Naturally Lower A1C Levels with Herbs

Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test, given to diabetics that can show a three month history of blood sugar levels. Though a blood glucose test will show how much sugar you have in your blood right now, the A1C test shows how well diabetes is being managed over time. There are a number of prescription medications used to treat diabetes, which should always be managed by a health care professional but some herbal medications may help as well. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and medicines you are taking before starting an herbal remedy.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon bark in the ground form is most commonly used as a spice but according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, may have some use in the treatment of diabetes. It works by mimicking the action of insulin by activating insulin receptors so that glucose may be transported from the blood into the cells, lowering blood sugar levels. It may have more use in patients who have type II diabetes than type I but it may also reduce cholesterol levels, leading to a possible decrease in risk of heart attack and stroke. Cinnamon may increase the activity of blood thinning medications such as warfarin, along with increasing the activity of other anti-diabetic medications and should be used under the supervision of a physician.

Fenugreek

According to Phyllis Balch, CNC, author of "The Prescription for Herbal Healing", Fenugreek may help to slow the absorption of sugar in the intestines. By slowing sugar absorption, rapid spikes in the blood sugar levels of a diabetic may be avoided which in turn will lower hemoglobin A1C levels. In addition, fenugreek may help with insulin sensitivity, resulting in more sugar uptake into body cells, lowering blood sugar and A1C levels.

Ginseng

Ginseng is considered to be an "adaptogenic" herb, meaning that it may help restore balance to body systems that are out of balance. Ginseng may stimulate insulin production in those who are able to produce insulin and may prolong the activity of certain types of injected insulin. Like all herbs taken for diabetes, it will often increase the blood sugar lowering effects of anti-diabetic medications and should only be used under the supervision of a physician or qualified health professional.

Bitter Melon

Bitter melon, a plant native to many parts of Asia and present in many traditional Asian dishes may also be used as an herbal supplement. It may act to increase the availability of glucose to the muscles, lowering glucose and A1C levels by transporting the sugar from the blood into muscle cells. It may also help to slow intestinal absorption of sugars and may also help to prevent atherosclerotic plaque formation in diabetics.