Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Will Bilberry Prevent Eye Problems in Diabetes?

Q. My eye doctor suggested I take bilberry. Will it cause any complications for my diabetes?
A. Bilberry, an herb related to blueberry, is rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins that give the berries their deep purple color. Bilberry was traditionally used as a diabetes treatment before modern pharmaceuticals were available. Animal research indicates that it can help reduce high blood sugar and insulin hyper-response (Journal of Nutrition, March, 2010), so we encourage you to monitor your blood sugar carefully. A study in Finland showed that a diet rich in fatty fish, bilberries and whole grain products could reduce blood lipids as well as blood sugar and inflammation among people with type 2 diabetes (Diabetologia, Nov., 2011).
Preliminary studies suggest that bilberry extract may help prevent eye damage associated with diabetes. Much of this research was conducted in animals; bilberry appears to protect neurons involved in retinal degeneration (Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, Jul. 2009) and protect the retina from stress-induced changes in gene expression (Molecular Vision, 2012).
No serious side effects of bilberries have been reported. One study from Japan shows that bilberry extract may have the potential to interact with intestinal enzymes critical for drug absorption (Drug Metabolism & Disposition, Apr. 2006). As a result, you may want to take it at a different time from your medications.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
5- 1 rating
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.