Ashwagandha And Diabetes

The most well-known health benefit of ashwagandha is improved and enhanced libido.  But a closer look at ashwagandha tells the story of a substance that has numerous positive health effects on chronic diseases, including type-2 diabetes.

An Indian study conducted in 2008 showed that Aswagandha, also known by its botanical name withania somnifera,  increases insulin sensitivity and helps to normalize blood sugar levels.

In a study that lasted for a period of  5 weeks, laboratory rats were given a daily dose of withania somnifera (ashwagandha). They showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity at the end of the study period.

Ashwagandha and Diabetes – Insulin Sensitivity is Key

Insulin sensitivity is the key to healthy blood glucose levels — and the key to type-2 diabetes in human health.  See the full withania somnifera study results here.

A condition termed ‘syndrome X’ describes the pre-diabetes condition, where the body becomes increasingly insensitive to the insulin already circulating in the system.  As this occurs, the pancreas works harder to create more insulin to put into the bloodstream.

So ironically, a person may have enough insulin — but it is not being recognized or utilized.  This break down in cellular communication can lead to full blown type-2 diabetes if it is not corrected. Ashwagandha appears to show promise for diabetes and blood glucose/insulin control, though it is not yet accepted in western countries as a diabetes treatment or cure.

If you are currently taking diabetes medications, do NOT stop suddenly. If you are interested in ashwagandha’s benefits for diabetes, you should make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor or nutritionist to discuss your situation.

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Warning: This is not a substitute for professional medical advice.  This article is provided for informational purposes only.