|
See the article on Type 2 Diabetes for a quick summary. |
| Natural
Remedy |
What
experts say these natural remedies for type 2 diabetes |
Chromium
|
 (What's this?)
This mineral is shown in many clinical studies to improve blood sugar
levels in those suffering from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
However, in
healthy iniduals, it doesn't seem to affect blood sugar levels.
Chromium is one of the most popular natural remedies for type 2
diabetes treatment.
Dose:
Take at least 400 mcg daily. Dose as high as 1,000 mg daily has been
used in clinical
trials.
|
| Fiber |
Fiber does more than lower high
cholesterol. It also regulates and stabilizes blood
sugar levels and is shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Products such as oat bran, barley, psyllium, vegetables and inulin may
be used as they are high in fiber.
Dose:
Slowly get between 25 to 40 grams of fiber daily from your diet or with
fiber supplements.
|
| Cinnamon |
Lab and animal studies
show that cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels. A recently published well-designed
clinical trial showed that cinnamon effectively lowered blood glucose
level as well as the A1C readings. (The A1C in simple terms gives
you an "averaged" value of your blood sugar levels over 90 days.)
Dose:
Take 1,500 mg to 6,000 mg (1.5 to 6 grams) daily (divide into two times
or three times daily).
|
Bitter Melon
(Momordica charantia) |
Bitter
melon fruit and fruit juice appear to reduce blood sugar levels. A
recent study done in Pakistan involving 25 volunteers showed that this
herb "could be more effective in the management of diabetes and its
related complications as compared to [Avandia]".
This might be one of the many natural remedies for type 2 diabetes worth trying.
Dose:
The study used 55 mL of bitter melon juice daily.
|
Curcumin
(Turmeric) |
It is shown in animal studies that the active ingredient found in turmeric seems to be effective lowering blood sugar levels.
One study done in healthy volunteers showed that taking 6 grams of tumeric extract seem to induce insulin production.
See Turmeric for Diabetes for a specific discussion on this particular use. |
| Vanadium |
Animal
studies show that vanadium can lower blood sugar levels and improve
insulin sensitivity. Some human studies also show that it can improve
insulin sensitivity. However, there are also studies that show that it
didn't help.
Results from recent clinical trials are not
reporting any benefits from using vanadium to control blood sugar
levels
or to increase insulin sensitivity.
Dose:
Typical dose used in clinical trials is 50 mg twice daily.
|
| Vitamin D |
One small study showed that taking 2,000 IU daily of vitamin D improved pancreatic function by 26% after 4 month of use.
See the article Vitamin D for Diabetes to see the results from this research study. |
| Magnesium |
Magnesium lowers blood sugar levels. This mineral is required
for
proper insulin function. Research also shows that up to 38% of diabetic
patients are low in
magnesium levels.
Experts believe that a higher level of magnesium reduce a person's
risk
of getting diabetes and diabetic neuropathy (diabetic nerve problems).
Dose:
Take 200 to 600 mg daily.
|
| Alpha lipoic acid |
Alpha
lipoic acid improves insulin sensitivity and acts as a potent natural
antioxidant.
It will slow down the development of diabetic neuropathy
(nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels) as well as kidney
damage.
Dose:
Take 600 to 1,200 mg daily.
|
Stevia
|
Stevia is a natural sweetener unlike aspartame or sucralose which are
artificial sweeteners.
Clinical trials show that stevia lowers blood sugar levels. South
Americans use this supplement to control diabetes. Click here to get the full
details on this herb.
This
herb is very useful as a no-calorie sugar substitute that is used in
Japan and other countries for decades. It was finally approved for use
and sale
in United State at the beginning of 2009.
Dose: Studies
have used 1,000 mg of
stevioside
taken with the meals.
Note:
Stevia is used as a sugar substitute at lower doses.
|
Fenugreek
|
Fenugeek seems to lower postprandial (after a meal) blood sugar levels
and may increase insulin sensitivity.
Dose:
Take 15 grams of the seeds daily with a meal. Extract:
Take 1 gram daily of the extract.
|
| Vitamin
E |
Population
studies show that low levels of vitamin E increases the chance of
developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is known that vitamin E
enhances insulin function in healthy individuals.
Dose:
Take 900 IU daily. (Lower doses don't seem to show any
benefits for regulating blood sugar levels).
|
| Ginseng |
Research
studies show that ginseng works with conventional anti-diabetic
medications to help lower blood sugar levels. It seem helps the
pancreas produce insulin.
Dose: Take 200 mg once to twice daily.
|
| Coffee or Tea |
A
review of studies relating to drinking coffee or tea for reducing the risk of
diabetes showed a surprising result. For every cup of coffee that a
person drinks, the risk of developing diabetes drops by 7%. Drinking
more than three cups of decaf coffee reduces the risk by 36%. As well,
drinking more than three cups of tea daily reduces diabetic risk by 18%.
Caffeine
wasn't responsible for this benefit as decaf versions also showed
similar benefits. Experts believe that beneficial chemicals such as
magnesium and antioxidants
found in these drinks might be responsible for the health benefits.
Dose:
Drink one to three cups of coffee or tea daily. Choose the decaf
version if you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine or plan on
drinking more than one cup daily.
|
| Gymnema |
Some studies
show that Gymnema sylvestre seems to help boost insulin production both
for those suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Dose:
Take 400 mg once daily.
|
| Milk
Thistle |
In one study, taking this supplement along with standard
prescription
treatments helped to lower blood sugar levels.
|
| Apple Cider Vinegar |
Several
studies show that ACV can lower high blood sugar levels in healthy
subjects. It is suggested by the experts that it would also help those
suffering from diabetes.
|
| Fish
Oil |
Enhances
Insulin Sensitivity
Fish
oil is shown to be helpful in regulating insulin function and may
reduce the risk of complications from diabetes such as nerve and kidney
damage.
Dose:
Take at least 400 mg EPA and 200 mg DHA three times daily or at least
1,000 mg of fish oil.
|
| B-Complex vitamins |
Helpful
The B vitamins are needed to maintain proper functioning of the nerves
and can be helpful as diabetics commonly suffer from nerve damage due
to high
blood sugar levels.
Dose: Take a
B-Complex vitamin daily containing 50 mg of the B vitamins.
|
| Vitamin
C |
Helpful
Studies show that taking vitamin C can help a diabetic control blood
sugar levels better.
Dose:
Take 500 mg daily.
|
