Natural Medication for Diabetes

Visits to the doctor and prescription drugs are expensive, so many people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes seek out natural treatments that are both inexpensive and easy to use at home.

• Cinnamon, among other natural options, may be beneficial for diabetics.

Blood Sugar Control

• Some natural medications directly lower high blood sugar levels. Dr. Catherine Champagne of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center reported that nearly all subjects of her study who consumed 2 to 6 grams of cinnamon per day showed substantial improvement. Some forms of cinnamon, however, can cause side effects such as blood thinning if taken for long periods.

Improve Insulin Resistance

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, high blood glucose levels in diabetics are due to the body's inability to properly use glucose and chromium, magnesium and a diet high in fiber may help improve insulin resistance.

Blood Pressure

• A major complication of diabetes is high blood pressure, and some natural medications show promise in combating it. Garlic is used to treat both high blood pressure and diabetes, according to Dr. Heli Roy and Shanna Lundy of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Avoiding Sugar

• Sugar and refined carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to rise. A complete diabetes treatment regime involves avoiding them whenever possible. According to New Mexico State University, natural noncaloric sweeteners, such as stevia, allow people to enjoy sweet things without the sugar.

Health Complications

• Dr. Champagne notes that many herbal remedies for diabetes have not been studies in clinical trials. This means that their safety and efficacy in the treatment of diabetes has not been proven.