Aloe Vera For Diabetes: What You Should Know

Medically reviewed by Madhu Sharma, RD Madhu Sharma Madhu SharmaRD
Written by Atulya Satishkumar Atulya Satishkumar Experience: 4 years
Last Updated on
Aloe Vera For Diabetes What You Should Know

Image: Shutterstock

Aloe vera is one of the oldest plants used in traditional medicine. The gel inside the aloe leaf has been used for centuries for its soothing and healing properties.

Recent studies state that aloe vera might also help manage diabetes.

In this post, we will explore more on this particular aspect – aloe’s antidiabetic properties.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar levels rise above the accepted values. This happens when your body cannot produce the sufficient amount of insulin to break down glucose.

The main types of diabetes are:

  • Type 1 Diabetes

If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas is not making insulin. You will need to take insulin externally every day. It is diagnosed mainly in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age.

  • Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is what most patients develop. In this case, your body does not use insulin well. It can develop at any age – though it is typically observed to occur in the middle age.

  • Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy. Usually, it goes away after childbirth. Women with a case history of gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later.

Now that we have seen the different types of diabetes, let’s find out how aloe vera can play a role in managing it.

How Does Aloe Vera Help Manage Diabetes?

Patients consuming aloe vera juice regularly were found to show significant improvements in their blood sugar levels (1), (2). Here’s how aloe vera may help manage diabetes:

  • Aloe vera juice helps regulate and stabilize your blood sugar levels.
  • The gel of aloe vera contains glucomannan (3). This dietary fiber is easily soluble in water and helps lower blood glucose levels.
  • Aloe vera also contains anthraquinones and lectins, which might help lower and regulate blood sugar levels (4).
  • Diabetes is characterized by slow wound healing. Aloe vera has antibacterial properties, which can help in accelerating wound healing (5).

Let us now see how you can use aloe vera to help manage diabetes.

How Can You Use Aloe Vera To Manage Diabetes?

How Can You Use Aloe Vera To Manage Diabetes
Image: Shutterstock

Aloe vera’s bioactive compounds help regulate blood sugar levels. If you have aloe vera at home, you can use its gel on a regular basis.

You Will Need
  • An aloe vera leaf
  • Citrus fruit juice of your choice
What You Have To Do
  1. Extract the gel from the aloe vera leaf. You can use a steel spoon for this purpose.
  2. Take a tablespoon of the gel and blend it with the juice.
  3. Pour the mixture into a glass.
  4. Consume it two times daily.
  5. You can use the clear gel directly on a bruise or wound to promote faster healing.

How Often Should You Do This

You can have 30 mL of this juice two times daily.

Caution: Aloe vera juice must be consumed regularly only if prescribed by your doctor. Hence, it is important yo consult your doctor before adopting this remedy.

Despite many studies, evidence is still inconclusive on definitive treatment for various conditions. In the raw form, aloe vera may have adverse effects. Hence, you need to seek medical advice before using it as therapy.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera leaf extract, gel, and latex are generally safe for topical application and consumption when used in the right dosage. However, if taken in excess, you can face complications.

Aloe vera might cause skin irritation, diarrhea, hives, cramps, and other similar hypersensitive reactions (6).

Conclusion

Aloe vera is one good option for managing diabetes. Its healing properties and antioxidants go a long way in supplementing existing diabetes treatments. It is not a replacement for existing treatment options. But it sure can complement them. If you are pregnant or on medications for a health condition, discuss with your doctor before consuming aloe vera.

Dealing with diabetes goes beyond availing treatment. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are key. Do consult your doctor before using aloe vera for managing diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does aloe vera juice contain sugar?

Commercially produced aloe vera blends may contain sugar and other fillers. But freshly prepared aloe vera juice does not contain any added sugar.

References

Articles on thebridalbox are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. ‘Effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.‘, Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  2. ‘Evaluation of the Nutritional and Metabolic Effects of Aloe vera‘, Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  3. ‘Improvement of glucose and lipid profile…’ Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  4. ‘Composition and applications…’ Molecules, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  5. ‘Antibacterial activities and antioxidant capacity of Aloe vera‘, Organic and Medical Chemistry Letters, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  6. ‘Aloe vera: A review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects‘, Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part C Environmental Carcinogenesis & Ecotoxicology Reviews, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
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Madhu Sharma
Madhu SharmaRD
Madhu Sharma is a member of the National Executive Committee of IDA. She has been associated for almost three decades with Pediatric Nutrition at PGI while serving in the Gastroenterology Department (20 years) and then the Advanced Pediatric Center (10 yrs) at PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Read full bio of Madhu Sharma
Atulya Satishkumar
Atulya SatishkumarEditor
‘Techie by day, writer by night’ is how she described herself before embarking on the journey of writing. Her strong belief in the magic of the written word, coupled with a very keen eye for detail, helps her guide her team to create quality content.

Read full bio of Atulya Satishkumar
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