Alternative Treatment for Diabetes

What are some alternative treatments for diabetes? First, we need to define what the meaning of “alternative” in this case means.

Any treatment which is not on the records in standard Western medical practices is commonly referred to as alternative or complementary medicine. Alternative treatments cover a vast variety of different and unique disciplines. These include everything from diet and exercise, to changing bad health habits to herbal remedies. Some examples include:

• Chiropractic treatments
• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Hypnosis
• Aromatherapy
• Herbal remedies
• Relaxation techniques
• Massage therapy

Currently there are a number of substances which are used in the treatment of diabetes. They include:

Magnesium – This substance has been used as a form of treatment which does improve glucose level in those with diabetes. A lack of magnesium has been believed for years to be connected to insulin secretions.
Chromium – There are therapies in which chromium does seem to improve control of diabetes. But currently there is no recommendation for its use in diabetes management.
Vanadium – comes from plants and has been studied as a therapy for diabetes but currently there is no recommendation for use in diabetes management.
Cinnamon – Some studies have shown that cinnamon does improve blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes however the studies have only shown a very slight improvement

There are several plant foods that have shown to be helpful with those who have Type 2 diabetes. These include:

• Brewer’s yeast
• Broccoli and other related greens
• Buckwheat
• Sage
• Peas
• Okra
• Fenugreek seeds

Because diabetes and weight have been shown to be connected, many diabetics have gone to alternative methods which claim to help with weight management. These include:

• Camsogia Garcinia (hydroxycitric acid)
• Chromium
• Chitosan
• Pyruvate
• Momordica charanta
• Aristolochic acie

Some diabetics have even gone as far as to opt for weight loss surgery in order to help with weight management. There are also sprays that claim to curb appetite when sprayed into the mouth before meals.

Many herbs are currently being studied as help with diabetic symptoms or complications. Many rural cultures have used some of these herbs for generations as a way to manage symptoms of diabetes as well as being able to control glucose levels. Currently none of the herbs have been added to the list of alternative substances which have proved to be helpful for the treatment of diabetes. Since herbs can interfere with any medications or other therapies which your doctor may have you on, it is vitally important to talk to your doctor before beginning any herbal substances.

Relieving stress has come to be recognized as a help or supplement therapy for many diseases including diabetes. It is believed by many that the stress of today’s fast paced world contributes enormously to many of our diseases which currently seem to be in epidemic proportions. Biofeedback and guided imagery are too methods which many people are turning to for stress management.

Many of these alternative treatments have been used for years to help with any problems or complications of diabetes and many may have some merit. But none have been accepted into traditional Western medicine. One should be very cautious when seeking help from any of these therapy supplements.