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Natural Treatments for Diabetes Type 1

Type 1 diabetes often originates during childhood or adolescence when the pancreas stops making insulin. Without insulin, the body is unable to control blood glucose. Serious long-term complications can follow as a result, including kidney failure, damage to the eyes and loss of vision, amputations, heart disease and stroke. Type 1 diabetics need to regularly inject insulin before eating in order to control their blood glucose levels. As of 2009, there is no cure for this disease so many people look for natural ways to help treat the condition.

  1. Foods That Help Regulate Blood Sugar

    • Apple cider vinegar may help to control blood sugar levels when taken before eating. Mix two tablespoons and a pinch of salt in a glass of water and drink it before every large meal.

      Alfalfa also is said to lower blood sugar levels, along with containing vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Alfalfa can be taken in capsules or you can sprinkle its seeds (one teaspoon) on your meals.

      Like apple cider vinegar and alfalfa, cinnamon also reduces blood sugar levels. Add cinnamon powder to all the foods you think it goes with. If you drink coffee, adding cinnamon to the coffee pot before brewing your coffee is a good way to add a regular intake of cinnamon to your diet.

      Another helper in regulating blood sugar levels is bitter melon. Java Plum also may contribute to stabilizing blood glucose.

    Whole Foods

    • Whole foods that contain dietary fiber have many benefits, including helping stabilize blood sugar levels. Try to eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

    Eat Right and Know What Goes in Your Body

    • Being careful with your diet and knowing the properties of what you eat is a good defense in living with diabetes. This includes reading labels and understanding how the body processes food. It is necessary for you to know what goes in your body and how your body reacts to it.

    Exercise

    • Diabetes patients need to include exercise as part of their daily ritual, be it outdoor or indoor sports, going for walks or working the Stair Master at home. Exercise naturally reduces blood glucose levels and has obvious benefits in many other areas as well, including reducing weight and improving overall health.

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