Health for life

Whether you are checking your blood sugar levels at home or shopping for fiber-rich foods at the grocery store, having type 2 diabetes requires a high level of self-management.

Doctors recommend patients with diabetes stick to a diet of 40-60 percent carbohydrates, 20 percent protein and 30 percent of less fat. Losing any amount of weight can improve overall glycemic control.

Part of your self-management plan may include finding natural alternatives to maintain safe blood sugar levels.

Clinical studies reveal Complimentary and Alternatives Medications (CAM) do exist with varying degrees of safety and effectiveness. A group of doctors has prepared a "Systematic Review of Herbs and Supplements for Glycemic Control in Diabetes" for the medical journal Diabetes Care.

Herbal Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes

Also Read : Home Remedies For Diabetes
There are several CAM-qualified items:

Coccinia indica for Diabetes Type 2

East Indian healing medication that possesses insulin mimetic properties.

American Ginseng for type 2 diabetes 

Panex Quiquefolius, an herb root that can decrease fasting blood glucose and HbA1C.

Momordica charantia as a natural remedy for type 2 diabetes—Balsam pear that may increase insulin secretion, tissue glucose uptake, liver muscle glycogen synthesis, glucose oxidation and decrease hepatic glucogenesis. 

L-caritine for type 2 diabetes 

An amino acid that affects insulin sensitivity, and may enhance glucose uptake and storage.

Gymnema sylvestre- Indian plant that may improve glycemic control.

Aloe vera –Juice made from aloe gel may decrease fasting blood glucose and HbA1C.

Vanadium- Mineral that acts as an insulin mimetic.

Chromium and cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity.

Acupuncture is another alternative remedy for type 2 diabetes : It can act on the pancreas to enhance insulin synthesis.

Hydrotherapy- Regular hot tub use helps increase the blood flow to the skeletal muscles. 

The American Diabetes Association encourages CAM users to report positive or adverse reactions to these treatments. Further trials measuring efficacy are necessary. 

Most type 2 diabetes patients require oral medication in addition to CAM, diet restrictions and exercise. Talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you.

Oral medications reduce blood sugar, and some provide weight loss benefits. Most are associated with mild side effects that decrease after a few weeks of use.

Also Read : Diet and Food Tips for Diabetes

Biguanides block the liver from making sugar. They may lower cholesterol and have enabled users to lose up to 10 pounds.

Sulfonylureas stimulate cells in the pancreas to release more insulin. They may cause heart problems, low blood sugar and weight gain. This is amongst effective natural remedies for diabetes type two.

Thiazolidinediones for type 2 diabetes: 

It helps insulin work better in the muscle and fat and reduce glucose production in the liver. They may cause weight gain. One thiazolidinedione, Actos (pioglitazone), can have severe side effects, such as impaired vision, bone weakness, heart problems and bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer involves painful tests, surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Symptoms of bladder cancer are blood in the urine, increased need to urinate and discomfort while urinating. Thousands of actos users who have developed bladder cancer have filed an actos lawsuit.

Meglitinides stimulate cells in the pancreas to release more insulin. They may cause low blood sugar.  Mixing with alcohol can cause vomiting, flushing or sickness.

Alpha-Glucosidase inhibitors delay the breakdown of polysaccharides. They may cause gas and diarrhea.

Before adding CAM to your treatment, talk to your doctor to see whether any oral diabetes medications you may be already taking will interact with herbs, vitamins or therapy for type two diabetes. Dont start or stop a medication without talking to your doctor first.