Does Psyllium Husk Lower Blood Sugar?

Psyllium husks come from the seeds of an herb called Plantago ovata. The most common use for psyllium husk is in laxatives that help bulk up your stool, making it easier to pass. These supplements may help to improve your cholesterol levels and treat intestinal issues including constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome. As they are high in soluble fiber, they may also help lower blood glucose levels in people who have Type 2 diabetes.

Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

Fasting blood sugar levels, which are taken when you have not had anything to eat or drink but water for at least eight hours, are used to diagnose diabetes and sometimes to monitor how well diabetics are controlling blood sugar levels. Normal levels range from 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter, while diabetics have blood sugar levels above 126 milligrams per deciliter if their diabetes isn't well controlled. A study published in November 2005 in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that Type 2 diabetics who took 5.1 grams of psyllium husk before each lunch and dinner for eight weeks while continuing to take their regular diabetes medications experienced significant decreases in their fasting blood sugar levels.

After Meal Blood Sugar Levels

Blood glucose levels increase after meals, and diabetics sometimes have trouble keeping these increases within acceptable levels. Diabetics often use carbohydrate counting, diabetes-exchange lists or the glycemic index to help plan their diets so that they limit these spikes in blood glucose levels. Adding 5.1 grams of psyllium husk fiber to each lunch and dinner may help people with Type 2 diabetes better control their post prandial, or after-meal, blood glucose levels, according to an article published in "The Annals of Pharmacotherapy" in October 2010.

Use

Psyllium husk needs to be taken near or during mealtimes to be effective in lowering post prandial blood glucose levels. Add the powder to a full 8-ounce glass of water to dissolve it and drink the resulting mixture quickly before it becomes too thick. Without plenty of water, the psyllium could swell up and cause you to choke. Drink six to eight glasses of water per day to limit the risk of unpleasant side effects including constipation, bloating and gas. Taking psyllium 30 minutes before meals may help with weight loss as well as blood glucose control.

Considerations

Speak with your doctor before taking psyllium husk, as it is not safe for everyone and can interfere with certain medications. You may need a lower dosage for diabetes medications if you take psyllium, and psyllium can make lithium, digoxin, carbamazepine and antidepressant medications less effective. People who have trouble swallowing or have obstructions in their digestive tract shouldn't take psyllium husk supplements.

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