Can Curcumin - Turmeric Help Manage or Prevent Diabetes?

Turmeric is a spice found in Asian food and curries. For centuries, it has been used in various medicines for general health. It’s often used for improving liver and digestion functions, as well as for pain relief from conditions such as arthritis.

The spice has a large following among alternative medicine users and is gaining popularity in mainstream medicine. Recently, it has received a lot of attention for its potential use in preventing cancer and other diseases. Turmeric is believed to have antioxidant properties that could help fight infection and inflammation.

Turmeric’s active component, curcumin, is credited with many of the spice’s purported benefits.

A 2013 reviewTrusted Source of studies suggests that curcumin can decrease the level of glucose in blood, as well as other diabetes-related complications. Researchers also found that curcumin may have a role in diabetes prevention. 

Other researchTrusted Source suggests that turmeric extract could help stabilize blood sugar levels and make diabetes more manageable. This extract can be found in over-the-counter supplements. It may also provide general health benefits, such as in aiding digestion.

Research has also suggested that taking turmeric could treat and prevent diabetes.