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# Bilberry extract helps type 2 diabetes mellitus
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/bilberry_extract_helps_type_2_diabetes_mellitus_0908140949/
- Published: 2014-09-08T10:48:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T15:47:19.000Z
- Description: In a crossover study, eight men with diet-controlled type 2 diabetes took a concentrated bilberry extract or placebo before a glucose-equivalent drink. The extract lowered post-meal blood sugar and insulin, apparently by slowing carbohydrate digestion.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Supplements, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

Monday Sep 8, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- Hoggard et al. at University of Aberdeen in Bucksburn, Aberdeen, UK conducted a study and found a bilberry extract concentrate may be used to help type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

The [study ](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25191571?ref=foodconsumer.org)published in Journal of Nutritional Science showed a concentrated bilberry extract supplement lowered postprandial glycaemia and insulin in volunteers with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Bilberries are rich in polyphenols and studies have already indicated this and some other berries can alter incretins and have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which may also help postpgrandial glycaemia.

In the cross-over study, eight male volunteers with type 2 diabetes mellitus and body mass index of 30 kg/m2 who used diet and lifestyle to control their diabetes were asked to take either 0.47 g standardized bilberry extract with 36% w/w anthocyanins, which is equivalent to 50 grams of fresh bilberries or placebo and then drink a polysaccharide beverage which is equivalent to 75 grams of glucose. Each treatment lasted two weeks with a 2-week washout period between the treatments.

The study also found evidence suggesting bilberry extract lowered glycaemic response likely by reducing rates of carbohydrate digestion and or absorption. Bilberry supplementation did not affect diabetic markers nor the in vivo antioxidant status.

An early [study ](https://www.foodconsumer.org/berries%5Fegcg%5Fselenium%5Falzheimer%5Fs%5Fdisease%5F0105131204/)suggests that eating bilberries may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. (David Liu, PHD)

Hoggard N, Cruickshank M, Moar KM, Bestwick C, Holst JJ, Russell W, Horgan G. A single supplement of a standardized bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract (36 % wet weight anthocyanins) modifies glycaemic response in individuals with type 2 diabetes controlled by diet and lifestyle. J Nutr Sci. 2013 Jul 24