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Alternative Medications for Diabetes

Aside from prescription medicines and insulin injections, there are many alternative medicines that provide relief to diabetics. Mineral supplements, herbal treatments, and acupuncture are a few of the alternative treatments that people with diabetes use in their daily routine.

  1. Mineral Supplements

    • There are three main supplements that have been shown to have a positive effect on diabetics: chromium, vanadium and magnesium. Chromium aids with the increase of glucose tolerance so that the insulin action improves. A magnesium supplement can regulate blood sugar and keep it at normal levels. Magnesium assists enzymes with catalyzing chemical reactions in the body. This includes absorbtion and storage of carbohydrates for energy. If magnesium is deficient, glucose tolerance is impaired, and insulin secretion decreases, so magnesium is necessary to prevent insulin resistance in Type II diabetics. Vanadium is beneficial for those with Type I and Type II diabetes. Vanadium transports sugars to the cells so it performs the same duty as insulin. It controls blood sugar levels and promotes sensitivity to insulin in people who have both kinds of diabetes.

    Herbal Treatments

    • There are many herbal treatments available for those with diabetes. Those found to be most effective are of the Chinese variety. One such herb is called ophiopogon. It stimulates cell regeneration in the pancreas and lowers blood sugar. It also regulates the fluid imbalance often experienced by diabetics evidenced by extreme thirst. Trichosanthes is another Chinese herb that also reduces blood sugar in those with diabetes.

    Acupuncture

    • Acupuncture is considered to be an alternative medicine in the Western Hemisphere but is an integral part of health care in China. For diabetics, acupuncture is best utilized during the earliest stages of its development. Special needles are inserted at specific areas of the body that influence organ function. For example, the endocrine system is stimulated, which helps stabilize blood sugar. Treating the pancreas area has helped diabetics become less dependent on insulin. Acupuncture is one of the most popular methods of alternative medicine in the western world. While it is not a cure for diabetes, it can stimulate organ functions that will treat pressure points.

    Warnings

    • Alternative medicines should only be used as complementary methods to traditional medication. Continue to use any medicines prescribed by your doctor along with the alternative aids, but do not use alternative medications as your only source of diabetes treatment.

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