Is Shilajit Good for Diabetes?

Early studies suggest that Shilajit may help regulate blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce oxidative stress—factors closely linked with diabetic complications.

But the question remains: Is Shilajit really good for diabetes and blood sugar control? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind Shilajit, its role in Ayurveda, potential benefits and risks, and how it compares with conventional diabetes treatments.

Diabetes has become one of the most common chronic health conditions worldwide, affecting more than 37 million adults in the United States alone.

The core challenge in diabetes is maintaining stable blood sugar levels, and this has led many people to explore natural remedies alongside conventional treatment. One such ancient remedy that has gained global attention is Shilajit.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether Shilajit deserves a place in your diabetes care routine.

Table of Contents

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is an organic substance that looks like tar and comes from rocks in the Himalayan mountains.

Over thousands of years, plants and minerals slowly decompose and form this rich, sticky resin, which is the purest form of shilajit, but you can’t eat this directly. You have to know first how much shilajit you can eat per day.

Local people near the Himalayan mountains have used it for centuries in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine from India, as a natural energy booster and healing remedy. Shilajit is not only available in the Himalayas but also in the Altai region of Russia.

Composition and Nutrients

Shilajit is packed with 80-plus traceable minerals in their natural form that you should know. The most important compounds are:

Fulvic acid (40–60%)—which helps the body absorb minerals better and supports energy production.
Humic acid (20–40%)—supports the immune system and digestion.
Minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc (5–10%)—vital for blood health, metabolism, and overall balance.

These nutrients work together to support different body functions, from energy production to blood sugar regulation.

Historical Uses

In ancient Ayurveda, Shilajit was called a “destroyer of weakness.” It was used for:

Increasing stamina and strength.
Supporting fertility and vitality.
Helping with recovery from illness.
Improving mental clarity.
Used for anti-aging
Shilajit also helps in weight loss support

How It Is Collected

Shilajit is carefully collected from mountain rocks during warm seasons when it naturally seeps out.

It then goes through purification and testing to make it safe for human use. Pure, high-quality Shilajit is rare and highly valued. You should find fake shilajit with the help of a few tests.

The Science Behind Shilajit’s Effect on Diabetes

Researchers have been studying Shilajit to understand how it may support people with diabetes. Early studies suggest that its unique compounds, especially fulvic acid and minerals, play an important role in managing blood sugar and your metabolism.

1. Improves Insulin Sensitivity

One of the main problems in type 2 diabetes is that the body’s cells stop responding properly to insulin.

Shilajit may help by improving how cells react to insulin, which makes it easier for glucose (sugar) to enter the cells and be used for energy instead of staying in the blood.

2. Supports Pancreatic Health

The pancreas is the organ that produces insulin. Some animal studies show that Shilajit may protect pancreatic cells from damage and support better insulin production. This could help maintain more stable blood sugar levels.

3. Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are closely linked to diabetes complications, such as nerve damage, kidney issues, and heart disease.

The antioxidants in Shilajit, especially fulvic acid, help neutralize harmful free radicals and lower inflammation. This reduces stress on the body and may protect organs from long-term damage.

4. Improves Energy Metabolism

Many people with diabetes struggle with low energy and fatigue. Shilajit helps the body’s cells produce more energy by improving the function of mitochondria. This may help reduce tiredness often linked to high or unstable blood sugar levels.

5. Early Research Results

Although studies are still limited, early results are promising. For example, some research has shown that Shilajit may:

Lower fasting blood glucose levels.
Improve lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides).
Help reduce HbA1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control).

Let’s Know Diabetes Overview

Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how the body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. Normally, the hormone called insulin helps move glucose from the blood into your body’s cells. In diabetes, this process does not work properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.

If not managed well, diabetes can harm important organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

Types of Diabetes

1. Type 1 Diabetes

The body’s immune system attacks the pancreas, so little or no insulin is produced.
Usually develops in children or young adults.
People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections for life.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

The body either does not make enough insulin or the cells do not respond well to it.
The most common type is often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, or being overweight.
It can often be managed with healthy lifestyle changes, oral medicines, and sometimes insulin.

3. Gestational Diabetes

Develops during pregnancy.
It usually goes away after childbirth, but it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.

What are the Common Symptoms of Diabetes

Feeling very thirsty or hungry.
Needing to urinate more often.
Feeling tired or weak.
Blurred vision.
Slow-healing cuts or infections.

Why Control is Important

If blood sugar stays high for a long time, it can lead to:

Nerve damage.
Kidney problems.
Eye issues, even blindness.
Heart disease and stroke.

What is the Ayurvedic view on diabetes?

In Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine from India, diabetes is described as “Madhumeha,” which means “sweet urine.”

