Type II diabetes is a common disease among Americans. According to the University of Maryland Medicine, "over 20 million Americans have diabetes", and as many as 1/3 may not even realize they have it. While this disease can be life-threatening, effective, natural treatments are available.
Step 1
Decrease sugar intake with stevia. It is important for diabetics to limit the amount and the type of sugar they consume. One way to do this is use sugar substitutes. Stevia is an herb from South America. It is naturally sweet, yet does not increase blood glucose levels. Although there is some speculation as to whether or not it actually may have beneficial effects on diabetes, it certainly makes a nice, low-calorie sugar substitute.
Step 2
Include onions and garlic in the diet. Onions and garlic both have blood sugar-lowering properties. There is some evidence that the chemical constituents of these foods, allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin), help lower glucose levels.
Step 3
Take supplemental gymnema. According to holisticonline.com, gymnema helps the pancreas produce insulin. the website recommends as much as 500mg of gymnema per day as a natural substitute for blood sugar-lowering drugs. An article published in the April 2009 issue of "Diabetes Week" called gymnema a "major scientific breakthrough" and suggested that research validates the herb for clinical use. Gymnema extract is available over-the-counter at most natural health food stores.
Tips and Warnings
- Herbs (or even medication) alone are not enough to treat type 2 diabetes. Proper nutrition and exercise are essential. Diabetics should eliminate processed flours and sugar from their diet, and should consume adequate protein, whole grains and fresh vegetables each day.
- Check with your doctor or healthcare practitioner before using herbs, as they may interact with your current medications. Never discontinue prescriptions without first consulting the prescribing physician.
Things You'll Need
- Stevia powder or drops
- Onion
- Garlic
- Gymnema extract
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