Fenugreek: Diabetes Natural Treatment and Prevention

Fenugreek: Diabetes Natural Treatment and PreventionAre you looking for natural ways to get control of your diabetes? Lifestyle changes, like adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly, go a long way in treating diabetes (and even reversing it). But if you need a little extra support, this natural plant remedy is worth trying.

Learn how the fenugreek diabetes remedy can help to lower your blood sugar, and even help your cholesterol, too.

The fenugreek, diabetes connection

Several studies have found that a fenugreek supplement can help to both prevent and treat diabetes symptoms.

One study found that people with prediabetes who took 10 g of fenugreek had lower blood sugar than a control group.[1] Furthermore, the control group had a 4.2 times higher chance of developing diabetes than the fenugreek group.

Fenugreek can also help those who already have diabetes.[2,3] A 2014 study showed that 10 g of fenugreek powder daily led to significant reductions in blood glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.[2] It also helped to lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Why does fenugreek help diabetes?

Researchers have extensively studied fenugreek, and have found that it has numerous properties that help it to fight diabetes and bring blood sugar down. Fenugreek is known to:

  • Slow enzymes that digest carbohydrates [4]
  • Reduce the absorption of glucose in the gastrointestinal tract [4]
  • Stimulate the secretion of insulin from β-cells [5]
  • Increase the number of insulin receptors in the body [5]
  • Bind to and enhance the activity of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, which increase insulin secretion and are targets for drug treatment for diabetes [6]

Using fenugreek for diabetes care

Fenugreek isn’t known to cause any major adverse effects,[4] and it has proven blood-sugar lowering effects, making it an attractive option when it comes to natural diabetes treatment.

The recommended dose is at least 5 g of fenugreek per day;[4] try 10 g per day, divided into two doses. As always, consult with your doctor before beginning any new supplements.

Other natural supplements to consider for diabetes treatment include cactus, ALA, and milk thistle.

Share your experience

What natural options have you tried to treat diabetes? Have you ever tried fenugreek? Did it work? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.


[1] J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2015 Oct 2;14:74.

[2] Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2014;84(3-4):196-205.

[3] J Assoc Physicians India. 2001 Nov;49:1057-61.

[4] Nutr J. 2014 Jan 18;13:7.

[5] Planta Med. 2015 Aug;81(12-13):975-94.

[6] J Biol Chem. 2015 Oct 23;290(43):26235-48.


As a service to our readers, University Health News offers a vast archive of free digital content. Please note the date published or last update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

UHN Staff

University Health News is produced by the award-winning editors and authors of Belvoir Media Group’s Health & Wellness Division. Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., with editorial offices in Florida, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, … Read More

View all posts by UHN Staff

Enter Your Login Credentials
This setting should only be used on your home or work computer.

×