Natural ways to treat diabetes continue to be found. This week scientists reported that a compound found in pumpkins promote the regeneration of damaged insulin-producing beta cells in diabetic rats, thereby improving the level of insulin in their blood.
If this ability of pumpkins to help rats is also successful for humans, this is good news for those suffering from Type 1 Diabetes. People with Type 1 Diabetes do not produce enough of their own insulin and must rely on insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is used by the body to transfer blood sugar into the body’s cells. A beta cell is a cell that makes insulin. Beta cells are located in the islets of the pancreas.
Researchers at the East China Normal University found that pumpkin extract promotes regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, boosting levels of insulin-producing beta cells and insulin in the blood. The protective effect of pumpkin is thought to be due to both antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, a molecule that mediates insulin activity. The scientists also stated that pumpkin extract is potentially a good product for people who are pre-diabetic, as well as those who have already developed diabetes.
While pumpkins may not eliminate the need to take insulin injections, it could decrease the amount of insulin a patient needs to inject each day.
By the way, pumpkins are not the only plant thought to help control blood sugar levels. Onion, ground fenugreek seeds and broccoli are also potential aids in the fight against Diabetes. Israeli scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have shown that fenugreek seeds can lower blood sugar and cholesterol in both diabetics and healthy people.
So if you are concerned about your blood sugar levels, start adding more pumpkin, onion, ground fenugreek seeds and broccoli to your diet.
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