Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where there is a problem in insulin production (type 1) or an inability to regulate, maintain and balance the breakdown of blood glucose within the body (type 2). Diabetes affects millions of people around the world. In the U.S., diabetes is primarily treated with drugs and insulin but there are several alternative medicines, such as supplements and herbal medicine, that can complement the treatment regimen and help reduce diabetic symptoms.
Chrominum Supplement
Chromium is important in the body for many biochemical reactions and is found in small amounts. Clinical research has shown positive effects of chromium in influencing the balance and lowering of blood sugar levels. An article published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2002, cited that a study conducted in China on 155 subjects diagnosed with diabetes demonstrated a positive correlation between intake of chromium and reduction in blood sugar and insulin levels. Chromium can be found naturally in foods such as green beans, broccoli, whole grains and nuts. It is available as a supplement in health food stores as chromium picolinate.
Herbal Medication
Various herbs can be useful as alternative medicines to treat diabetes. Studies have shown particular herbs and wild flowers, such as Mai men dong (Ophiopogon) and Nymphaea stellata flower, possess regeneration potential for Islets of Langerhans cell in the pancreas. These cells are important for insulin production and can potentially reverse diabetes symptoms. A specific species of Chinese herb, Tian hua fen (trichosanthis), Chinese wild yam, has shown the ability to reduce high glucose sugar levels in diabetics. (See Reference 2)
Omega-3 fatty acid
Diabetes predisposes individuals to increased risk of various cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes. Research studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids, found commonly in salmon and other sea foods, have beneficial properties to help decrease the risks of heart diseases in patients with diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids are usually derived from fish oils and various seed oils, like borage or flax seed, and are available as supplement tablets or gel capsules from most health food stores. (See Reference 3)
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a fat- and water-soluble antioxidant found in all cells in the body. It functions to metabolize blood sugar glucose into energy. An article published by the University of Maryland Medical Center, entitled "Alpha-lipoic acids," March 2009, cites that clinical studies have demonstrated the ability for ALA to lower the level of blood sugars and can help to reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes. (See Reference 4)
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH; Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Chromium
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry; Partial regeneration of beta-cells in the islets of Langerhans by Nymphayol a sterol isolated from Nymphaea stellata (Willd.) flowers; Subash Babu P et al; April 2009
- Diabetescare; American Diabetes Association; Biological effects of omega-3 fatty acids in diabetes mellitus; MalasanosTH, Stacpoole PW; December 1991
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Alpha Lipoic acid Overview; S. D. Ehrlich; March 2009
