Curcumin for Diabetics with Depression
It’s a nasty cycle: depression increases the risk of diabetes, and diabetes increases the risk and severity of depression. The good news is that one herb can help both.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study lasted one year and included 227 people with type 2 diabetes. While one group was given a placebo, the other group was given 1,500mg of curcumin.
Depression scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 improved significantly more in the curcumin group, showing a 20.4% improvement versus 2.63% in the placebo group. Serotonin levels were significantly better in the curcumin group.
The curcumin group did significantly better in their diabetes as well as in their depression. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was reduced significantly more as was fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, the most important marker of long term blood sugar and diabetes control.
In the curcumin group, markers of inflammation went down significantly more. Antioxidant status increased significantly more, and markers of free radical damage went down significantly more. All of this probably contributed to the higher levels of serotonin.
The curcumin was extremely safe, producing no severe side effects. And, as a bonus, whereas pharmaceutical antidepressants commonly cause weight gain, the curcumin in this study significantly reduced weight and body mass index.
This study suggests that, while it improves diabetes, curcumin can also act as an antidepressant for peole with type 2 diabetes.
Nutrients. 2024 Jul 25;16(15):2414.
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For much more on preventing and treating diabetes and depression, see our book The Family Naturopathic Encyclopedia.
For much more on curcumin, see our book Healthy Herbs: Your Everyday Guide to Medicinal Herbs and Their Use.
For comprehensive natural help with your health, including preventing and treating diabetes and depression, make an appointment to see Linda Woolven now. Linda’s clinic is now open for in person and virtual appointments.
The Natural Path is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For health problems, consult a qualified health practitioner for a comprehensive program.