Dear Dr. Sears,
Q: What is your view of Gymnema Sylvestre Extract for insulin and blood sugar control along with the Zone Diet?
Thanks,
Don
A:Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that increases insulin secretion similar to sulfonyl urea drugs. Although that insulin increase will reduce blood glucose, it also can tend to burn out the beta cells in the pancreas as do sulfonyl urea drugs. You would be better off following the Zone Diet that stabilizes blood sugar without the need for stimulation of insulin release.