Question: Please advice on any alternative medicines in the treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Answer: In addition to the Western method of medication for Diabetes including insulin administration, there are different medicines available under various medical system for the treatment of diabetes. Let us outline a summary of these medicines here.
A. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
1. Supplements with Glucose Lowering Effects
a. Chromium
This is found in various foods and supplements, including, liver, brewer's yeast, cheese, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Chromium seems to enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin.
b. Magnesium
Researchers have a strong association between magnesium deficiencies and type 2 diabetes.
People with severe heart disease or kidney disease should not take magnesium supplements.
c. Fiber
High fiber diet may help to:
- Prevent type 2 diabetes
- Control diabetes
- Improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels
d. Vanadium
It is a trace mineral present in several foods. It increases insulin sensitivity for people with type 2 diabetes.
e. Antioxidants
Anioxidants, such as, Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, Biotin (a B-complex vitamin) and Vitamin B6 are known to reduce diabetes and other diabetes induced complications.
2. Supplements with Cardiovascular Effects
These nutrients help prevent / reduce blood lipid levels, high blood pressure or cengestive heart failure.
These antioxidants also improve cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes:
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamin C (1000 mg per day)
- Vitamin E (800 IU per day)
3. Supplements that may reduce Complications of Diabetes
These antioxidant supplements are known to reduce the incidence of diabetic neuropathy:
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Gamma-linolenic acid
B. Herbs
Plant based herbs have been used for the treatment of diabetes for a long time. They include:
1. Biguanides
This is derived from the plant extract guanidine. It lowers blood glucose.
2. Aloe (Aloe vera)
Aloe vera, taken orally, is known to known to reduce type 2 diabetes.
3. Fenugreek seeds
Since fenugreek seeds are high in fiber, they are shown to regulate glucose and improve lipid levels. In studies, it has helped both type 1 and type 2 diabetics.
4. American ginseng
Both Asian and American ginseng lowers blood glucose levels, only American ginseng has been officially put to scientific trials. This is known to help people with type 2 diabetes.
5. Cinnamon
cinnamon is known to benefit type 2 diabetes by lowering fasting glucose levels, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.
6. Other herbs
A few other herbs which help in diabetes control include:
- Onion
- Garlic
- andropraphis
- Green tea
- Indian cluster bean
- Gurmar
- Bitter melon or Karela
- Tinospora gulancha
- Bilberry
C. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a known cure for diabetics with neuropathy complications.
D. Mind / Body Medicine
These medicines help in reducing and controlling stress. Stress increases blood glucose levels and increases the incidence of other ailments like high blood pressure, etc.
1. Yoga
Practice of Indian yogic asanas are known to have beneficial effects in the control of diabetes, lipids, high blood pressure, diabetic neuropathy and other complications.
2. Bio Feedback
This is a technique that increases awareness of and control of the body's response to stress.
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