Diabetes (Hyperglycemia):

Helpful Natural Supplements and Treatments

OVERVIEW

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the pancreas fails to release enough insulin to meet the body=s needs. Symptoms include excessive urination, thirst, hunger, and problems with fat and protein metabolism.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes (formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes) usually appears suddenly around puberty, and the pancreas stops producing insulin. Genetics and autoimmune disease are thought to be contributors to its cause. Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes) appears gradually, usually after the age of forty, and the body develops resistance to its insulin. Obesity is the primary cause of type 2 diabetes.

If not treated properly, diabetes can cause many problems, including cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and impotence.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR DIABETES

There are many natural supplements that can help with diabetes. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.

Vitamins & Minerals

Biotin – Biotin is classified as a member of the B-vitamins. Besides helping with diabetes, it may help with brittle nails by increasing thickness. The beneficial bacteria in the large intestine can produce some biotin.

Niacinamide – Niacinamide (B-3) is classified as a B-complex vitamin. It has a protective effect on the islet cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for the production of insulin.

Chromium – Chromium is classified as a trace mineral. It is required for normal glucose metabolism by being an insulin cofactor.

Magnesium – Magnesium is classified as a macromineral. Higher magnesium intake may lower the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Less Helpful: vitamin E, manganese, vanadium.

Other Supplements

Alpha Lipoic Acid – Lipoic acid is a unique antioxidant, being both water‑ and fat‑soluble. It is part of two multi‑enzyme complexes that are essential in the conversion of food into energy. In type 2 diabetes, lipoic acid seems to increase insulin sensitivity.

CoQ10 – Coenzyme Q10 is a necessary link in the electron transport chain, a metabolic pathway that produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP), often called the energy currency of the body. CoQ10 is also a fat‑soluble antioxidant. It may help with blood sugar regulation, along with protecting against some of the risk factors associated with diabetes (e.g., cardiovascular disease).

Glucomannan – Glucomannan (also called konjac) is derived from several species of Amorphophallus, which are related to the philodendron plant. The plants are found in China and Japan, and have a long history of use as both food and medicine. Glucomannan is a soluble fiber that can reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.

Less Helpful: conjugated linoleic acid, quercetin, taurine.

Herbs

Bitter Melon – Bitter melon is a member of the cucumber family, and is related to the Chinese cucumber. It is used as a vegetable in various Asian countries. Its health benefits come from the unripe melon. In people with type 2 diabetes, bitter melon can improve glucose tolerance and reduce blood glucose levels.

Cinnamon – Cassia cinnamon, also called Chinese cinnamon, is native to China, Viet Nam, Laos, and Burma. It contains methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP), which was thought to be responsible for cinnamon=s insulin-potentiating properties. Some researchers now believe that it is polyphenol polymers, called Type-A polymers, that are responsible for cinnamon=s beneficial effects on glucose metabolism. Cinnulin PF is a patented, water extract of Chinese cinnamon for increasing insulin sensitivity.

Fenugreek – Fenugreek is native to the region bounded by southeastern Europe and western Asia. It is cultivated mostly in southern France, Turkey, northern Africa, India, and China. Fenugreek seeds have a taste and odor similar to maple syrup. Added to food, it can reduce the normal increase in blood sugar levels after a meal.

Ginseng (Panax) – Ginseng is native to China (P. ginseng) and North America (P. quinquefolius), and is also cultivated in Japan and Korea. It has a long history of use, especially in China. Asian and American ginseng have very similar properties, but Siberian ginseng belongs to a different genus, and differs in ingredients and properties. For people with type 2 diabetes, ginseng can decrease fasting blood glucose levels.

Gymnema Sylvestre – Gymnema is native to the tropical forests of central and southern India. It has been used in India to treat diabetes for at least two thousand years. When the leaves are chewed, it reduces the tongue=s sensitivity to detect sweetness. For people with diabetes, it can reduce blood sugar levels, partially by reducing intestinal absorption of glucose.

Prickly Pear Cactus – The prickly pear cactus is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Most of the immature plant (flowers, fruit, leaves, stems) has medicinal or food value. For diabetes, the broiled, immature stems are eaten. Some cactus extracts show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A special extract is marketed for reducing symptoms related to excessive alcohol consumption.

Psyllium – Psyllium is native to India and the surrounding countries. The species most often used medicinally is commonly called blond psyllium. The fiber in psyllium is a type of mucilage or gum. This fiber swells with water, adding bulk to the stool. In the stomach, this bulking effect slows gastric emptying, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

Less Helpful: banaba, maitake mushroom, olive leaf.

COMMENTS

For type 1 diabetes, regularly checking insulin levels and frequent insulin injections are recommended. For type 2 diabetes, proper diet, weight loss, and regular exercise, can reverse the disease. Drinking coffee reduces the risk of getting type I diabetes.

References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2005.
Pillepich, JA. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.

For DIABETES, consider these supplements:

A good multivitamin: Age-Less Paks, Osteo Paks, or Wellness Paks

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Biotin

Chromium

CoQ10

Ginseng

GlucoSynergy

Magnesium

The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern.

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