The potential benefits of Aloe vera in preventing or improving type 2 diabetes or prediabetes remain inconclusive due to the varying methodologies and quality of studies on this topic.
In one meta-analysis, people with prediabetes taking Aloe vera showed a significant reduction in fasting glucose (FBG) levels, compared to a control. However, the effect in people with type 2 diabetes was weak and not confirmed by sensitivity analyses. On the other hand, HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) levels were significantly decreased by Aloe vera supplementation in people with type 2 diabetes but not in people with prediabetes.[1] It’s important to note that some studies included participants who were using antihyperglycemic medications (medication to lower blood sugar levels) and/or non-pharmacologic interventions other than aloe, making it challenging to attribute the observed effects solely to Aloe vera.
Another meta-analysis, assessing the effect of supplementation with Aloe vera in people with prediabetes or early non-treated type 2 diabetes who also had overweight or obesity, showed a reduction in both FBG and HbA1c levels compared to a placebo, although there was no effect on insulin levels. Additionally, Aloe vera supplementation led to improvements in lipid profiles, including decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, as well as an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels compared to a placebo.[2] Similar results were observed in another meta-analysis.[3]