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| A family friend told us that bitter melon would help reduce blood sugar. We went to our local health-food store and bought a bottle containing 30 capsules for $17.99. It's pricey, but it seems to work. My husband takes metformin and glyburide for diabetes. After adding this supplement, his blood-sugar level was down considerably. | to Top |
Combining herbs with diabetes drugs can be risky. Blood-sugar levels could drop too low, causing hypoglycemia. Your husband will need to monitor his blood glucose very carefully and stay in close touch with his physician. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a tropical relative of the cucumber. Several short-term studies suggest that it may, indeed, help reduce blood sugar. Long-term safety has not been established. Children or pregnant women could not use it.
Graedon, Joe and Teresa Graedon. 2005May8. People's Pharmacy. Glass bars sun's rays that make vitamin D. The Sunday Oregonian L12.
Updated: Tuesday, May 22, 2007.
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