Ashwagandha and Type 2 Diabetes

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FidoCheese

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi
As well as being type 2 diabetic, I have low testosterone levels which has been confirmed by blood tests.

My pharmacist did advise that metformin has the effect of erectile disfunction when I first went on it.

Funnily enough, all the doctors say they aren't aware of this side effect of metformin, yet my pharmacist was all over it.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, the consultant at the hospital who is investing my testosterone levels, has come to the conclusion that my weight is the major factor.

Fair enough.

I have just ordered organic ashwagandha because I am led to believe it increases testosterone in men.

What I want to ask the forum is do I need to inform my GP? Is anyone taking Ashwagandha for the same reasons and is it affective?

Cheers
 
How low is low?

I just checked my records and my level was last recorded as 14.5 which is literally in the middle of the “normal” range of 7.6 - 31.4.

Anything to do with ED I’d mention to the GP. If for no reason other than you’re entitled to free prescriptions so why pay for a herbal remedy when the clinical version might be available in the NHS. Also there may be contra indications you’re not readily aware of.
 
The only note I’ve found about diabetes isn’t a drug interaction but it *may* lower your blood glucose so be careful when taking it alongside diabetes meds and make sure you’re testing. Drug interactions haven’t been widely studied but it’s advised to avoid it if you takes anything with a sedative quality including herbal things like valerian. Talk to the GP if you’re on any immunosuppressants or thyroid meds or digoxin. When I looked into it for other uses I couldn’t find any long term studies on it so it’s generally a good idea to take it for no more than 3 months then have a break.
 
ColinUK said:
How low is low?

I just checked my records and my level was last recorded as 14.5 which is literally in the middle of the “normal” range of 7.6 - 31.4.

Anything to do with ED I’d mention to the GP. If for no reason other than you’re entitled to free prescriptions so why pay for a herbal remedy when the clinical version might be available in the NHS. Also there may be contra indications you’re not readily aware of.
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I'm under the Endocrinology specialist at the hospital for it, via a GP referral. The hospital consultant is of the opinion that my weight is the main contributing factor. I was 16.1 stone at my heaviest. She said in her last letter that instead of prescribing me testosterone replacements, she advised to lose weight and cut down on alcohol.

I have since cut back on drinking on Saturdays, it's very hard because I've been doing all day sessions on Saturdays for the last 20 years.
 
Thebearcametoo said:
The only note I’ve found about diabetes isn’t a drug interaction but it *may* lower your blood glucose so be careful when taking it alongside diabetes meds and make sure you’re testing. Drug interactions haven’t been widely studied but it’s advised to avoid it if you takes anything with a sedative quality including herbal things like valerian. Talk to the GP if you’re on any immunosuppressants or thyroid meds or digoxin. When I looked into it for other uses I couldn’t find any long term studies on it so it’s generally a good idea to take it for no more than 3 months then have a break.
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Yeah, I read something online last night with similar advice.

Like I just said in my previous reply to the other person, I am trying to limit my drinking on a Saturday and trying to avoid takeaways. Maybe have one, once in a blue moon as a treat, instead of having it as a regular weekend thing.

As regards the Ashwagandha, the bottle I bought is for 60 pills so it gives me a 2 month period. I'll see what happens anyway.

Cheers.
 
What takeaways what do you normally go for? Getting meat without the sides is still an option. A good mixed grill or tandoori chicken. Not quite the same as having lots of carbs with it but still enjoyable.

With the drinking it’s probably best for a whole number of reasons to cut down but I know it’s hard. I can’t drink because it makes my nerves not work and I really miss it. Good luck.
 
Thebearcametoo said:
What takeaways what do you normally go for? Getting meat without the sides is still an option. A good mixed grill or tandoori chicken. Not quite the same as having lots of carbs with it but still enjoyable.

With the drinking it’s probably best for a whole number of reasons to cut down but I know it’s hard. I can’t drink because it makes my nerves not work and I really miss it. Good luck.
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I usually go for Indian curry, pilau rice and garlic naan. Or a Chinese chicken szeshuan and boiled or fried rice.

I don't mind a tandoori mixed grill but like you say, you don't get the satisfaction the same as a stinking hot jalfrezi.

I was drinking 10 pints of Guinness or real ale ending with Jack Daniels & coke.

I try to limit myself to 7 pints no JDs, then get the bus home. Probably still too much but it's a start.
 
@FidoCheese, seems to me that your Endocrinologist has got a point.... you need to be thinking about things other than obscure Indian herbs with no proven benefits if you want to improve your health.

I don't say that to be critical or judgemental, just trying to add a note of realism and I suspect that you will know where I am coming from. If I have a beef with anybody it is with the sellers of addictive drugs (like alcohol) who behave as if they are not harmful and the purveyors of quack medicines who make ridiculous claims about their efficacy.
 
It's not necessarily a universally good idea to increase testosterone levels, especially if there's owt awry with your prostate gland and the hormones involved with that, in the first place. Unsurprisingly there's quite a complex chain of hormonal responses - some of which I'd not heard of before let alone knowing which bit of you produces them - involved with the latter.

The major effect claimed for it seems to be on reducing stress and thus promising better physical performance as in stamina, body building etc rather than on anything subtle such as ED and sexual performance.

I do think Yes, you need to inform your doctor.
 
FidoCheese said:
I usually go for Indian curry, pilau rice and garlic naan. Or a Chinese chicken szeshuan and boiled or fried rice.

I don't mind a tandoori mixed grill but like you say, you don't get the satisfaction the same as a stinking hot jalfrezi.

I was drinking 10 pints of Guinness or real ale ending with Jack Daniels & coke.

I try to limit myself to 7 pints no JDs, then get the bus home. Probably still too much but it's a start.
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So have your jalfrezi with EITHER rice or naan and that’s an improvement. If you can have half a portion of the carbs even better. And have 3 JD and Diet Coke instead of the Guinness. Do you carb count at all? A pint of Guinness is about 18g carbs so yes you’ll reduce your carbs from 180g to 126g by cutting down to 7 pints but you could eliminate it by drinking spirits and diet mixers. Alcohol is not great for diabetes anyway but manageable changes are more likely to stick.
 
Maybe even try having the curry with a side of veg rather than rice.
 
Well done on beginning to cut back on beer and takeaways @FidoCheese

None of these steps are wasted, and any step is worthwhile. Some people find they need to go ‘all out’ and cut out everything completely, but personally I think a much more likely strategy to succeed for me would be a small step… and then another… then another… then an occasional treat… then another small step… etc etc.

Regarding the Ashwagandha - Diabetes UK doesn’t recommend the use of herbal supplements, because there isn‘t enough robust evidence that they are safe and effective for people with diabetes.

There’s some more infromation here if that helps

Herbal and food supplements

Many people rely on traditional herbal and complementary remedies, which are said to help with blood glucose control. These remedies can be homemade or bought from local shops, and while they may have benefits, they should not be a substitute for your medications.
www.diabetes.org.uk www.diabetes.org.uk
 
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