According to the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, diabetes is a disease resulting from the inability of the pancreas gland to produce sufficient insulin or from the failure of the body's cells to respond properly to insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a very serious illness that must be treated. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, a healthy diet, physical activity and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels are all part of the treatment for diabetes. NCCAM has financed studies to determine what effects chromium and other dietary supplements have on controlling blood sugar; results have been inconsistent.
Types of Diabetes
There are three types of diabetes. Type 1, also called juvenile diabetes, comes from the pancreas gland's inability to secrete insulin to control blood sugar levels. The ADA explains that this condition is caused by a virus or autoimmune reaction in which the immune system attacks and damages the pancreas cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops when sufficient insulin and the glucose it transports cannot enter the cells. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy.
Diet
According to the National Diabetic Information Clearinghouse, or NDIC, a healthy food plan for diabetics consists of a low-fat, high-fiber diet that includes protein, fresh vegetables and fruit, and whole grains. A few examples include low-fat dairy products, chicken, fish, broccoli, carrots, berries, plums and brown rice. The blood sugar level should be 70 to 130 before meals and less than 180 by 1 to 2 hours after meals.
Physical activity
The NDIC recommends walking, swimming, dancing, bicycling, bowling or baseball to help control weight and blood sugar. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise routine because it is necessary to monitor blood sugar before, during and after exercising so that a normal level can always be maintained. The NDIC also recommends avoiding exercising when blood sugar is high because the body is burning a lot of calories at that time. Keep healthy snacks on hand to eat when necessary. Do not exercise before going to sleep because this may cause a drop in blood sugar levels.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
A medical doctor or professional can teach a diabetic when and how to monitor blood sugar. With the proper tools and information, you can monitor blood sugar at home or elsewhere as often as needed. Maintaining a steady, normal blood sugar level prevents damage to the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, extremities and skin.
Dietary Supplements That May Lower Blood Sugar
Investigators in the Diabetes Unit of NCCAM's Division of Intramural Research have conducted studies on the effects of chromium and alpha lipoic acid on blood sugar levels. Some studies show there are benefits and others do not. Additional research is needed. However, studies do show that low doses of chromium for a short period of time are safe for adult diabetics. High doses can cause serious side effects, including kidney problems. Alpha lipoic acid may improve the body's ability to utilize insulin. However, any size dose of these supplements requires continued monitoring of blood sugar levels so they do not become too high or too low. At this time, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the effect chromium and alpha lipoic acid have on controlling blood sugar. Do not take either of these supplements without consulting your physician.
