My glucose reading down with hisbiscus tea.

by Nora Veran






Quick Answer
Hibiscus tea may have modest effects on blood glucose or cholesterol in some studies, but it is not proven to be a reliable treatment for diabetes. In your case, the improvement from fasting readings around 200 mg/dL to about 135 mg/dL happened while you were also taking Janumet, exercising more and improving your diet, so the change cannot be attributed to hibiscus tea alone.



EXPERIENCE

I have been experimenting with cinnamon tea, Gymnema tea and bitter melon. My fasting glucose came down from around 200 to 150 mg/dL.



I then started drinking hibiscus tea, also called “Flor de Jamaica,” and my fasting readings have gone down further to around 135 mg/dL.



I have had diabetes for about 17 years and take Janumet. I have also started walking about 3 miles three times a week and taking volleyball classes. My diet now includes more vegetables, fruit and protein.




Reply by Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc, Family Physician, IDF Fellow



Hello Nora,



Thank you for sharing your experience. It is encouraging that your glucose readings have improved, but I would be careful about attributing that improvement mainly to hibiscus tea.



You have made several important changes at the same time: you are taking Janumet, walking regularly, playing volleyball and improving your eating pattern. Any or all of these could be contributing to the lower readings.



Does Hibiscus Tea Lower Blood Sugar?



Hibiscus, or Hibiscus sabdariffa, has been studied for possible effects on blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure.



Some research has found small improvements in fasting glucose, while other controlled trials have found little or no significant effect on glycemic measures.



Because the evidence is inconsistent, I would not use hibiscus tea as a replacement for proven diabetes treatment.



What About Cholesterol?



Older studies in people with type 2 diabetes reported improvements in some cholesterol measurements after hibiscus tea, but later reviews have found mixed results.



So it is more accurate to say that hibiscus may have modest effects on some cardiovascular risk markers rather than saying it protects people with diabetes from high cholesterol or heart disease.



Your Fasting Glucose Is Better, but Still Above Target



Going from around 200 mg/dL to

about 135 mg/dL is a meaningful improvement. However, fasting glucose around 135 mg/dL is still above the usual premeal target of 80–130 mg/dL for many nonpregnant adults with diabetes.



Targets need to be individualized, so your HbA1c and overall glucose pattern are more useful than judging your control from one fasting value.



Our blood glucose target guide explains common treatment goals for adults with diabetes.



Should You Keep Drinking Hibiscus Tea?



If you enjoy unsweetened hibiscus tea and your healthcare professional has no concern about interactions or other medical conditions, it can be used as a beverage.



I would avoid adding sugar, honey or sweet syrups, since these can raise glucose.




Important: Do not reduce or stop Janumet or any other prescribed diabetes medicine because your glucose improves while drinking hibiscus tea. The medication, exercise and dietary changes may be playing a major role in those results.


What About Cinnamon, Gymnema and Bitter Melon?



I would use the same caution with these products. Herbal remedies can have biological effects, but current diabetes guidelines do not recommend herbal supplements specifically for glucose lowering because evidence of meaningful benefit is insufficient.



Combining several glucose-lowering herbs with diabetes medication may also make it harder to know what is affecting your readings and could potentially increase side effects or interactions.



My Advice



The most important part of your story is not one tea—it is the combination of regular medication, increased physical activity, improved food choices and glucose monitoring.



I would continue those proven habits, enjoy unsweetened hibiscus tea as a beverage if it is safe for you, and use your glucose records and HbA1c to judge whether your diabetes treatment is working.



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References






Educational only — not personal medical advice. Herbal drinks and supplements should not replace prescribed diabetes medication or individualized medical care.


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