This topic is part of the reason behind
the split in the support group, but not the whole reason. Some
people believe that natural products are the only treatment for
diabetes and will not take anything else or let a doctor say
otherwise. Yes, from supplements to guided meditation, diabetes
treatment can include traditional medicines, alternative therapies,
and natural remedies.
The National Center for Complementary
and Alternative Medicine (CAM), part of the National Institutes of
Health, defines complementary and alternative medicine as a "group
of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products
that are not presently considered to be part of conventional
medicine." Complementary medicine is used with conventional
treatments, whereas alternative medicine is used instead of
conventional medicine.
Although some may be effective, others
aren't or can even be harmful. If you want to try complementary or
alternative medicine, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons and
what may be a good idea for you.
Acupuncture is a procedure where a
practitioner inserts very thin needles into specific points on your
skin. Some scientists say that acupuncture triggers the release of
the body's natural painkillers. Acupuncture has been shown to offer
relief from chronic pain and is sometimes used by people with
neuropathy, the painful nerve damage that can happen with diabetes.
Biofeedback is a technique that helps
you become more aware of -- and learn to deal with -- your body's
response to pain. This therapy emphasizes relaxation and
stress-reduction techniques.
Guided imagery is a relaxation
technique that some professionals who use biofeedback also practice.
With guided imagery, you'll think of peaceful mental images, such as
ocean waves, or perhaps images of controlling or curing your disease.
People using this technique say these positive images can ease their
condition.
The benefit of taking chromium has
been studied and debated for several years. You need the mineral to
make glucose tolerance factor, which helps insulin work better.
Several studies suggest that chromium supplements may improve
diabetes control, but we don't have enough information to recommend
it to treat diabetes yet.
Several types of plants are referred to
as ginseng, but most studies have used American ginseng. They've
shown some sugar-lowering effects in fasting and after-meal blood
sugar levels, as well as in A1c results (average blood sugar levels
over a 3-month period). But we need larger and more long-term
studies. Researchers also found that the amount of sugar-lowering
compound in ginseng plants varies widely.
Although the relationship between
magnesium and diabetes has been studied for decades, we still don't
fully understand it. Low magnesium may worsen blood sugar control in
type 2 diabetes. Scientists say that it interrupts insulin secretion
in the pancreas and builds insulin resistance in the body's tissues.
And evidence suggests that a magnesium deficiency may contribute to
some diabetes complications. People who get more magnesium in their
diet (by eating whole grains, nuts, and green leafy vegetables) have
a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Vanadium is a compound found in tiny
amounts in plants and animals. Early studies showed that vanadium
normalized blood sugar levels in animals with type 1 and type 2
diabetes. When people with diabetes were given vanadium, they had a
modest increase in insulin sensitivity and were able to lower their
need for insulin. Researchers want to understand how vanadium works
in the body, find potential side effects, and set safe dosages.
Coenzyme Q10, often referred to as
CoQ10 (other names include ubiquinone and ubiquinol), is a
vitamin-like substance that's in meats and seafood. CoQ10 helps
cells make energy and acts as an antioxidant. But it hasn't been
shown to affect blood sugar control.
Most plant foods are rich in fiber,
vitamins, and minerals. People with type 2 diabetes may focus on:
brewer's yeast, buckwheat, broccoli and other related greens,
cinnamon, cloves, coffee, okra, leafy greens, fenugreek seeds, and
sage.
Some studies show that certain plant
foods may help your body fight inflammation and use insulin, a
hormone that controls blood sugar. Cinnamon extracts can improve
sugar metabolism, triggering insulin release, which also boosts
cholesterol metabolism. Clove oil extracts (eugenol) have been found
to help insulin work and to lower glucose, total cholesterol, LDL,
and triglycerides. An unidentified compound in coffee (not caffeine)
may enhance insulin sensitivity and lower the chances of developing
type 2 diabetes.
The scientific evidence thus far
doesn't support the role of garlic, ginger, ginseng, hawthorn, or
nettle for blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
If you're considering eating or using
any plant-based remedies, talk to your doctor first.
Since being overweight and having
diabetes are linked, many people with diabetes turn to natural
alternative therapies that claim to help with weight loss, including:
chitosan, garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid), chromium, pyruvate,
germander, momordica charantia (Chinese bitter melon), sauropus
androgynus (sweet leaf bush), and aristolochic acid
There are also skin patch (transdermal)
systems as well as oral sprays that supposedly curb your appetite and
make it easier to lose weight. (One patch system uses homeopathic
amounts of 29 different compounds to reduce appetite!)
What's the bottom line? Check with
your doctor, because many of these so-called "obesity remedies"
haven't been studied, aren't effective, or just aren't safe.
In 2003, ephedrine -- also known as ma
huang -- became the first herbal stimulant ever banned by the FDA. It
was a popular component of over-the-counter weight loss drugs.
Ephedrine had some benefits, but it could cause far more harm,
especially in high doses: insomnia (difficulty falling and staying
asleep), high blood pressure, glaucoma, and urinary retention. This
herbal supplement has also been associated with numerous cases of
stroke.
Chitosan comes from seashells and can
bind to fat to prevent absorption. Studies thus far haven't been
encouraging for weight loss though.
Germander, Momordica charantia,
Sauropus androgynus, and aristolochic acid have been linked with
liver disease, pulmonary disease, and kidney disease.
A survey of herbal preparations for
obesity found that many had lead or arsenic and other toxic metals.
Some also had other ingredients that weren't included on the label.
And sometimes, the wrong plant was listed.
You should talk to your doctor about
any drugs, herbal products, or alternative and complementary
treatments to make sure they're not going to interfere with your
treatment or cause other problems.
Beware of claims that seem too good to
be true. Look for scientific-based sources of information. The
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse collects resource
information for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Reference Collection, a service of the
National Institutes of Health. To learn more about alternative
therapies for diabetes treatment, contact the National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clearinghouse.
Select brands of natural products
carefully -- "natural" doesn't automatically mean it's good
for you. Avoid products made with more than one herb. Read labels:
Look for the herb's common and scientific name, the name and address
of the manufacturer, a batch and lot number, expiration date, dosage
guidelines, and potential side effects.
Stop taking the product and call your
doctor right away if you:
- Feel queasy or throw up
- Have a fast heartbeat
- Feel more anxious, worried, or unsettled than usual
- Can't sleep
- Get diarrhea
- Get skin rashes
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