Diabetes is a chronic disorder that hinders a person's ability to produce or use insulin. Since insulin moves sugar out of the blood stream and into the cells where it is needed, diabetics tend to accumulate high amounts of sugars in the blood. If left untreated, this can lead to health problems like heart disease and stroke. While a special diet and medications are often necessary for diabetics, natural supplements can also help to control diabetes.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements for diabetes. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) states that while supplements can be helpful, some can interact with medications or cause blood sugar changes. Your doctor may also provide you with specific recommendations regarding what supplements and doses may be best for you. Once you get the doctor's approval, you can begin taking supplements.
Step 2
Take alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplement, which contains 100mg of ALA. Naturalist physician, Dr. Andrew Weil states on his website that alpha lipoic acid can improve blood sugar uptake and make it easier to move sugars into the cells. Taking ALA may even be able to help prevent nerve damage and neuropathy, which is a common side effect of uncontrolled diabetes.
Step 3
Use a chromium picolinate supplement to control your blood sugar levels more effectively. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine states that chromium is a natural mineral found in foods like meats and whole grains. Taking chromium may help to lower high blood sugar levels, according to NCCAM.
Step 4
Choose a fish oil supplement that contains at least 1g of omega-3 fatty acids. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine states that omega-3 fatty acids don't control blood sugar levels but they can help protect against complications of diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attacks, according to NCCAM. However, they should not be used by anyone on blood thinners.
Step 5
Supplement your diet with a magnesium if you don't get at least 400mg a day in foods like whole grains and nuts. Dr. Weil states that magnesium helps the body to produce the hormone insulin, which transports blood sugars throughout the body to be used. Magnesium glycinate is the best form of magnesium to take, according to Dr. Weil.
Things You'll Need
- Chromium
- Alpha lipoic acid
- Omega-3 fatty acid
- Magnesium
