Herbal Supplements for Diabetes

Diabetes is a pervasive, chronic disease that affects more than 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, which is more than 7.8 percent of the population, according to the American Diabetes Association. With more than 1.6 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed each year in people over the age of 20, it is crucial to consider all available treatment plans. Consult with your physician before embarking on any alternative or herbal program if you have diabetes.

Considerations

• While herbal treatments can help ease the symptoms of diabetes and regulate blood sugar to an extent, they should not be considered substitutes for a comprehensive program developed by a physician to treat your diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious diseases that require a doctor's care.
  Herbs are not alternatives to fundamental changes in diet and lifestyle that are needed to control your diabetes. Eat correctly, control your weight, exercise, and use herbs as a complementary option.
  Take a daily multivitamin to address and correct any nutritional deficiencies and take 200 micrograms of chromium daily. Add this trace mineral to lower fasting blood sugar levels, boost glucose tolerance and lower insulin levels in the body. Be sure to have your doctor monitor your blood-sugar levels.

Options

• Bitter melon juice works on many levels to control diabetes and its associated complications. Bitter melon increases activity of the insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas known as beta cells. It is believed to regulate blood-sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose. Drink two ounces of bitter melon juice twice a day. Make the juice by running the fruit through a juicer, and add a small amount of water to thin it out slightly. It can be taken indefinitely. An added benefit of bitter melon is that it may reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition caused by damage to blood vessels of the retina.
  An herb called gymnema sylvestre or gurmar, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for diabetes. It enhances the production of insulin by boosting the regeneration of beta cells in the pancreas. It has the added benefit of blocking sugar taste, making the taste of sugar unpleasant. Take 400 milligrams in capsule form twice a day. Look for this herb in health food stores. This herb is safe to use on a regular basis.
  Ground flaxseed can be a useful tool when treating diabetes. Eat two tablespoons daily to improve your body's ability to metabolize blood sugar. Combine it with blended drinks, oatmeal or baked goods on a regular basis.
  While herbal treatments can help with some of the symptoms of diabetes, it is imperative that you contact your doctor for an ongoing treatment plan. Work closely with your doctor when making changes to your diet, exercise or nutritional or herbal supplement program.