Posted on: Saturday, July 17, 2004
PRESCRIPTIONS
Bitter melon may lower blood-sugar levels for some
By Amy Tousman
Q. Can bitter melon help treat diabetes?
A. Bitter melon is a vegetable often used in Chinese, Filipino and South Asian dishes. Several substances in bitter melon have been studied in both animals and humans. Results suggest a possible blood-sugar lowering effect. However, this effect may occur only in those whose insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are still functioning to some degree. Several substances in bitter melon act like insulin in the body. These substances help sugar enter into cells.
Bitter melon also prevents conversion of stored nutrients to sugar and release of this sugar into the blood. Most studies of bitter melon in humans involve few patients and are of short duration. These studies did not use a control group (a group who did not receive bitter melon). Comparing blood-sugar values of those who use bitter melon to those who don't increases the accuracy of the results. Studies have been done primarily in type 2 diabetes. They've shown good results in some participants and no results in others.
There is not enough information to recommend a specific dose. Various forms have been used in research, including powdered, extract, juice, and the cooked vegetable. Some sources recommend eating one small unripe melon daily or drinking 3-6 tablespoons of fresh juice daily with food.
Combining bitter melon with insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents can increase the blood-sugar lowering effects of these medications. Reported adverse effects include hypoglycemia and liver toxicity (in animals). It should not be used in those taking diuretics as it can lower blood potassium.
Bitter melon should not be used by children or pregnant women. The coverings on the bitter melon seeds are toxic in children causing diarrhea, vomiting and death.
In pregnant women, bitter melon can cause vaginal bleeding, premature contractions or miscarriage. The amount of the vegetable's interior normally used in cooking should not cause these problems.
Bottom line: If you are diabetic, eating the vegetable or drinking a small amount of the juice daily shouldn't be harmful. Caution should be used with extracts and supplements.
Until a correct dosage is established, it is not recommended that bitter melon be used as a replacement for insulin or other diabetes medications.
If you are taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications such as Glyburide, Starlix, Glucotrol, Amaryl, etc., check with your physician before adding bitter melon. Also, monitor your blood sugar regularly when using bitter melon.
Amy Tousman is a registered dietitian with the Health Education Center of Straub Clinic and Hospital. Hawai'i experts in traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine and diet take turns writing the Prescriptions column.
Send your questions to: Prescriptions, Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; fax 535-8170; e-mail islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com. This column is not intended to provide medical advice..com. This column is not intended to provide medical advice.
