Shilajit for Diabetes: 8 Key Benefits, Risks & Blood Sugar Support

Did you know that about 537 million adults worldwide are currently living with diabetes? This is a concerning issue, and this staggering number is projected to soar in the coming decades. For those who have to cope with this complex condition, the hunt for some natural, supportive therapies is continuous. Every patient with diabetes desires some organic support that can not only help with the disease, but also give energy to cope. As a result of a long search, Shilajit has become the focus of current interest among researchers investigating herbal remedies.

Shilajit is a mysterious resin extracted from the mountains of Asia continent. Historically, Ayurveda has regarded this resin as a means of providing increased vitality and longevity. Scientific research now employs modern techniques to determine each of the chemical constituents of Shilajit. The heavy antioxidant activity of Shilajit suggests that the use of this herbal remedy could also aid in the treatment of chronic metabolic illness. As people are now actively seeking various ways to manage blood sugar changes, reduce diabetic difficulties, and boost energy often diminished by the disease, the question is increasingly urgent: Is Shilajit good for diabetes? Can this natural remedy truly offer synergistic support alongside conventional treatments? 

The purpose of this article is to provide insight into some of the mechanisms through which Shilajit acts as a possible remedy for those with diabetes; highlight eight reasons why Shilajit is potentially helpful; identify and discuss the use of Shilajit along with Metformin; and give a comprehensive overview of the safety and risk management associated with using Shilajit for individuals who are diagnosed with diabetes.

What is Shilajit and Why do Diabetics Care? 

Shilajit moves beyond simply being a mineral-loaded deposit; it is a dark, thick, sticky resin that oozes naturally from the rocks of mountains. It is found mostly in the high altitude areas of the Himalayas, Altai, and other ranges. 

Origin & Traditional Use

Historically, Shilajit has followed a path that has been largely based on the search for vitality, and Ayurvedic medicine calls Shilajit a Rasayana. 

Ancient Ayurvedic systems used this herb for strength, kidney function, and blood sugar, as Shilajit has been filled with divine qualities. As a consequence, there has been growing interest in using Shilajit as a means of assisting people with managing their blood sugar in relation to diabetes. This is why the use of Shilajit to restore health and function continues to be a prominent topic of interest and discussion today.

Key Active Compounds

Shilajit has been said to have tremendous potential due to having rare concentrations of bioactive compounds. Below are examples of these: 

• Fulvic Acid: Fulvic acid is the most common component of what you call a “purified Shilajit (75%+). This compound is exceptionally beneficial and has had more studies done than any other component. It protects cells from free radicals as an antioxidant, and helps minerals to enter the cells as a chelating agent. 

• Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs): DBPs enhance mitochondrial performance, thus raising cellular energy. 

• 80+ Minerals: Shilajit’s composition is loaded with unique ionic forms of many essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, chromium, and zinc. These serve as critical co-factors for the signaling of insulin and for the regulation of glucose metabolism (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012). 

Why It’s Suddenly Popular for Blood Sugar

This renewed and growing interest in using Shilajit for diabetes is based on current research, confirming what was believed to be true for centuries. Research has depicted to us that Diabetes, mainly Type 2, is caused by more than just elevated blood sugar levels. The chronic oxidative damage and issues related to the mitochondria have both played a significant part. By providing powerful antioxidant protection to mitochondria, Shilajit can help to reverse these cellular defects and therefore make it an effective addition to current treatment protocols for this disease. 

How Shilajit May Support Blood Sugar?

The scientific understanding of how shilajit and diabetes interact centers on three primary mechanisms:

1. Improved Insulin Sensitivity and Secretion

Compounds like STZ (streptozotocin) have been employed in animal models to study the effects of Shilajit, and we know that when administered it brings blood glucose values closer to the normal state. Scientists have also reported (Bhattacharya, 1995) that apart from protecting the pancreatic β-cells from damage and supporting in the production of insulin, Shilajit’s efficacy lies in intensifying the effect of glucose uptake from the blood.

2. Powerful Antioxidant Defense

Diabetes is associated with an increase in free radicals. There is an expand in oxidative stress in the diabetic patient’s body due to the high level of glucose. This stress injures and harms the nerves (neuropathy), the eyes (retinopathy) and the kidneys (nephropathy).

Due to the strong antioxidant properties of fulvic acid and other ingredients in Shilajit, they are shown to combat free radicals. As such, Shilajit is potent enough to offer substantial protection from the chronic complications of diabetes.

3. Support for the Liver and Glucose Homeostasis

Crucial to regulate blood glucose levels is the contribution of the liver. A patient's liver could be dysfunctional and so lacks the ability to control the blood glucose at a healthier level. Through research, it is signified that Shilajit can help in returning normal liver enzyme activity and in getting the lipid profile to normal, thereby letting the body’s ability to maintain glucose balance (Bhattacharya, 1995).  

