Natural Medication for Diabetes

Are there any natural medications for diabetes?

There are current treatments using natural herbs and other natural substances which in studies improve the capability to metabolize glucose, prevent or help with complications and assure proper nutrition. Although there are no natural substances which are recognized by traditional medicine there are many natural substances which have been used for generations in mostly rural parts of the world to control the symptoms of diabetes.

These natural medications include:

Chromium

This is a trace mineral which plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It is believed that it helps cells in the body appropriately react to insulin. Some research has found chromium is very low levels in diabetics. The results of other studies have also suggested that chromium does play a role in controlling diabetes.

Ginseng

There are several types of ginseng depending on which part of the world you live in. Studies in North America have used the North American ginseng. These studies have shown improvements in blood glucose level control as well as glycosylated hemoglobin levels. In one study with Type-2 diabetics ginseng was combined with pectin and noted a reduction in blood glucose levels. In another study in Toronto Canada, Korean red ginseng was used and it reported improved insulin sensitivity when compared with a placebo.

Cinnamon

A couple of research studies have found cinnamon effective in improving blood glucose control in those persons with Type-2 diabetes. In one study, 79 diabetics with Type-2 diabetes took either a cinnamon extract or a placebo capsule 3 times daily. After 4 months, there was a slight but yet a statistically significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in those who took the cinnamon.

Magnesium

This is a mineral found naturally in foods including green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains as well as nutritional supplements. Magnesium it thought to help normalize blood glucose levels and is required for regular muscle and nerve function as well as control of blood pressure. Some studies have suggested that low magnesium levels might worsen blood glucose control in Type-2 diabetes. There is also some research with shows that magnesium in supplemental forms might aid with insulin resistance.

Aloe Vera Gel

Normally used for minor burns and other skin problems, a recent Japanese study evaluated the effects of aloe vera gel on blood sugar. Researchers did find an active phytosterol compounds from the gel which were found to reduce blood glucose as well as glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

Gymnema

There have been several preliminary studies which have shown that the herb gymnema can lower blood sugar levels in those with Type-2 diabetes. Because gymnema may lower blood glucose levels, those taking medications for diabetes or use insulin should not take gymnema unless monitored by their primary physician.

Vanadium

This is another trace mineral found naturally in many foods. Vanadium has been studied and believed to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose in people with Type-2 diabetes.

Zinc

This mineral plays a role in storage and production of insulin. There is research which shows that diabetics with Type-2 diabetes have below normal zinc status because of increased excretion in urine as well as decreased absorption. Sources of zinc can be found in such foods including ginger root, pecans, lamb, fresh oysters, egg yolk, and several other food products.

No natural or herbal substance should be used by anyone on medications or insulin therapy for diabetes as there can be severe reactions. If you feel the need to try any of these substances you should only do so under the management and monitoring of your primary physician.