A powerful antioxidant that helps to promote circulation in the eyes. Bilberry was proven in WWII to improve night vision in soldiers.

Antioxidants in general can slow the tissue deterioration commonly associated with aging. This can be very helpful for diabetics because of the compounding of age with diabetes.

Studies on diabetic dogs have also indicated benefits in reducing blood sugar levels. There are multiple sources which list bilberry as a potential treatment for diabetes, though information on dosage, use, and potential effectiveness is not easy to find.

Bilberry contains components that help with kidney function, and can reduce the potential for opportunistic Urinary Tract infections in people who are prone to them. Since diabetes reduces immune function over time, and since the kidneys are prone to deterioration from diabetes, bilberry supplements are potentially very useful to encourage maximum retention of kidney function, or to help preserve kidneys that have already been damaged.

Bilberry is in the same category of herbs as cranberry and blueberry, with antioxidant effects, and kidney benefits. Some people recommend using the berries, some recommend use of the leaves.