Is ginger safe for people with diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects how the body produces and uses insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. People with diabetes need to manage their blood sugar levels carefully and keep them within target ranges.

Managing diabetes may involve taking medication, testing blood sugar levels, and monitoring dietary intake. Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is a popular spice with a unique flavor and potential medicinal properties.

Read on to learn about ginger’s potential benefits for people with diabetes and its possible side effects.

Generally, ginger is safe for people with diabetes. It may also offer several health benefits that can support diabetes management. For example, evidence notes that ginger can benefit digestive health and reduce nausea and vomiting.

In a 2022 meta-analysis of 10 studies, ginger supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, and HbA1c — an average blood sugar reading over a longer period — in people with type 2 diabetes.

However, a 2024 meta-analysis of five studies found that ginger supplementation, with doses ranging from 1.2 to 2 grams (g) per day, had no significant effect on fasting blood sugar or HbA1c levels.

Additionally, a 2019 review of older research suggests that compounds within ginger may possess antihyperglycemic effects, suggesting that ginger may help with diabetes management.

Current research into ginger’s benefits for people with diabetes is conflicting. Healthcare professionals do not currently recommend using ginger to lower blood sugar levels.

If someone wants to add ginger to their dietary patterns, they should consult their healthcare team or a registered dietitian.

Ginger may have some benefits for people with diabetes. These include:

A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that ginger may be a promising option to help manage diabetes due to its positive effects on glucose management, insulin sensitivity, and blood lipid profiles.

The 2022 meta-analysis suggests that ginger supplementation may reduce certain markers, such as fasting blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and HbA1c, in people with type 2 diabetes.

However, a 2024 meta-analysis suggests that ginger supplementation had no effect on fasting blood sugar or HbA1c levels.

A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis notes that ginger may not affect FBS but significantly improves A1C levels. This suggests that ginger may positively affect glucose management over a longer period.

Ginger may also help improve a person’s insulin sensitivity. People with low insulin sensitivity may have insulin resistance, which can increase their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Current research into ginger for diabetes is conflicting. The current evidence is not strong enough for healthcare professionals to recommend ginger as a treatment for diabetes.

Ginger contains compounds that may provide anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence notes that inflammation plays a role in diabetes, and targeting inflammation may help improve the prevention and management of the condition.

A 2021 meta-analysis suggests that ginger supplementation can provide a slight reduction in inflammation in those with type 2 diabetes.

Excess weight is a significant risk factor for various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes. If a person has obesity or excess weight, ginger might help with weight loss.

In a 2024 meta-analysis of 27 studies, ginger supplementation of 2 g daily for at least 8 weeks reduced body weight, waist circumference, and body fat percentage.

However, the average weight loss was small, at 1.52 kilograms (kg), around 3.35 pounds (lbs).

Ginger may slightly reduce weight but is not an effective strategy for weight loss on its own.

Ginger can be a tasty addition to the diets of people with diabetes. It may also offer health benefits such as helping regulate blood sugar, anti-inflammation, and weight management.

While ginger is generally safe, people should consume it in moderation due to its potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort.

By incorporating ginger into an eating plan, people with diabetes can potentially harness its benefits while enjoying its unique flavor and versatility.