I have recently been online with a view to finding natural alternatives for controlling my diabetes. A number of ads I saw offer “cures” for diabetes, but when I went on the sites they wanted to sell me some supplement or other with no documented facts that show their product works at all. This is kinda like the old time “snake-oil” salesman to my way of thinking.
For me, unless there are actual studies showing some improvement for the diabetic patient, I won’t even talk to my doctor about it.And please! Never take any form of treatment, natural or otherwise, without being under the supervision of a qualified professional. And I do mean your doctor. Many natural aids to the diabetic person are researched, but can pose a threat if taken in too large a dose, or in conjunction with other supplements and/or prescription drugs.
Also, please do your own research on anything you consider taking. The internet has made it easy for a person to access studies in relation to many health issues, and diabetes is no different. Many of the studies’ findings are worded in ways that most can understand, especially those with diabetes who are familiar with terms associated with the disease. Some, though, I found to be far over my head. They were written in very scientific terms and annotations.
Amongst the herbs, spices, minerals (trace and others the body needs to function properly), enzymes, and elements I viewed that have been studied in view of their effects on diabetes are:
• Ginseng• Cinnamon
• Zinc
• Aloe vera gel
• Jambolan - belonging to a species of cloves
• Bitter melon extract
• Chromium
• Magnesium
• Zinc
I am sure there are many I haven’t read about yet as well. There are also numerous natural aids that I have not as yet looked for studies for. Amongst these are :
• Indian Kino/Malabar Kino
• Blueberry leave
• Gingko Biloba
• Stevia - I have read this is unproven, but still good as it is an alternate sweetener
• Gymnema Sylvester
• Fenugreek
• Mango leaves
There are traditional cures/treatments said to be useful for diabetes too, and though I find these very interesting, I still opt for the ones that have been studied and have proven to have some positive effect.
The cost of supplements, no matter what medical plan you are under, will come out of your own pocket. I don’t know about you, but I have no extra money for something that is not proven to be beneficial to my diabetes. “Snake-oil” salesmen beware, there's no easy sale here.
I know many believe that, even if a cure for diabetes is found, there is too much money involved in the sale of diabetic supplies and medications for the pharmaceutical companies to allow it to come to light. This could be true. But why take something that is only said to work, without any documentation to back it up? To me this is just foolish, but that is only my opinion on the subject. It’s your health and you must make your own decisions regarding it. Please make them “informed” decisions between you and your health care professionals.
