Pumpkin extract has insulin–like effects. It can help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar under control.

In a study, animals with drug–induced diabetes treated with pumpkin extract had lower blood glucose levels, greater insulin secretion, and more insulin–producing beta cells than diabetic rats that weren’t given the extract. This action may be due to the presence of both antioxidants and D–chiro–inositol, a molecule that mediates insulin activity.

Pumpkin extract is potentially a very good product for pre–diabetic persons, as well as those who have already developed diabetes.

Pumpkin is frequently used to treat diabetes and high blood glucose in Asia.

The results of an animal study have shown that rats with diabetes had 41% less insulin in their blood than normal rates; giving them pumpkin extract for 30 days boosted levels of the blood sugar–regulating hormone by 36%. And after 30 days of being fed pumpkin extract, diabetic rats had blood glucose levels similar to those of non-diabetic rats.