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Alternative Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes

Millions of people will develop Type 2 diabetes in the next decade, according to the American Diabetes Association. Labeled as a lifestyle disease, some studies suggest that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and managed with proper diet and exercise. The alternative, living with Type 2 diabetes, means a lifetime of taking liver-damaging medications and developing additional medical problems caused by diabetes.

  1. Natural Route

    • Diet and exercise can help manage and prevent Type 2 diabetes, according to doctors from both the Mayo Clinic and the American Diabetes Association. You should eat a strict diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables; fresh, lean meats; whole grains; low-fat dairy; and water. At least 30 minutes a day of regular exercise must become part of your life. Alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs are not permitted. Making these lifestyle changes doesn't ensure the reversal of Type 2 diabetes, so it's still important to have annual physicals, monitor your blood sugar daily, and follow doctor recommendations.

    Surgical Route

    • Gastric bypass surgery could improve or resolve Type 2 diabetes, according to doctors at the Mayo Clinic. After undergoing a gastric bypass operation, you are left with no choice but to dramatically alter your diet. Portion sizes are greatly reduced, and the foods you can eat are limited. After surgery, the recommendation is that you never again eat foods such as pasta, white bread and white rice or drink carbonated beverages or alcohol.

    Herbal Route

    • A study done in December 2003 by a Pakistani doctor named Alam Khan claimed that spices like cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, and turmeric can be effective in improving the body's response to insulin and helping metabolize glucose. Khan also found that onions, garlic, Korean ginseng, and flaxseed helped improve the function of blood vessels in people with diabetes. All of these spices and herbs can be taken in capsule form, but before you start taking any herbal products, discuss them with your doctor.

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