Effectively managing type 2 diabetes relies on paying attention to your weight. Being overweight is very common in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and losing weight can help manage symptoms and, potentially, even reverse the diabetes. New research shows that curcumin can help.
This new systematic review and meta-analysis of turmeric or its active ingredient, curcumin, and people with either type 2 diabetes or prediabetes included 20 controlled studies. The researchers wanted to measure what effect turmeric/curcumin would have on weight.
The results showed that turmeric/curcumin significantly decreased body weight, waist circumference, fat mass and hip circumference in type 2 diabetics. When better absorbed forms of curcumin were used for at least 12 weeks, it also significantly improved body mass index.
In people with prediabetes, turmeric/curcumin significantly decreased body weight and waist circumference.
These results suggest that turmeric and curcumin can help people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes manage their weight, which could help manage their condition.
Since some of the studies used small doses or poorly absorbed forms of curcumin, it is possible that even better results could be achieved by using a high quality curcumin supplement in adequate doses.
Nutr. Diabetes 2025;15:34.