This name comes from the fact that high blood sugar often leads to sugar being passed in the urine.

Ayurveda sees diabetes not as a single disease but as a result of an imbalance in the body’s natural forces, known as doshas, such as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. You should take shilajit according to your body’s doshas.

When these doshas are out of balance, the body’s digestion and metabolism become weak, which may lead to diabetes.

Types of Prameha in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic texts describe many forms of diabetes-like conditions (called Prameha).
They are grouped based on dosha imbalance:

Vataja Prameha: Frequent urination, dryness in the mouth, weight loss, and weakness.
Pittaja Prameha: Burning sensation while urinating, yellow or reddish urine, skin irritation.
Kaphaja Prameha: Excess urination, cloudy or thick urine, heaviness, and lethargy.
Madhumeha: The advanced stage where severe symptoms and complications appear.

Ayurvedic Causes and Risk Factors

According to Ayurveda, diabetes may develop due to:

Eating too much sweet, oily, or processed food.
Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle.
High stress levels.
Poor digestion (weak Agni or digestive fire).

Ayurvedic Management Principles

The main aim of Ayurveda in managing diabetes is to restore balance and strengthen digestion (Agni). This includes:

Dietary changes: More bitter and astringent foods, fewer sweets and refined foods.
Herbal remedies: Natural substances like Gudmar (Gymnema), Vijaysar, Neem, and Shilajit are used to support blood sugar balance.
Lifestyle changes: Daily exercise, yoga, stress management, and proper sleep.

Ayurveda focuses on a holistic approach, meaning that diabetes is best managed through a combination of diet, lifestyle, and natural supplements like Shilajit—rather than relying on one single solution.

Shilajit and Diabetes Management

Shilajit has become popular as a natural supplement for people with diabetes because of its wide range of effects on the body. Research studies and traditional use suggest several ways Shilajit may help in blood sugar management.

1. Blood Sugar Regulation

Some studies show that Shilajit can help reduce high blood sugar levels. Its active compounds improve how glucose is used in the body and may support better control of fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels.

2. Improves Insulin Sensitivity

Shilajit helps the body respond better to insulin. This is especially important for people with type 2 diabetes, where the main problem is insulin resistance. Better insulin sensitivity means the body can use glucose more efficiently.

3. Supports Pancreatic Function

The pancreas produces insulin, but in diabetes, it often becomes weak or damaged. Early evidence suggests that Shilajit may help protect pancreatic cells, which could support insulin production and overall hormone balance.

4. Reduces Risk of Complications

Because Shilajit has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it may help lower the risk of common diabetes-related complications such as:

Nerve damage (neuropathy).
Kidney stress.
Cardiovascular problems.

5. Enhances Energy and Reduces Fatigue

Many people with diabetes experience low energy. Shilajit improves how cells produce energy at the mitochondrial level, which may help reduce tiredness and improve overall stamina.

6. Works Best with Holistic Care

Shilajit alone cannot control diabetes. The best results are seen when it is used along with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress reduction, and prescribed medicines.

Also Read: Is Shilajit Good for Gastritis? All You Need to Know

Dosage and Usage of Shilajit for Diabetes

There is no single standard dosage of Shilajit for diabetes, because research is still ongoing. However, both Ayurvedic practice and modern studies give us a general idea of safe and effective use.

Recommended Dosage

Resin (pure form): 300–500 mg per day.
Capsules or tablets: Usually 250–500 mg, once or twice daily.
Powder form: Less common, but similar amounts to resin are used.
Gummies: Use only one gummy per day if it has a 400 mg dosage in one gummy.

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology tested Shilajit supplementation in diabetic rats and found significant improvement in blood sugar levels and antioxidant activity at moderate doses (PMID: 22525477).

Human studies are limited, but most Ayurvedic practitioners recommend starting with 300–500 mg/day under medical supervision.

Best Time to Take

Shilajit works best when taken on an empty stomach in the morning with warm water or milk.
If taking twice a day, the second dose is often recommended in the evening, at least 2 hours after a meal. For gym-goers, the best time to take shilajit is in the morning.

How to Use It Safely

Start with the lowest effective dose.
Always buy from a trusted source to avoid fake or contaminated Shilajit.
Consult your doctor if you are already on diabetes medication, since combining both may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Use it as a supportive therapy, not as a replacement for prescribed medicines.

Combination with Other Herbs

Ayurveda often combines Shilajit with other natural herbs to enhance benefits:

Gymnema Sylvestre (Gudmar) – reduces sugar cravings.
Vijaysar (Indian Kino Tree) – supports blood sugar balance.
Jamun seed powder – helps lower fasting glucose.

