Rooibos and Diabetes Awareness Month: Simple daily support with real science

Diabetes affects daily life across the world. About 589 million adults aged 20–79 are living with diabetes in 2024, and projections reach 853 million by 2050. A large number remain undiagnosed, and growth is fastest in Africa and the Middle East (IDF, 2025; WHO, 2024; Duncan et al., 2025). Most cases are type 2, while type 1 is less common and needs insulin therapy (CDC, 2018). In this context, many people ask how rooibos can help. Research links rooibos to better blood sugar balance and heart health markers, mainly for type 2 diabetes, thanks to unique antioxidants like aspalathin (Sasaki et al., 2018; Ajuwon et al., 2018; SARC, 2021).

At home, choosing a clean, steady tea habit makes a difference. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and sugar-free, so it fits everyday routines without affecting energy or sleep (WebMD, 2022; Healthline, 2025). If you want a simple switch, our Organic Rooibos 80-Pack is an easy, family-size pack with a gentle taste that most people enjoy plain.

Is Rooibos Good for Diabetics?

Early lab and animal studies suggest rooibos may help increase glucose uptake in insulin-resistant muscle cells and support better lipid profiles. Reviews describe antioxidant activity that may calm inflammation and aid blood sugar control in at-risk groups, though large human trials are still limited (Sasaki et al., 2018; Ajuwon et al., 2018; Afrifa et al., 2023). This makes rooibos and diabetes a practical pairing as part of a healthy lifestyle, not a cure. If you prefer a ready pantry option, brew 2 to 3 cups of Organic Rooibos daily, unsweetened, and enjoy warm or iced (MedicalNewsToday, 2023).

For cafes, hotels and wellness brands serving health-aware guests, consistent origin quality and formats matter. Carmién offers reliable volumes and formats for private label and foodservice through our global bulk rooibos supply.

Which Tea is Best for a Diabetic Person?

Choose unsweetened teas that do not add calories or caffeine. Rooibos stands out because it is naturally caffeine free and low in tannins, with a mild, slightly sweet taste that does not need sugar. Green (unfermented) rooibos is richer in aspalathin, the compound often linked to glucose support (SARC, 2021; Klipopmekaar, 2013). People often ask whether or not rooibos tea is good for diabetics. Based on current evidence, the answer is: Yes, as a supportive drink alongside medical care. If you want functional options for everyday balance, explore our Rooibos-based Wellness Tea Range made to naturally support overall health

Is Rooibos Good for The Pancreas?

Type 1 diabetes needs insulin replacement, and rooibos does not change that. For type 2 contexts, preclinical work shows rooibos compounds may help tissues handle glucose better and may protect metabolic organs from oxidative stress (Sasaki et al., 2018; Ajuwon et al., 2018). These signals are promising but still developing. Enjoy rooibos as part of everyday care, keep taking prescribed medicines, and choose products you can drink often. A clean daily staple like Organic Rooibos makes consistency simple (Carmién Tea, 2025).

Can I Drink Rooibos Tea if I Have High Blood Pressure?

Yes. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and fits many heart-smart routines. Studies note possible ACE-inhibiting effects and favourable changes in cholesterol markers in small samples, which supports long-term heart health goals (WebMD, 2022; Healthline, 2025). If you also take metformin, ask your clinician about rooibos tea and metformin used together as part of diet and exercise.

Common Questions, Answered Simply

• Does rooibos tea raise blood sugar? No. It contains no sugar.
• Does rooibos tea lower blood sugar? Emerging research suggests modest support for rooibos blood sugar balance over time, mainly with green rooibos, but human trials are still limited (Sasaki et al., 2018; Afrifa et al., 2023; Rooibos Tea Ltd, 2021).
• Does rooibos tea spike insulin? There is no evidence of insulin spikes from plain rooibos.
• Is Rooibos tea good for gestational diabetes? Rooibos is caffeine free and generally well tolerated. If you are pregnant, follow your clinician’s guidance (WHO, 2024).

If you are a retailer or wellness brand, rising global diabetes numbers signal growing demand for clean-label, non-caffeinated choices. Carmién can help you scale assortments with origin consistency and dependable logistics through our global bulk rooibos supply.

For a deeper read, see the Carmién guide to rooibos and diabetes and broader summaries from SARC, Healthline, WebMD and peer-reviewed reviews (Sasaki et al., 2018; Ajuwon et al., 2018; Afrifa et al., 2023; Rooibos Tea Ltd, 2021). Ready to offer rooibos that supports daily wellness? Get in touch with the Carmién team to discuss formats, pricing, and global logistics.

 

References

• Afrifa, D. et al., 2023. The health benefits of rooibos tea in humans: a scoping review. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10774856/ [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• Ajuwon, O.R. et al., 2018. The potential of South African herbal tisanes, Rooibos and Honeybush, in the management of diabetes mellitus. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6321617/ [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• Carmién Tea, 2025. Rooibos and Diabetes: A Naturally Supportive Choice. Available at: https://carmientea.com/rooibos-and-diabetes-a-naturally-supportive-choice/ [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• CDC, 2018. Prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in adults by diabetes type — United States, 2016. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6712a2.htm [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• Duncan, B.B. et al., 2025. IDF Diabetes Atlas 11th edition: global prevalence and projections for 2050. Nephrol Dial Transplant (advance article). Available at: https://academic.oup.com/ndt/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ndt/gfaf177/8242620 [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• Healthline, 2025. Rooibos Tea: Health Benefits and Side Effects. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rooibos-tea-benefits [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• IDF, 2025. Diabetes facts and figures. Available at: https://idf.org/about-diabetes/diabetes-facts-figures/ and https://diabetesatlas.org/ [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• Klipopmekaar, 2013. More scientific evidence for the anti-diabetic potential of Rooibos. Available at: https://www.klipopmekaar.co.za/more-scientific-evidence-for-rooibos-diabetes/ [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• MedicalNewsToday, 2023. Rooibos tea: benefits, nutrition, and how to drink it. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323637 [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• Rooibos Tea Ltd, 2021. Rooibos is the perfect beverage for people with diabetes. Available at: https://www.rooibostea.co.za/post/rooibos-is-the-perfect-beverage-for-people-with-diabetes [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• SARC, 2021. How diabetics can benefit from drinking rooibos. Available at: https://sarooibos.co.za/how-diabetics-benefit-from-rooibos/ [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• Sasaki, M. et al., 2018. A beneficial role of Rooibos in diabetes mellitus. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6017582/ [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• WebMD, 2022. Health benefits of rooibos. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-rooibos [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].
• WHO, 2024. Diabetes: fact sheet. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes [Accessed 12 Nov 2025].