Ginger lowers blood sugar

Study: Ginger lowers blood glucose levels

30.08.2012

Ginger may be able to regulate high blood sugar levels, counteracting complications in long-term diabetes patients. For patients with type 2 diabetes this could be of interest as a therapeutic approach.

Researchers at the University of Sydney found that extract derived from ginger supports the uptake of glucose into muscle cells, regardless of insulin delivery. „This could be used to control high blood glucose levels that cause complications, especially in long-term diabetes patients. In addition, cells could function independently of insulin delivery, "said Professor Roufogalis, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, who led the study." The components responsible for this increased glucose uptake capacity are gingerols, which are the largest group of phenolic compounds in the world Ginger root is acting, "explains the professor.

Increased surface distribution
The researchers investigated how gingerols influenced the uptake of glucose and found an increase in the surface distribution of the protein GLUT4. As the protein sits on the muscle cell surface, it allows glucose transport into the cells. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the glucose uptake capacity of skeletal muscle is significantly reduced due to impaired insulin signaling and inefficiency of the protein GLUT4. Therefore, it is worthwhile, according to the researchers, to pursue this approach in new studies. Original publication: Roufogalis et al. Gingerols of Zingiber officinale Enhance Glucose Uptake by Increasing Cell Surface GLUT4 in Cultured L6 Myotubes. Planta Med; DOI: 10.1055 / s-0032-1315041, 2012 (pm)

Picture: w.r.wagner