Type 1 diabetes is when the production of insulin decreases or is absent. It is an autoimmune disorder usually caused by genetics, chemical secretions, or other factors which are out of a person’s control. However, it can be managed through effective natural therapies, diet and exercise. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand can not only be managed but also prevented through natural remedies that help control blood sugar.
Supplements and herbs for the treatment of diabetes
There are some herbs that are thought to help in the control and treatment of diabetes. Bitter gourd, grown in India, contains plant insulin and if it is taken on an empty stomach, can be effective for diabetes treatment. Coccinia indica, also known as the ‘ivy gourd’ has been found to contain insulin-mimetic properties. Further testing is being done to prove its effectiveness in the treatment of diabetes. Research is also being done into bauhinia forficate, grown in South America is used in a Brazilian herbal remedy and also contains ‘vegetable insulin.’
Aloe vera is grown in arid soil and often used as a skin lotion and for treating burns. Dried aloe vera sap and gel may be able to lower fasting blood glucose levels as well as HbA1c.Natural supplements of magnesium could improve insulin sensitivity. Chromium, found in whole grains, mushrooms, corn oil and brewers yeast has also proved effective. The correct doses of vitamin A and B have helped in managing insulin and the treatment of diabetes. However these have to be taken with care as they could interfere with the absorption of insulin by the cells.
Diet
The first step, however, in the control and treatment of diabetes [http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Diabetes.html] should always be through diet. Refined sugar, sweets and other sweet food or drinks, fats like butter and hydrogenated vegetable oil should be avoided, along with many processed foods. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided completely, if possible, though an occasional drink is not out of the question.
Salt should be reduced along with red meat and other foods that are full of saturated fats. Whole grains and fresh fruits should be added along with raw vegetables, sprouts, fish and other foods rich in antioxidants. Trans-fats and saturated fats should be replaced with monounsaturated fats like peanut, canola and olive oil.
Other foods that help are cinnamon sticks eaten naturally or in tea and fenugreek seeds soaked in water. The Indian gooseberry and margosa or neem extracts (azadirachta indica – a subtropical tree) have all proved useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes [http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Diabetes.html]. Garlic has been tested and found to be useful in limited studies. It offers antioxidant properties and micro-circulatory effects and could help reduce blood glucose, increase insulin secretion, and slow its degradation.
Exercise
Walking, any sport, jogging and swimming are particularly helpful. Specific yoga postures help in stretching and relaxing the body along with helping the mind to handle any stress.