Plants and natural fruits have been used in Eastern medicine for centuries to help with a multitude of health concerns.
One of these plants is known as the bilberry.
Although it has been used to treat many different types of medical conditions, it is widely known for its ability to help with treating Type 2 diabetes.
A stable of European medicine for almost a thousand years, the bilberry is a perennial shrub which grows to a little over a foot in height.
The leaves of this plant are green with sharp edges.
It is a close relative of the blueberry, cranberry and huckleberry.
In fact, it so closely resembles the American blueberry that is often confused with it because of its similar taste and appearance.
The bilberry has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in:

• treating diarrhea by reducing intestinal inflammation.
  This is made possible due to the presence of tannins which act as an astringent.
  
• an antioxidant in the plant, known as anthocyanosides, actually combats free radicals and help to repair damaged cells.
  
• it has also been used for treating vision problems, such as retinopathy.
  

Bilberry extract actually contains the highest percentage of anthocyanosides.
Bilberry is also full of vitamin C and also helps the circulatory system in many ways.
These benefits include:

• improving circulation,
• lowering plaque buildup and LDL or "bad" cholesterol, and
• strengthening blood vessels,

all areas which can help Type 2diabetics.
Bilberry can be consumed in several different forms.
It is widely found in pill and tablet forms, as well as in juices, but it is said it is best in its natural fruit form as the fruit contains the actual fiber of the plant.
The presence of this fiber allows the body sufficient time to utilize the anthocyanidins and antioxidants which are present.
Consuming it as a juice could rush the effects of the compound and fluctuate blood sugar levels far too rapidly.
The leaves of the bilberry are widely known for their ability to help with controlling the blood sugar.
However, you should never begin taking this supplement without consulting with your doctor first.
This is especially true if you are already taking other forms of medication to lower blood sugar.
Combining bilberry with these medications can unexpectedly lower your blood sugar too low.
Bilberry is often used by Type 2 diabetics who suffer from hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels.
These berries are a natural way of lowering blood sugar without having to introduce another prescription medicine to do so.