Home » News Articles » These 6 Mushrooms Improve Blood Sugar Control For People With Diabetes
Mushrooms

These 6 Mushrooms Improve Blood Sugar Control For People With Diabetes

In just 34 years, the number of people with diabetes rose by close to 400%, moving from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. As diabetes cases rise globally, the demand for natural solutions is also increasing. Luckily, mushrooms are effective in diabetes management.

However, with more than 200 edible mushroom species, the big question is, which mushrooms help with diabetes management? According to Nature’s Rise, these six top-rated mushrooms aid blood sugar management.

6 Edible Mushrooms That Help with Diabetes Management

1. Lion’s Mane

Known as Hericium Erinaceus in the scientific community, Lion’s mane is one of the oldest mushrooms in traditional Chinese medicine. Research has verified that the bioactive compounds in this mushroom are effective in blood sugar control.

A research study conducted in 2013 analyzed the effectiveness of Lion’s mane mushroom in fighting high blood sugar levels. In this study, the researchers induced diabetes in rats by administering Streptozotocin (STZ).

After 28 days of administering an aqueous extract of Lion’s mane, the researchers noticed a significant drop in the blood sugar levels of diabetic rats. This study indicates that the mushroom can help people with diabetes fight hyperglycemia.

2. Oyster Mushrooms

High in protein and low in carbs, oyster mushrooms are highly beneficial for diabetic patients. In addition, the bioactive compounds in oyster mushrooms have also shown therapeutic potential in people with high blood sugar levels.

One research study analyzed the effect of oyster mushrooms on people with diabetes. The researchers gave 89 diabetic people an oyster mushroom extract for one week. The researchers then paused giving the people with diabetes the extract for a week before resuming for an extra week.

The results from the study indicated that during the weeks the people with diabetes were taking the extract, their blood glucose levels were lower. While the researchers did not examine how the mushroom lowered blood glucose levels, the study confirmed that the oyster fungus could fight hyperglycemia.

3. Chaga Mushrooms

Also known as Inonotus Obliquus, the Chaga mushroom is capable of fighting insulin resistance in diabetic patients. In 2017, researchers analyzed the effects of Chaga mushroom in mice with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was induced in the rats through Streptozotocin (STZ) administration. The diabetic rats were fed a high-fat diet before receiving a daily Chaga extract at an oral dosage of 900 mg.

The researchers noted that oral administration of a Chaga mushroom extract reduced fasting blood glucose levels. The mushroom also lowered insulin resistance in rats with type 2 diabetes.

Since type 2 diabetes in humans is caused by insulin resistance, the 2017 study suggests that Chaga consumption could improve the body’s insulin sensitivity, resulting in better blood sugar control.

4. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom—known as Ganoderma Lucidum in the scientific community—helps with diabetes management similarly to Chaga mushrooms. For example, this research review conducted in 2019 has confirmed that Reishi effectively lowers insulin resistance in people with diabetes.

A different research study used diabetic and obese mice to analyze the effectiveness of Reishi in lowering glucose levels. The researchers determined that the Reishi mushroom offers diabetes management benefits by reducing blood glucose levels by suppressing the hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK).

5. Maitake Mushroom

Known as Grifola Frondosa by scientists, Maitake is another low-calorie fungus with antihyperglycemic potential. In addition to fighting high blood sugar levels, Maitake fights immune problems often caused by diabetes.

In one research study conducted in 2015, the Maitake mushroom’s effects were analyzed on non-diabetic and diabetic mice. The researchers determined that while healthy mice did not show significant changes in their blood glucose levels, the mushroom reduced the blood sugar levels of the diabetic mice after a meal.

A different research study conducted in 2012 analyzed the effectiveness of a Maitake extract in controlling blood sugar levels. The researchers concluded that the extract is effective in boosting insulin sensitivity. The study also showed that the mushroom could effectively treat high blood pressure, a condition prevalent among people with diabetes.

6. Cordyceps Mushroom

A potent health-promoting mushroom, cordyceps is praised for its ability to boost energy, fight cancer, and benefit a wide range of other conditions, one of which is diabetes. This mushroom is available in two species—Cordyceps Militaris and Cordyceps Sinensis. Both sub-species are effective in controlling blood glucose levels.

A research study conducted in 2014 analyzed the effectiveness of cordyceps in treating diabetic rats. The researchers determined that the mushroom was as effective as Metformin—a common diabetes medication—in fighting hyperglycemia and promoting glucose metabolism.

Another research study conducted in 2015 analyzed the effectiveness of cordyceps in fighting hyperglycemia in a different group of mice. Diabetes was induced in the mice using alloxan. The researchers determined that after feeding the mice a cordyceps extract at a dosage of 3,600 mg/kg of body weight, there was a 47% blood glucose level reduction and a significant improvement in oral glucose tolerance.

Talk To Your Doctor Before Combining Mushrooms with Diabetes Medications

Most diabetic patients are usually on medications that help them with diabetes management. This could be insulin for people with type 1 diabetes or pills for people with type 2 diabetes.

Using the mushrooms mentioned above with your medications could increase the risk of hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by deficient blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia can be risky if not quickly treated, as it can lead to accidents (primarily when operating machinery), a coma, and in advanced cases, death.

To avoid lowering your blood sugar levels below the healthy range, talk to your doctor before using these mushrooms for blood sugar management. A doctor can help you determine the dosage that will offer maximum benefits without harming you.

Overview

The biggest concern for people with diabetes is maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. Unhealthy levels increase the risk of long-term complications, which range from cardiovascular issues to neuropathy and kidney disease.

This detailed guide takes a deeper look at six mushrooms that can aid with blood sugar control. These mushrooms fight insulin resistance and improve glucose metabolism, making people with diabetes healthier.

These 6 Mushrooms Improve Blood Sugar Control For People With Diabetes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About KHTS Articles