Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Natural Diabetes Treatments?

Anna T.
Anna T.

It may be possible for a diabetic person to use natural diabetes treatments to help control his or her blood sugar levels. Things like chromium, magnesium, and zinc might be beneficial for treating diabetes symptoms when increased amounts are added to the daily diet. There are also certain vitamins and herbs that may additionally help control blood sugar. Natural diabetes treatments should not take the place of doctor-prescribed diabetes medication, although they may be helpful when used in addition to medication. A diabetic person who is considering natural remedies for diabetes should clear all supplements or any other form of treatment with his doctor first.

Chromium, which is a mineral, may be beneficial for controlling the symptoms of diabetes. People with diabetes typically have very low levels of chromium. This mineral can help improve the effectiveness of insulin, which could help lower the blood sugar. Diabetics may benefit from taking a chromium supplement daily. Magnesium is another important mineral for diabetics. It is found naturally in many vegetables, and it could help improve insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. It may also be a good idea for diabetics to get in adequate amounts of zinc every day because it can help with insulin production.

Consuming green tea controls blood sugar levels and may help prevent diabetes from progressing.
Consuming green tea controls blood sugar levels and may help prevent diabetes from progressing.

Vitamins E and C are natural diabetes treatments that many people consider very helpful for controlling diabetes. One possible benefit of vitamin C for diabetics is its ability to prevent sugars from abnormally attaching themselves to proteins inside the body. Studies on vitamin E indicate that it may be helpful for improving insulin resistance, and it could also prevent people who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes from getting it. If these vitamins are lacking in the diet of a diabetic, she can take either daily supplements of them or a multivitamin that contains both.

People with diabetes who modify their treatment regimen should first discuss any changes with their physician.
People with diabetes who modify their treatment regimen should first discuss any changes with their physician.

Many people use herbs as a form of natural diabetes treatment. Some herbs considered beneficial for diabetes are ginseng and holy basil. Ginseng has been extensively studied, and the results so far indicate that it may help lower the blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Holy basil is another herb that may effectively stabilize blood sugar and is considered most beneficial when the blood sugar has risen due to increased amounts of cortisol in the body. Many people produce excess cortisol if they have recently consumed a lot of caffeine, and it can cause weight gain. Both holy basil and ginseng are available in supplement form at most health food and drug stores.

Discussion Comments

discographer

Has anyone tried water therapy for diabetes? My friend told me about this therapy that her husband did. He does not have diabetes but this therapy is supposed to be good for multiple health issues. He basically drank 1.5 liters of water every morning for one week and saw his symptoms disappear.

I can understand that sugar levels might go down when you consume so much water (along with toxins). But can it be maintained? I'm sure that I also have to continue my diet and exercise when I do this.

fify

I just heard about a natural cure for diabetes that I would have never thought of -- okra (some call it lady finger)! I don't like this food at all! The slimy texture is not something I prefer. But I read that it is extremely nutritional, full of fiber, vitamins and minerals and lowers blood sugar.

The articles says to cut the top and bottom of two fresh okras and put them in a glass of water and leave overnight. You are supposed to drink it in the morning on an empty stomach and wait for half an hour before having breakfast. It's supposed to cure or immensely lower blood sugar levels if this is done everyday for at least one month. It won't be tasty but it sounds like it's worth a try. At least its completely natural and won't have any side effects like my diabetes tablets.

ddljohn

My mom has type 2 diabetes and she follows two tips which her doctors have also approved. One is that she has cinnamon in her teas during the day. Cinnamon helps maintain a stable blood sugar and I think also helps produce more insulin in the body.

The second thing she always does is to have yogurt anytime she has fruit or something sweet. Milk and milk products increase blood sugar levels slowly. So when she has fruit, she doesn't want her blood sugar to rise and then fall drastically. You can have a cup of plain yogurt or a small glass of low fat milk will work too.

I'm actually also following these tips even though I don't have diabetes because it runs in the family.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Consuming green tea controls blood sugar levels and may help prevent diabetes from progressing.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Consuming green tea controls blood sugar levels and may help prevent diabetes from progressing.
    • People with diabetes who modify their treatment regimen should first discuss any changes with their physician.
      By: Monkey Business
      People with diabetes who modify their treatment regimen should first discuss any changes with their physician.
    • Regular exercise may be an effective natural remedy for diabetes in the elderly.
      By: stefanolunardi
      Regular exercise may be an effective natural remedy for diabetes in the elderly.