Researchers tested whether activated carbon—a special type of carbon powder—could help people with type 2 diabetes by changing the bacteria in their gut. They compared rats with diabetes to healthy rats and gave them activated carbon along with other plant-based foods. The results showed that activated carbon helped reduce blood sugar levels and inflammation in the body. The study suggests that eating activated carbon might be a simple, natural way to help manage diabetes by improving how the body processes food and reducing harmful substances in the gut.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether activated carbon (a special type of carbon powder) could help control blood sugar and improve gut health in animals with type 2 diabetes
  • Who participated: Two groups of rats: some with type 2 diabetes and some that were healthy. The researchers gave them activated carbon and other plant-based foods to see what would happen
  • Key finding: Activated carbon appeared to lower blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in diabetic rats by changing the types of bacteria living in their gut and improving how their bodies process carbohydrates
  • What it means for you: This research suggests activated carbon might someday help people manage type 2 diabetes naturally, but these are early results from animal studies. More research in humans is needed before doctors could recommend it as a treatment

The Research Details

Scientists conducted an experiment using two types of rats: some that had type 2 diabetes and some that were healthy. They gave both groups activated carbon along with three other plant-based foods (wheatgrass, dandelion, and corn stigma) to see what would happen. They then analyzed the bacteria living in the rats’ guts using special genetic testing and measured the chemicals produced by those bacteria. This allowed them to see exactly how the activated carbon changed the gut bacteria and what effects those changes had on the rats’ bodies.

Understanding how activated carbon affects gut bacteria is important because scientists increasingly believe that the trillions of bacteria living in our digestive system play a huge role in controlling blood sugar and inflammation. By studying the actual bacteria and the chemicals they produce, researchers can understand the real mechanism behind how activated carbon might help with diabetes, rather than just observing that it works

This study was conducted in laboratory animals (rats) rather than humans, which is an important limitation. The researchers used advanced genetic sequencing and chemical analysis to identify bacteria and their products, which are reliable methods. However, results in rats don’t always translate directly to humans, so this should be viewed as early-stage research that suggests activated carbon is worth studying further in human trials

What the Results Show

Activated carbon appeared to be the most effective of the four plant-based substances tested. In diabetic rats, it helped reduce blood sugar levels and decreased inflammation throughout the body. The activated carbon changed which types of bacteria lived in the rats’ guts—it reduced harmful bacteria that produce endotoxins (toxic substances that trigger inflammation) while promoting beneficial bacteria. These beneficial bacteria improved how the rats’ bodies processed carbohydrates and amino acids (building blocks of protein), which are key processes that go wrong in diabetes.

The activated carbon also reduced obesity in rats that were fed a high-fat diet, suggesting it might help with weight management. The other plant-based foods tested (wheatgrass, dandelion, and corn stigma) showed some benefits but were less effective than activated carbon. The study found that activated carbon reduced harmful compounds called lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are produced by certain bacteria and trigger inflammation in the body

This research builds on growing evidence that gut bacteria play an important role in diabetes. Previous studies have suggested that people with diabetes have different gut bacteria than healthy people, but this study goes deeper by showing how a specific substance (activated carbon) can actually change those bacteria in beneficial ways. The findings align with other research showing that natural dietary interventions can influence gut health

This study was performed in rats, not humans, so we cannot be certain the results would be the same in people. The sample size of rats was not clearly specified in the research. The study was relatively short-term, so we don’t know if the benefits would continue over months or years. Additionally, activated carbon is typically used to treat poisoning, and it’s unclear whether the amounts that might help with diabetes would be safe for long-term use in humans

The Bottom Line

Based on this early research, activated carbon shows promise as a potential diabetes management tool, but it is NOT recommended as a replacement for current diabetes medications or treatments. This is preliminary animal research (low to moderate confidence level). Anyone interested in trying activated carbon should first consult their doctor, as it can interfere with medications and nutrient absorption. More human studies are needed before any clinical recommendations can be made

People with type 2 diabetes or those at risk for developing it should be aware of this research as a potential future option. However, this is not yet ready for general use. Healthcare providers and diabetes researchers should pay attention to these findings as they suggest a direction for future human studies. People should NOT start taking activated carbon for diabetes management without medical supervision

If activated carbon eventually proves effective in humans, benefits would likely take several weeks to months to appear, as changing gut bacteria and their effects on metabolism is a gradual process. This is not a quick fix, and realistic expectations would be modest improvements in blood sugar control as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track fasting blood sugar levels (if you have a home glucose monitor) and note any changes in energy levels, thirst, or bathroom habits weekly. Record this data alongside any dietary changes to identify patterns
  • If your doctor approves, you could experiment with adding fiber-rich plant foods (like those mentioned in the study: wheatgrass, dandelion, corn) to your diet, which may have similar effects on gut bacteria. Use the app to log these foods and monitor how you feel
  • Set up a long-term tracking system that monitors blood sugar trends, energy levels, and digestive health over 8-12 weeks. Compare baseline measurements to later measurements to see if dietary changes correlate with improvements. Share this data with your healthcare provider

This research was conducted in laboratory animals and has not been tested in humans. Activated carbon should NOT be used as a diabetes treatment without explicit medical supervision, as it can interfere with medications and nutrient absorption. Anyone considering activated carbon or any new diabetes management approach must consult their healthcare provider first. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always work with your doctor before making changes to your diabetes management plan.