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8 Potential Benefits of Shilajit for Diabetes

Diabetes impacts your life in so many ways. However, the positive effects of Shilajit considerably outweigh its negative effects on diabetes. These effects working together provide much more than just lowering your blood sugar levels; they also help deal with all the other problems created by diabetes. 

1. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

There is a lot of proof from animal studies that show Shilajit has a blood-sugar-lowering effect. Shilajit is efficient in reducing fasting and postprandial (after-meal) glucose levels in animals by minimizing blood sugar (Bhattacharya, 1995). 

2. Protection Against Diabetic Complications

The antioxidant features of Shilajit help to protect from tissue damage from the excessive free radicals associated with high glucose. Shilajit protects against diabetic complications of nephropathy (kidney damage) and neuropathy (nerve damage) that can result from the increased oxidative stress caused by glucose (Suprapaneni et al., 2012). 

3. Refines Lipid Profiles

People who have diabetes, their one of the greatest risks includes high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. But with Shilajit, the LDLs (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and be reduced. Ultimately, the chances of heart disease are highly minimized, which is another serious problem among diabetics. 

4. Enhanced Mitochondrial Energy Production

Mitochondria’s ability to use glucose efficiently is impaired in diabetic people, leading to fatigue. When attached to the mitochondria, the bioactive compounds (DBPs) in Shilajit enhance the efficiency of energy generation from ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This has the potential to alleviate the fatigue often seen in diabetic patients and improve their levels of physical movements (Surapaneni et al., 2012). 

5. Reduces Chronic Systemic Inflammation

The classification of Type 2 Diabetes as having “chronic low-grade inflammation” is an example of an inflammatory disorder. Fulvic acid also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Its role in the eradication of chronic, low-grade inflammation of the body can improve the extent and severity of diabetic symptoms (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012).

6. Restoration of Minerals & Electrolytes

There is a deficiency in vital minerals and electrolytes in people with diabetes, especially when they have high levels of blood sugar. Many of these nutrients are in Shilajit and therefore using Shilajit delivers the nutrients necessary to support more than 300 such enzymatic reactions. Such as those that are key to preserving insulin sensitivity.

7. Supporting Cognitive Function

The cognitive decline that occurs with diabetes is called “diabetic encephalopathy”. This condition is becoming more common as diabetes increases. By reducing the oxidative stress on the brain and prompting healthy mitochondrial function, Shilajit provides neuroprotective benefits to maintain healthy cognitive function (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012).  

8. Synergistic Effect with Other Supplements

By rectifying the efficiency with which other supplements are absorbed and used in the body, Shilajit’s fulvic acid makes it easier for the body to absorb and use additional nutrients provided by other supplements. For that reason, if you are currently taking supplements such as berberine or alpha-lipoic acid for blood sugar management, adding Shilajit may enhance the effectiveness of these by maximizing their uptake into your body’s cells. 

Shilajit vs Metformin – Can They Be Taken Together?

For a lot of people who are looking to use shilajit for diabetes, the most significant concern is how shilajit works together with metformin, the most commonly prescribed medication for diabetes.

Metformin's Mechanism

Metformin, which belongs to a class of medications called biguanides, lowers blood sugar levels mainly by reducing the production of glucose in the liver, and also by enhancing the ability of insulin to work on muscle and fat cells.

Shilajit’s Complementary Role

Shilajit can’t replace Metformin, but rather can be a powerful adjunct therapy. The workings are highly complementary: 

• Metformin: Metformin- Lowers glucose production (upstream)

• Shilajit: Upgrades cellular energy, protects β-cells, and combats oxidative damage. 

Can You Take Shilajit and Metformin Together?

• Yes, but very carefully due to the absence of any scientific evidence indicating they will have any direct, negative chemical interactions. Metformin (controls high blood sugar) and Shilajit (promotes wellness) can decrease your blood sugar levels when consumed separately, so the chances of low blood sugar are greatly increased when taken alone. 

• Because of this reason, you should always consult with your healthcare professional, either a physician specializing in endocrinology or another healthcare provider who is knowledgeable in this area, to determine whether or not you will need to change your Metformin dosage if you take Shilajit at the same time.

• The combination of Shilajit and Metformin has an added benefit to some Diabetics (at least it is suggested), as it provides minerals that are displaced due to Metformin consumption Vitamin B12. But, it is important to note that Shilajit doesn’t contain vitamin B12 (Aroda et al., 2016). 

Risks and Side Effects Every Diabetic Must Know

There is hope for the safe use of Shilajit for treating diabetes. But being a natural product does not mean that there aren’t potential problems associated with using Shilajit. Due to the fact that diabetes is a chronic illness, it requires careful consideration and quality assurance. 

There is hope for the safe use of shilajit for treating diabetes. But being a natural product does not mean that there aren't potential problems associated with using shilajit. Due to the fact that diabetes is a chronic illness, it requires careful consideration and quality assurance.

