Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‑graecum) has been evidenced to be an effective preventative and treatment agent for type 2 diabetes. This may relate to the soluble glucomannan fibres that are contained within the seed that may slow the absorption of glucose from the gut. Further, fenugreek contains alkaloids including fenugrecin and trigonelline that have blood glucose lowering activity. In one study the anti-diabetic effects of fenugreek seeds were investigated in humans by administering 10 grams of fenugreek seed soaked in hot water to patients that had been diagnosed with diabetes within the last 6 months. The subjects also followed medical, dietary and exercise advice that was prescribed by the American Diabetic Association. The results of the study showed that there was a significantly lower blood glucose level in the subjects that had consumed the fenugreek seed following the 5th month of the study, compared to controls that followed the same protocol but did not have the fenugreek. Therefore fenugreek may be an effective anti-diabetic treatment when used as part of a holistic approach to controlling blood glucose levels.
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Ranade, M. and Mudgalkar, N. 2017. A simple dietary addition of fenugreek seed leads to the reduction in blood glucose levels: A parallel group, randomized single-blind trial. Journal of Research in Ayurveda. 38(1-2): 24
