Bitter Melon and Diabetes: Benefits and Side Effects

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Diabetes does so much harm to the body. It affects the way the body produces and uses the hormone insulin hence high blood glucose levels.

The good news here is, that it is manageable, otherwise, there could be further health complications.

3 years ago, a visit to my primary health care provider revealed to me, some disturbing news, people!

My A1C was on borderline, and that shook me because I do not know any member of my immediate or extended family who is diabetic.

“Where was this coming from?” I queried myself. Then it dawned on me!  I had recently gained some extra pounds and was battling with shedding them off.

Bitter melon was my saving grace. I began taking a cup of bitter melon tea once a day for 2 weeks, and my next visit to my doctor revealed a lower A1C

Since then, I am making more efforts (eat fewer carbs, and exercise) towards keeping my weight in check, and I take a cup of bitter melon tea twice a week to reap its other benefits.

Did you know that the inhabitants of the Japanese island of Okinawa use bitter melon as one of their main secrets to longevity?

I am serious, people! No wonder, in the last 3 years, my close friends and relations say: ” You are looking younger every day!”

What is bitter melon?

Its botanical name is Momordica character and a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. Bitter gourd is also known as bitter melon.

In other parts of the world, it has other names like Kerala, African cucumber, ampalaya, balsam Pear, balsam-Apple, balsambirne, Balsamo, and bitter apple.

It has been around for centuries and has been used as food, and for medicinal purposes.

The taste of bitter melon

Just as its name connotes, it has a bitter taste. It is the most bitter of all fruits and vegetables.

Did you know that bitter foods help stimulate the liver to produce bile which plays a vital role in digestion?

It would be nice to also learn, that bile functions in the emulsification of fats, and facilitates the availability of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Its efficacy

It is packed with vitamins and minerals, and some people use it as an immune system modulator, antibacterial agent, and antioxidant.

However, research studies on the effectiveness and safety of bitter gourd are limited.

There have been suggestive reports on its efficacy in the control of diabetes, but there is plenty of ongoing research.

In 2015, a published review showed, that bitter gourd had compounds that could lower levels of blood lipids and keep blood glucose in check.

Consequently, it might benefit the following trio which often go hand-in-hand with a condition called metabolic syndrome:

• Obesity
• Diabetes and
• Other cardiovascular conditions.

Bitter melon and blood sugar levels

Bitter melon mimics insulin because it suppresses the appetite and reduces sugar levels.

Among several research studies, one showed a “modest hypoglycemic effect on people with type 2 diabetes who took 2.000 milligrams of bitter melon daily.

In Another study, 5-20% of the rats’ diet was composed of bitter melon leaf, and changes were noted in the receptors that could improve blood sugar levels.

Bitter melon and hemoglobin A1C levels

During a 2-3-month period, some researchers noticed a positive change in the A1C levels of 40 participants who consumed bitter melon.

In 2014, a review from Nutrition and Diabetes found no evidence of significant effects of bitter melon on fasting plasma glucose levels or A1C levels.

Side effects

If one consumes too much bitter melon either as a drink or as food, there could be a likelihood of the following risks:

1. Low blood sugar: especially if your doctor has placed you on anti-diabetics.
2. Gastrointestinal challenges as well as diarrhea.
3. Vomiting in children.

My recommendation

If you are using bitter melon as a complementary therapy (alongside your doctor’s prescription), ALWAYS inform your doctor about it.