Type 2 diabetes affects millions worldwide and is marked by chronically high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas. Managing the condition typically involves medication, dietary control, and lifestyle changes.
Recent research indicates that onions may provide added benefits in managing diabetes.
According to the Times of India, a study presented at the 97th Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society found that onion extract, when combined with the anti-diabetic drug metformin, reduced blood sugar levels by up to 50% in diabetic laboratory mice.
The extract also lowered total cholesterol, suggesting that incorporating onions into daily meals could support both heart health and blood sugar regulation.
Experts say onions can help regulate glucose levels, manage cholesterol, and improve overall metabolism. They are low in calories, enhance metabolism, and can be easily added to meals — whether raw in salads or sandwiches, cooked in soups or stir-fries, or grilled as a side dish.
Higher doses of onion extract (400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg) showed the strongest cholesterol-lowering effects in diabetic rats, highlighting its potential role in supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health.
While further studies are needed to confirm similar effects in humans, researchers suggest that regular onion consumption could serve as a natural, affordable complement to existing diabetes treatments like metformin, helping improve long-term blood sugar and cholesterol control.
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