Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin-independent diabetes, is a condition in which the body resists the effects of insulin. This causes an increase in blood sugar, which can have a number of deleterious effects. Although pharmaceuticals usually treat type 2 diabetes, other treatments may be able to lower blood sugar. Patients taking supplements should be aware there is not enough clinical evidence to fully support the effectiveness of these compounds.
Diet
One way in which patients with type 2 diabetes can control their condition is with diet, Medline Plus explains. A proper diet can help keep blood sugar levels low, and also can help patients lose weight. Weight loss is critical for patients with type 2 diabetes because being overweight can exacerbate the symptoms. Losing just a few excess pounds can have a dramatic effect on a patient's blood sugar levels. Patients should attempt to eat a diet that has fewer calories and a steady amount of carbohydrates from one meal to the next. Patients who attempt to control their diabetes through diet also should eat more monounsaturated fats, which are in peanut butter, walnuts and almonds. A good diabetes diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and is low in processed sugars and other foods with a high glycemic index.
Exercise
Exercise also can lower blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Physical activity assists in two ways. Regular exercise helps patients lose excess weight, which is an important part of diabetes management. Also, during aerobic exercise, the muscles take in sugar from the blood, which directly lowers blood sugar levels. Patients should talk to their doctor before starting an exercise program, and then develop an exercise routine based around activities they enjoy. Patients should aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least four days a week. Stretching and strength building exercises also are beneficial.
Supplements
Many patients take supplements to control their type 2 diabetes, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says. Alpha-lipoic acid is a chemical found in potatoes, liver, spinach and broccoli. Some patients take alpha-lipoic acid supplements to lower blood sugar levels, while others use it to try to prevent certain complications of diabetes. Chromium, a trace mineral that the body requires, is another supplement patients take to lower blood glucose levels, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says. Patients also can take polyphenols to try and lower their blood sugar levels, as well as their blood pressure. Polyphenols are a type of chemical found in green tea. As with all supplements, more research needs to be done to see if these treatments can be effective. In all cases, patients should talk with a physician before beginning any supplements, because these medications can have serious side effects and interact with other drugs.
