People have used herbs for centuries to support health. But can they really help manage type 2 diabetes? If you’re living with diabetes, you may have wondered whether certain herbs can ease symptoms or help lower your blood glucose (also called blood sugar) levels.

Keeping your blood sugar in your target range is key to staying in control of your diabetes and lowering your risk of complications over time. That’s why it’s important to understand what the research shows before adding anything new to your routine.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at popular herbs like cinnamon, fenugreek, bitter melon, and others. We’ll break down what researchers have learned through clinical trials and high-quality studies.

If you’re thinking of trying an herbal supplement, the most important thing is to talk to your doctor first.

What To Know Before Trying Herbs for Diabetes

Just because something is considered “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective. In the United States, herbal supplements aren’t reviewed or regulated for safety and effectiveness by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means the ingredients and health claims on the product labels may not always match what’s actually inside the bottle.

Some herbs can interact negatively with diabetes medications, which can make your treatment less effective, lead to unwanted side effects, or cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Hypoglycemia can cause dizziness, confusion, and other symptoms and may require immediate treatment.

However, some preliminary research suggests certain herbs might modestly help manage blood glucose levels. Here’s what to know about some common herbs used by people living with diabetes.

Cinnamon and Diabetes

Cinnamon has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It’s rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, which may influence how your body manages glucose. Some studies suggest that cinnamon could help improve insulin sensitivity (how effectively your body uses insulin) and may slow down carbohydrate digestion, helping your blood glucose levels stay steadier after meals.

In a 2025 meta-analysis, researchers looked at 28 different studies examining cinnamon’s effects on type 2 diabetes. They found that cinnamon may slightly lower blood glucose levels, improve cholesterol, and help with weight management. However, these improvements were relatively small.

Another study showed cinnamon slightly reduced hemoglobin A1c, a measure of your average blood glucose over the past three months. But, again, the reduction was modest.

Overall, current research suggests cinnamon may slightly improve blood glucose control. However, the evidence isn’t strong enough to recommend cinnamon as a diabetes treatment. Always talk with your doctor or diabetes care team before adding cinnamon or any herbal supplement to your routine.

Importantly, the FDA in 2024 issued multiple warnings about certain cinnamon products containing high levels of lead. For a complete list of the affected products and guidance on safe cinnamon choices, visit the FDA’s official alert page.

Fenugreek and Diabetes

The seeds of the herb fenugreek are commonly used as both a spice and an herbal medicine. These seeds contain natural plant compounds called phytochemicals, which may help lower blood glucose levels. Researchers think fenugreek’s high fiber content might slow sugar absorption, helping keep blood glucose steadier after meals. It may also increase the amount of insulin the pancreas makes.

In a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers examined fenugreek’s effects on type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. They found that people who took fenugreek supplements had lower fasting blood glucose, lower blood glucose after meals, and a slightly reduced hemoglobin A1c. However, fenugreek didn’t affect body weight or LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. Other studies have also suggested that fenugreek might help improve blood glucose control.

Overall, fenugreek may offer some benefits for managing blood glucose, but more research is needed to clearly understand its role in diabetes care.

Bitter Melon and Diabetes

Bitter melon (known scientifically as Momordica charantia) is a tropical fruit commonly used as an herbal medicine in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Its seeds contain several active compounds that have been studied for their hypoglycemic effects. Some of these compounds may act in a way similar to insulin or help the body’s own insulin work better.

Studies in mice and rats show that bitter melon might help lower blood sugar. Scientists believe it works by helping the cells in the pancreas (called beta cells) that make insulin. In mice, bitter melon helped these cells heal and grow, and it made insulin levels go up. It also acted like an antioxidant, which means it helped protect these cells from damage.

Studies in humans, however, aren’t as promising. One study found no effect of bitter melon in people with diabetes at all. Another reported a very small reduction in A1c levels, but this effect was less than 1 percent.

All in all, more research in humans is needed before bitter melon can be recommended for diabetes management.

Berberine and Diabetes

Berberine is a natural compound found in several plants. In recent years, it’s gained attention as a supplement that may improve blood sugar control. You may hear it referred to as an alternative medicine approach to managing diabetes. This is because berberine may work similarly to metformin, a common diabetes medication. However, unlike metformin, berberine is not an FDA-approved treatment for diabetes.

In one meta-analysis, researchers found that berberine helped lower A1c levels by about 1 percent. It also reduced blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity. In some cases, it worked about as well as metformin over the course of a few months.

Berberine may also provide benefits for cholesterol and triglycerides (fats found in the blood). Studies suggest that berberine could lower triglyceride levels, reduce LDL, and increase HDL (“good cholesterol”). Because of these effects, berberine may help reduce risk factors associated with developing type 2 diabetes. However, berberine may cause certain side effects, such as:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Overall, while berberine shows promise, more research is needed to understand its safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits.

Jinlida and Diabetes

Jinlida is a traditional Chinese herb blend made from 17 plant-based ingredients. A 2024 clinical study explored its effects in people with prediabetes and additional health risks, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Participants took either Jinlida or a placebo (an inactive treatment) for about two years.

The study found that people taking Jinlida had a 41 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those taking the placebo. Jinlida was also associated with improved blood glucose levels, lower A1c, better cholesterol levels, and reduced insulin resistance. Additionally, the study indicated that Jinlida might support healthier blood vessels, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.

While promising, this study was focused on people with prediabetes — not those already diagnosed with diabetes. More research is needed to confirm these findings and explore Jinlida’s effectiveness and safety in other groups, including people already living with diabetes.

Overall, early research on Jinlida appears promising, particularly as a complement to healthy lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise for those at risk of diabetes.

Always Talk to Your Doctor Before Taking Herbs or Supplements

Always talk to your healthcare team before adding any herbal supplements to your diet. This is important because some supplements can interact with medications or worsen other health issues. Some are also linked to kidney disease, which is of particular concern for those with diabetes. Your doctor can help determine whether an herb is safe for you and how to use it without interfering with your treatment.

If you do start any supplements, bear in mind that the FDA does not regulate them as rigorously as it does medications. Supplement packaging may make claims that aren’t backed by science and may not accurately reflect a product’s ingredients. It could contain more or less of a particular nutrient or have unexpected additives or contaminants. To purchase supplements from reputable sources, look for verification from respected third-party testing agencies, such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, UL, or U.S. Pharmacopeia.

When taking herbal supplements, continue regularly monitoring your blood glucose levels. Herbs like cinnamon, fenugreek, and bitter melon may lower blood sugar, so there's a possibility of developing extremely low blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, sweating, confusion, or dizziness. If you notice these, check your blood sugar and talk to your doctor.

Side effects of herbs can range from mild digestive issues to allergic reactions. If you develop a skin rash, headaches, stomach pains, or any other unusual symptoms, stop using the herb and consult with your doctor.

Talk With Others Who Understand

DiabetesTeam is the social network for people with diabetes and their loved ones. On DiabetesTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with diabetes.

Have you tried any herbal supplements for diabetes? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.