Type 2 Diabetes - Facts and a
Compreheisve Review of Natural
Remedies to Treat this Health Condition
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Find out the early signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Discover natural remedies that can help with controlling blood sugar levels. |  |
Introduction
Diabetes is a condition when the pancreas is no longer able to make enough of the hormone insulin. The body needs insulin to allow sugar in the blood to get into the cells for use as energy. Without sufficient insulin, the sugar stays in the blood and causes high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).Facts and Frequently Asked Questions about type 2 diabetes
What are the types
of diabetes?
What are some early signs and symptoms of diabetes?
What causes type 2 diabetes?
What are some risk factors?
Myths about diabetes
What type of damage does diabetes cause?
Type 2 Diabetes - Which diets should I consider?
What are some early signs and symptoms of diabetes?
What causes type 2 diabetes?
What are some risk factors?
Myths about diabetes
What type of damage does diabetes cause?
Type 2 Diabetes - Which diets should I consider?
Video - What does diabetes do?
Natural Remedies for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
| Natural Remedy | What experts say about them |
| 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 individuals, it doesn't seem to affect blood sugar levels. 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 HbA1C readings. (The HbA1C in simple terms gives you an "averaged" value of your blood sugar levels over about 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). |
| 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. |
| 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 by the Japanese 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. |
| 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]". Dose: The study used 55 mL of bitter melon juice daily. |
| Coffee or Tea | A review of studies relating to drinking coffee or tea to the risk of diabetes showed a surprising result. For evvery 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 |  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 E | Helpful 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). |
| Vitamin C | Helpful Studies show that taking vitamin C can help a diabetic control blood sugar levels better. Dose: Take 500 mg daily. |
Frequently Asked Questions & Facts
What
are the types of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes
- Also known as juvenile onset diabetes, this is commonly starts in
children. Children who develop it get it very fast, sometime
overnight. Type 1 diabetic's pancreas produces no insulin and requires
daily insulin injections.
Type 2 diabetes - This is the most common type and accounts for about 90% of the population with diabetes. It is a milder form and can take years to show up.
In this group of diabetics, their insulin production is reduced or that the insulin is not as sensitive (insulin resistance). The pancreas can't make enough to cope with the carbohydrates found in a meal. Because of this, the sugar level spikes and stays higher much longer. In some people, their sugar levels stays high even throughout the night when they are sleeping and may not even come down to an acceptable level.
This condition may also be referred to as impaired glucose tolerance. Diet, exercise and oral prescription anti-diabetic medications are used to control their blood sugar levels. In time, as the disease progresses, many people will eventually need to go on insulin shots.
Gestational Diabetes - This is a type of diabetes that develops in women who are pregnant. Usually, the diabetes disappears after delivery of the baby. As during pregnancy, oral anti-diabetic medications can not be used, diet, exercise and insulin injections are used to manage this condition.
Type 2 diabetes - This is the most common type and accounts for about 90% of the population with diabetes. It is a milder form and can take years to show up.
In this group of diabetics, their insulin production is reduced or that the insulin is not as sensitive (insulin resistance). The pancreas can't make enough to cope with the carbohydrates found in a meal. Because of this, the sugar level spikes and stays higher much longer. In some people, their sugar levels stays high even throughout the night when they are sleeping and may not even come down to an acceptable level.
This condition may also be referred to as impaired glucose tolerance. Diet, exercise and oral prescription anti-diabetic medications are used to control their blood sugar levels. In time, as the disease progresses, many people will eventually need to go on insulin shots.
Gestational Diabetes - This is a type of diabetes that develops in women who are pregnant. Usually, the diabetes disappears after delivery of the baby. As during pregnancy, oral anti-diabetic medications can not be used, diet, exercise and insulin injections are used to manage this condition.
Women who
suffer from gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of getting type 2
diabetes later on.
What are some early signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
It
is important to recognize the early signs and symptoms of diabetes.
Most people discover that they suffer from diabetes because of the
symptoms. Early treatment will help prevent the
permanent damage that diabetes causes.
Early warning signs and symptoms include:
Early warning signs and symptoms include:
- Excessive urination
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive hunger
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Recurring vaginal yeast infection
- Impotence
- Irritability
- Wounds that don't heal in a timely fashion
What causes type 2 diabetes?
No
one knows exactly what causes diabetes but there are very strong
evidence that it is a combination of genetic factors and environmental
conditions. There is a gene found that seems to be present in those
people more likely to develop diabetes.
Suspected and known causes include:
Suspected and known causes include:
- Heredity
- Poor diet (type 2 diabetes)
- Obesity / Overweight
- Autoimmune reaction (type 1 diabetes)
- Chronic stress and production of excessive stress hormones
- Nutritional deficiency such as vitamin D, vitamin E and zinc.
What are some risk factors for type 2 diabetes?
There are known risk factors that increase a person's chance of getting type 2 diabetes. They include the following:-
Obesity (over 20% above their ideal body weight)
-
A relative with diabetes
-
Suffered from gestational diabetes
- High cholesterol
-
Gave birth to a baby heavier than 4 kg (9 lb)
- Lack of physical activities (exercise)
-
Age - As you get older, especially after 45, you are likely to develop type 2 diabetes
-
Belong to an ethnic group known to have a higher risk of diabetes (such as Blacks, Hispanic, Native American or African Americans)
Myths about diabetes
As reported from the American Diabetes Association, the following commonly held beliefs are all false.-
Diabetes is not a serious disease
-
Overweight or obese people will get type 2 diabetes
-
Diabetics need to have a special diet
-
Since fruits are healthy, you can eat as much as you want
-
Eating too much sugar will cause diabetes
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If you are a diabetic, you'll need to eat only small amounts of starchy foods (for example bread, pasta and potatoes)
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Diabetics can't eat sweets or sugary candies
-
You are more likely to catch a cold or flu if you suffer from diabetes
-
If you eventually have to use insulin, that means that you didn't take care of your diabetes
What type of damage does type 2 diabetes cause?
High blood sugar levels damages two main group of organs in our body. It damages nerves and blood vessels.If left untreated, a diabetic person will eventually suffer from the following serious conditions.
| Blood Vessel Damage |
Nerve Damage (neuropathy) |
| Stroke | Lack of sensation in hands and feet |
| Heart attack | Burning, tingling or painful sensations in you fingers or toes |
| Angina | Hearing problems |
| Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) | Nausea, vomiting, constipation from nerve damage in the digestive system |
| Impotence (reduced blood flow) | Impotence (loss of sensation) |
| Kidney failure (nephropathy) leading to a need for a kidney transplant | |
| Increased risk of infections (bacterial, fungus or yeast) | |
| Poor wound healing | |
| Amputation of limbs | |
| Loss of vision, cataracts or glaucoma | |
| Osteoporosis | |
| Alzheimer's disease or dementia |
Type 2 Diabetes - Which diets should I consider?
Foods to eat more of...-
Cinnamon. Add cinnamon to your cereals, oatmeals or shakes.
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Increase the amount of fiber you take daily.
-
Consider eating foods that have a low-glycemic index such as whole grains (whole wheat, brown rice and oats. Glycemic index is a measure of how fast blood sugar level to go up after eating certain food. (Sugar is the worst and has the highest glycemic index.)
-
Cut back on sugar or sugary foods. If you need to sweeten foods, tea or coffee, consider using stevia as a natural sweetener.
-
Avoid drinking alcohol or limit it to a glass a day
- Avoid foods that have a high glycemic index. These would include sugar found in candies and soda pop, white rice, potatoes and refined cereals.
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