An interesting question was posed recently: Does Turkey Tail Mushrooms Llower Blood Glucose and is it safe for a dog with diabetes?
Doc Rob of Real Mushrooms says all mushrooms contain constituents such as polysaccharides and terpenoids that help the body regulate blood sugar and insulin.
Here is a paragraph from a review paper about the anti-diabetic effect of mushroom polysaccharides and terpenes on blood sugar regulation:
“Over many centuries mushrooms and their bioactive compounds have been used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially polysaccharides and terpenoids derived from various mushroom species. This review summarizes the effects of these main mushroom secondary metabolites on diabetes and underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for lowering blood glucose. In vivo and in vitro data revealed that treatment with mushroom polysaccharides displayed an anti-hyperglycemic effect by inhibiting glucose absorption efficacy, enhancing pancreatic β-cell mass, and increasing insulin-signaling pathways. Mushroom terpenoids act as inhibitors of α-glucosidase and as insulin sensitizers through activation of PPAR in order to reduce hyperglycemia in animal models of diabetes. In conclusion, mushroom polysaccharides and terpenoids can effectively ameliorate hyperglycemia by various mechanisms and can be used as supportive candidates for prevention and control of diabetes in the future.”
Citation: Aramabašić Jovanović, J.; Mihailović, M.; Uskoković, A.; Grdović, N.; Dinić, S.; Vidaković, M. The Effects of Major Mushroom Bioactive Compounds on Mechanisms That Control Blood Glucose Level. J. Fungi 2021, 7, 58.