Side Effects and Precautions of Shilajit in Diabetes

While Shilajit shows promise as a natural support for diabetes, it is not free from risks. Like any supplement, safety depends on the quality of the product, the dosage, and the health condition of the user. Below is a list of what you need to know before adding Shilajit to your routine.

1. Interaction with Diabetes Medications

Shilajit may enhance the effect of anti-diabetic medicines such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin.
This could lead to hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels) if not monitored.
People already on prescription drugs for diabetes should only use Shilajit under medical supervision.

A clinical trial in Phytotherapy Research (2010) highlighted that combining herbal compounds with standard diabetes drugs sometimes amplified glucose-lowering effects, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (PMID: 20054864).

2. Heavy Metal Contamination Risks

Raw, unprocessed shilajit often contains heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic) and microbial toxins.
Consuming such unpurified Shilajit can damage the liver and kidneys.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has warned against unprocessed or low-quality Shilajit because of these risks.
Always choose lab-tested, purified Shilajit from trusted brands.

3. Digestive Issues

Some users report mild digestive problems, especially when starting Shilajit:

Nausea
Stomach cramps
Loose stools
These usually improve after the body adjusts, but persistent issues may mean the product is impure or the dosage is too high.

4. Not Safe for Certain Groups

Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Safety data are lacking, so it should be avoided.
Children: Not recommended, since no studies confirm safety in younger age groups.
People with gout: Shilajit contains high levels of uric acid and may worsen symptoms.
People with kidney stones or chronic kidney disease: The high mineral content can put an extra load on the kidneys.
Before surgery: Shilajit may affect blood sugar stability and should be stopped at least 2 weeks before any planned surgery.

5. Long-Term Use and Unknowns

Most existing studies on Shilajit and diabetes are short-term (a few weeks to months) and often done in animals.
Long-term safety in humans, especially for daily use over the years, is still not clear.
Until stronger evidence is available, Shilajit should be seen as a complementary therapy, not a mainstay treatment.

Key Precautions Before Using Shilajit

Always check your blood sugar regularly if you are using Shilajit with other diabetes medicines.
Stop use immediately if you notice unusual side effects such as dizziness, extreme fatigue, or swelling.
Buy only purified, third-party-tested products to avoid contamination risks.
Discuss with your doctor before starting, especially if you take other medications or have chronic health conditions.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations

Shilajit can support diabetes management for your body, but it works best when combined with healthy habits. Here are some simple, evidence-based recommendations:

Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, and fiber-rich foods. Avoid refined sugar and processed carbs.
Regular Exercise: At least 30 minutes of walking, cycling, or light strength training five days a week improves insulin sensitivity.
Weight Management: Even small weight loss (5–7% of body weight) can reduce type 2 diabetes risk and improve blood sugar control.
Stress Reduction: Practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Routine Monitoring: Track fasting blood sugar and HbA1c regularly to check progress.

Shilajit vs Conventional Diabetes Treatments

Aspect	Shilajit	Conventional Medicines (e.g., Metformin, Insulin)
Main Action	Supports insulin sensitivity, reduces oxidative stress, and improves energy	Directly lowers blood sugar or increases insulin availability
Scientific Evidence	Limited human studies; more animal and lab research available	Strong, well-established clinical evidence from decades of studies
Onset of Effect	Gradual, usually over weeks to months	Fast and predictable
Side Effects	Possible stomach upset, contamination risk if unpurified, interaction with medicines	May cause nausea, diarrhea, weight changes, or hypoglycemia
Accessibility	Available as a supplement, varies in purity and quality	Widely available, regulated, and prescribed by doctors
Role in Care	Complementary support, not a replacement	Core part of medical treatment

Conclusion

I hope you liked today’s post on “Is Shilajit good for diabetes?” We learned that it may support blood sugar control, boost energy levels, and help reduce oxidative stress.

While the research is promising, studies in humans are still limited. Shilajit should never replace prescribed medicines such as metformin or insulin.

For best results, always choose purified Shilajit and use it as a supportive supplement alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine monitoring. And most importantly, consult your doctor before starting.

FAQ

1. Does Shilajit affect cholesterol in people with diabetes?

Yes, some studies show it may help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and support heart health, which is important for diabetics.

2. Can Shilajit help with diabetes-related fatigue?

Yes, Shilajit boosts cellular energy and may reduce tiredness often linked with high or unstable blood sugar.

3. Is raw Shilajit safe for diabetic patients?

No, raw or unpurified Shilajit can contain heavy metals. Always choose purified, lab-tested products.

4. Can women with diabetes take Shilajit?

Yes, women can take Shilajit, but they should consult their doctor, especially during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

References

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.