How might elderberry preparations affect a person managing diabetes who is using insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents?
It could potentially cause blood sugar levels to drop lower than intended.
Preliminary evidence suggests that elderberry preparations possess the capacity to influence blood glucose levels. For individuals who are already managing diabetes through pharmaceutical intervention—whether via insulin injections or oral hypoglycemic agents—introducing a substance that also affects blood sugar requires close management. If elderberry causes a lowering effect on glucose, combining it with prescribed medications could lead to hypoglycemia, meaning blood sugar levels fall excessively low, which is a serious medical event. Therefore, endocrinologists or primary care physicians must be consulted to establish safe boundaries or advise complete avoidance before introducing elderberry into the regimen.