1. Hypoglycemia Risk

The most concerning problem to consider when taking any drug for diabetes is the risk of developing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) as a result of taking it in conjunction with a diabetes medication (Metformin, or Insulin). Consumption of Shilajit is associated with generating effects leading to lower blood sugar levels (Bhattacharya, 1995). Therefore, if an individual is taking diabetes medication in conjunction with ingesting Shilajit without adjusting their dosage of diabetes medication, there is a risk they may develop symptoms associated with hypoglycemia and experience adverse health effects as a result of doing so. 

2. Purity and Heavy Metal Contamination

Amongst all the problems associated with the usage of Shilajit, the most concerning issue is with purity and heavy metal contamination. As Shilajit is a raw natural product, it can contain high levels of heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, etc) that are toxic, as well as fungal toxins. 

3. Gout or Uric Acid Increase

Shilajit has been shown to raise serum uric acid concentrations. Therefore, those who have previously suffered from a gout attack or who have an elevated uric acid level, Shilajit would not be a safe option. 

4. Low Blood Pressure( Hypotension) 

Because of Shilajit’s “mineral” and “adaptive” qualities, it may slightly (and positively) lower blood pressure; this positive reduction in blood pressure can help diabetics, who typically tend to develop high blood pressure (Hypertension). However, it must be monitored if the individual is taking blood pressure medications. 

How to Choose and Use Shilajit Safely if You Have Diabetes

One thing you must remember about Shilajit, is that it's not a direct cure for diabetes. It is however intended as a support to be used in treating diabetes with the help of a doctor. Now if you and your doctor decide if it is safe enough for you to use shilajit with controlling your diabetes be sure to follow the proper procedures.

1. Purity comes first: Use only purified resin.

• Do not use capsules, cheap powders/gummies as they can contain undisclosed fillers, starches, or lack active ingredient that makes them useful for diabetes. 

• Only use high-quality products from third-party testing with a COA ( certificate of analysis) stating free of heavy metals and pathogens. 

2. Start Low and Taper Slowly

• Initial Dose: Begin with a small dose of around 100-200 mg, take once a day and assess your reaction. 

• Monitor: The first two weeks require proper monitoring. Monitor your blood sugar at least three times a day ( before and 1-2 hours after consuming Shilajit). 

• Increasing Dose: After monitoring for two weeks, talk with your doctor before increasing the dosage gradually (i.e., 300-500 mg). 

3. Hydration and Timing

You need proper hydration as Shilajit is high in concentration. First, dissolve the recommended dosage in a glass of clean water or an unsweetened herbal tea. Taking it in the early morning, before eating anything, may help maximize absorption. And, its energy-boosting properties will help you feel energetic throughout the day. 

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Conclusion: Is Shilajit Right for You?

In conclusion, the evidence concerning the benefits of shilajit for individuals dealing with diabetes provides an important scientific foundation on which to support their health decisions. Shilajit helps to address mitochondrial fatigue, reduce the amount of free radicals (oxidative stress) and helps stabilize your body’s glucose levels. These benefits go beyond just the traditional benefits of pharmaceuticals.

To successfully implement shilajit into your diabetes management plan, it is important to consider shilajit not in competition with metformin but as an additional way to enhance the use of metformin. Shilajit is not a cure or a substitute for the oral medications or injectable insulins prescribed by healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Does shilajit help balance blood sugar?
A. Limited evidence from animal studies and small human trials suggests shilajit may lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. However, high-quality clinical evidence is lacking, and it does not reliably balance blood sugar. Those with diabetes should monitor levels closely due to hypoglycemia risk and consult a doctor.

Source: WebMD - Shilajit

Q. Who should avoid taking shilajit?
A. Shilajit should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, people with diabetes on medication, low blood pressure, blood disorders, or liver/kidney conditions. It should also be avoided before surgery and only used if it is purified and lab-tested. Always consult a healthcare professional first.

Source: WebMD - Shilajit Safety & Precautions

Q. Can shilajit be used to treat type 2 diabetes?
A. No. Shilajit is not proven or approved to treat type 2 diabetes and should not replace medications, diet, or exercise. Preliminary studies show minor potential benefits, but evidence is insufficient and inconclusive. Always consult a doctor before use, especially with diabetes.

Source: WebMD - Shilajit

References

Carrasco-Gallardo, C. Guzman, L., & Maccioni, R. B. Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential therapeutic applications as a nutraceutical. (2012).

Rains, J. L., Jain, S. K. & Rutter, G. A. Oxidative stress, insulin signalling and diabetes. (2011). 

Bhattacharya, S. K. Shilajit attenuates streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and decreases in pancreatic islet superoxide dismutase activity in rats (1995). 

Surapaneni, D. K. Adapa, S. R., & Prema, A. Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and mitochondrial function in rats. (2012).

Aroda, V. R. Edelstein, S. L., Goldberg, R. B., et al. Long-term Metformin Use and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. (2016).