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Natural Cures for High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can cause medical complications from diabetes and may result in significant disabilities or even death. Natural cures for high blood sugar are those that avoid prescription medications and instead rely on extracts from plants and herbs along with personal behavior changes such as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Natural cures may be as effective as prescription drugs at lowering blood sugar, but they may not be for everyone.

  1. Types

    • According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant found in supplements or in liver, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes; it may help the body use insulin more effectively.

    Types

    • According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, chromium is a mineral used to help with blood sugar control. It is in meat, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, or can be taken as a supplement.

    Types

    • Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats found in fish, fish oil, canola and soybean oil, walnuts, and wheat germ as well as supplements. They protect people with high blood sugar from developing heart disease.

    Types

    • According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, polyphenols are another kind of antioxidant and can be found in green tea and dark chocolate, and they may increase the body's capacity for using insulin.

    Types

    • According to the American Diabetes Association, a healthy diet with limited alcohol and sugar--alongside regular exercise--may be a more effective and natural cure for blood sugar than prescription medications, and this method can be used by anyone without negative medical side effects.

    Potential

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, cardiovascular disease researchers are studying herbs and other supplements including ginko biloba, vanadium, ginseng, garlic, magnesium, aloe vera, and fenugreek to determine if they can help to lower high blood sugar levels.

    Warning

    • Herbs and supplements should be used with a doctor's approval due to the risk of interactions with blood pressure medications. Some supplements may not be labeled with dosage information, and high doses of chromium can cause kidney disease. Some kinds of fish oil may be made from fish high in mercury or other contaminants.

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