Natural Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

Disclaimer: Natural treatments for type 2 diabetes can help regulate blood sugar and help your body respond better to insulin. However, never use these treatments as a substitute for your doctor’s instructions and always consult your doctor before trying any of the ideas below as they could interact with any medication you may be taking.

To understand how various herbs, vitamins and minerals can help manage your type 2 diabetes, you need to understand what is actually going on in your body. In your body, your cells need energy to perform their cell duties. They get this energy from glucose which comes from the starches and sugars that you eat. However, your cells cannot ingest glucose directly. They need a helper.

Enter insulin. Insulin builds a bridge between your cells and the glucose. This allows your cells to “eat.” The problem with type 2 diabetes is that the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. This leaves you with hungry cells that cannot perform to their fullest.

Knowing this, there are many supplements, vitamins and minerals that can help with the production of insulin and the regulation of blood glucose levels.

1) Ginseng

Ginseng is a species of slow-growing plant with fleshy roots. It can be found growing naturally in many of the countries in the northern hemisphere. However it is primarily found in North America and eastern Asia. It is primarily touted for its anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties.

Some research done on Asian ginseng suggests that it may lower blood glucose levels. Other studies performed on North American ginseng show that it may improve blood sugar control and glycosylated hemoglobin (a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time) levels.

We recommend Panax Red Ginseng.

2) Chromium

Chromium known to enhance the action of insulin. A shortage of Chromium inhibits the body’s ability to use glucose requiring the levels of insulin needed to meet energy needs. Studies suggest that 200 to 1000 mcg of chromium daily can improve insulin efficiency and glucose tolerance.

Chromium can be found naturally:

Food	Chromium (mcg)
Broccoli, ½ cup	11
Grape juice, 1 cup	8
English muffin, whole wheat, 1	4
Potatoes, mashed, 1 cup	3
Garlic, dried, 1 teaspoon	3
Basil, dried, 1 tablespoon	2
Beef cubes, 3 ounces	2
Orange juice, 1 cup	2
Turkey breast, 3 ounces	2
Whole wheat bread, 2 slices	2
Red wine, 5 ounces	1-13
Apple, unpeeled, 1 medium	1
Banana, 1 medium	1
Green beans, ½ cup	1

 

However, due to the relatively small amounts found naturally, it is generally much easier to take them in a concentrated form. Chromium can be found here.

3) Magnesium

Magnesium is a naturally occurring element that is used in nearly every major bodily process.

According to the U.S. Government’s Office of Dietary Supplements:

Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dietary magnesium is absorbed in the small intestines. Magnesium is excreted through the kidneys.   Source here. Emphasis added.

Magnesium can be found in most multi-vitamins. It can also be found as a stand-alone supplement – Dyno-Mins Magnesium.

4) Cinnamon

Cinnamon: Good for baking, good in apple cider, good for your diabetes?

Multiple studies have been published on the effects of cinnamon on blood glucose levels and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). In one study participants were given approximately one quarter teaspoon to one teaspoon of cinnamon for 40 days. At the end of the study all groups saw significant reductions in their fasting blood glucose levels, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

For more on the effects of cinnamon see this article on About.com

One of the best sources of cinnamon for diabetics is Enhanced Cinsulin with Glucose Management Proprietary Blend.

5) Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gels is typically used for burns and various other skin conditions. However, recent studies have shown that Aloe Vera can have an effect on blood sugar levels. Scientists have identified certain compounds in the gel that reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

Aloe Vera can be found in a pill form, but is usually only carried by specialty health food and natural supplement stores.

6) Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a group of chemical substances found in plants – most notable are peanuts, pomegranates, beer, olive oil, chocolate, coffee and tea. They are an antioxidant and can help reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Studies suggest that a polyphenol found in green tea may have a positive impact on insulin levels and glucose control. However, small clinical trials have been inconclusive. However, it has been proven that the polyphenols in green tea inhibit amylase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down simple sugars that can travel through the blood stream. Thus helping to control blood sugar levels.

Don’t like to drink green tea? Try Green Tea Extract.

7) Vanadium

Vanadium is a naturally occurring element found in about 65 different minerals. While typically used in steel production, Vanadium has shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It appears to mimic many of the actions of insulin in the body.

The use of this supplement does not come without a warning though as the levels required to be effective can be toxic. As with all supplements, be sure to consult your health care professional before using.

Vanadium can by found in products such as Vanadyl Sulfate.

8) Momordica Charantia

Momordica is a plant that is native to tropical locations in South America, Asia, East Africa and The Caribbean. It can also go by the names of bitter melon, Karela or balsam pear. Ancient Indian practitioners have used the extract of the unripe fruit of the plant to treat conditions such as diabetes, infections and cancer.

Momordica works in much the same way as insulin to reduce blood sugar levels. A study published in the British Biomedical Journal of Science in 2005 “showed that M. charantia extract normalized blood glucose level, reduced triglyceride and LDL levels and increased HDL level. The animals reverted to a diabetic state once the M. charantia extract was discontinued.”

Momordica Charantia can come in a pill or liquid form and is usually only carried by specialty retailers.

And Many More…

This is only a short list of supplements that have been found to be a natural treatment for type 2 diabetes. Stop by your local health food and supplement store sometime. The people working there are usually very knowledgeable and can offer guidance on natural remedies to help improve insulin efficiency and control blood sugar levels.