also looks at some ways of using bitter melon, including preparation and recipe tips.
For centuries, people throughout the world have used bitter melon — also called bitter gourd, karela, and balsam pear — in food and as medicine.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, bitter melon grows on the vine of the Momordica charantia plant. It is the most bitter of all fruits and vegetables.
Studies into the safety and effectiveness of bitter melon as a medical treatment are limited.
People
- diabetes
- inflammation
- constipation
- ulcers
- respiratory diseases
- malaria
- cancer
Studies have supported some of these uses for bitter melon. A
As a result, it may benefit people with:
- diabetes
- obesity
- cardiovascular conditions
These often occur together, and they all characterize a condition called metabolic syndrome.
A study published in 2010 concluded that bitter melon extract can hinder the growth of breast cancer cells.
A number of clinical studies have investigated the effect of bitter melon on diabetes to see whether it could help keep blood glucose levels within a safe range.
Blood sugar levels
Some researchers believe that bitter melon contains substances that suppress the appetite and decrease blood sugar levels. In this way, it behaves similarly to insulin.
One
The researchers concluded that bitter melon had a “modest hypoglycemic effect.” The impact was smaller than that experienced by people who took 1,000 milligrams per day of metformin, a drug commonly used to reduce blood sugar levels.
In 2018,
Effect on hemoglobin A1C levels
A
The aim was to see whether the bitter melon would cause a drop in participants’ A1C levels. These are average blood sugar levels over a 2–3-month period.
The researchers noticed a small decrease in A1C levels, of less than 0.25%. The placebo group, meanwhile, showed no change.
Though the size of the study and the drop in A1C levels were small, the authors hope that they will encourage larger studies.
A 2014
The authors found no evidence that bitter melon had any significant effects on A1C levels or fasting plasma glucose levels.
They determined that most results were inconclusive, but that larger studies might help determine bitter melon’s effectiveness as a supplemental treatment for diabetes.
Here, learn more about A1C tests and what the results mean.
Further research
In 2016, authors of a review analyzed several studies relating to bitter melon, including its effects on diabetes.
The authors concluded that bitter melon may have properties that can help lower blood glucose but noted that further research was necessary to establish how effective it could be and how exactly it works.
Could other foods help reduce blood sugar? Find out more.
People can eat any part of the fruit, or take it as:
- a powder
- a supplement
- a juice
Most Asian grocery stores sell bitter melons. Powders, supplements, and juices are available for purchase at health food stores and online.
How much to consume
Anyone considering taking bitter melon alongside their diabetes treatment should consume no more than:
- 50–100 milliliters daily of juice
- about 2–3 ounces throughout the day
- one small bitter melon per day
- the amount of supplement a doctor advises
A person should take a supplement after:
- talking to their doctor about whether to use it and the right dosage
- checking the instructions on the packaging
Some supplements may counter or increase the effects of existing medications.
What other herbs and supplements could help people with type 2 diabetes? Learn more here.
Bitter melon grows in parts of Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa, where it is a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes.
For people with type 2 diabetes, a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is part of treatment, and it may help reverse the progression of prediabetes.
People with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications. A healthful diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants can help prevent many health problems.
Nutrients
Apart from its possible antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, bitter melon contains other important nutrients.
These include:
- protein
- carbohydrates
- calcium
- phosphorus
- magnesium
- potassium
- zinc
- vitamins C, A, and B
All of these provide health benefits.
Recipe tips
Ways of preparing bitter melon include:
- adding it to soups and stews
- incorporating it into stir-fry dishes
- using it in curries
- serving it fried in batter
- eating it stuffed with rice or other ingredients
- enjoying it in an omelet
- including it in bean dishes
Learn more here about how beans can benefit a person with diabetes.
Reducing the bitterness
All of the plant is edible, but some people find it too bitter. To reduce the bitterness, try:
- scraping the rough surface
- removing the seeds
- soaking it in yogurt for 1 hour before use
- cooking it with vegetables such as potatoes or onions to dilute the taste
Some recipes suggest adding sugar or salt while cooking, but people with diabetes need to carefully account for these additions.
Sugar can increase blood glucose levels, and salt can lead to high blood pressure and put a person at risk of cardiovascular disease, two complications of diabetes.
Here, find out more about foods that people with diabetes should eat or avoid.
If a person consumes too much bitter melon, either as a food or a supplement, they may experience:
- gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea
- vomiting and diarrhea, in children
- low blood sugar, especially if they are already using medications for diabetes
Pregnant women should not consume bitter melon in any form because it may increase the risk of bleeding, contractions, and pregnancy loss.
Bitter melon, the fruit or a supplement, could be a
Anyone thinking of increasing their intake of bitter melon in any way should speak to their doctor first and follow the instructions on any packaging. Also, make sure that supplements come from a reputable source, such as one with a USP verification mark.
Closely monitor blood glucose levels, in case the bitter melon is interacting with diabetes medications and reducing blood sugar to dangerously low levels.
Some compounds in bitter melon show promise for treating or preventing a number of health conditions, including diabetes.
However, identifying exactly how and why it might be useful and how safe bitter melon is in the long term will require further research.
In time, bitter melon or its compounds could provide a complementary treatment for diabetes and high blood sugar.