There are currently over 23 million people with diabetes In the United States according to the American Diabetes Association. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of this disease. Type 2 diabetes means your body doesn't seem to make enough insulin. There are medications people can take to manage this disease, and lifestyle changes can be beneficial as well. There are a variety of well-studied alternative medicines that people are now starting to integrate into their lives to help them manage Type 2 diabetes.
Chromium
The American College of Nutrition asserts that chromium plays a key role in how the body uses insulin to burn carbohydrates, sugar, proteins and fats. Because chromium is an insulin-enhancing mineral, it can be very helpful in controlling some of the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. Some foods with chromium are raw onions, romaine lettuce and ripe tomatoes. Chromium can also be purchased as a supplement.
Cinnamon
In his study at the University in Peshawar, researcher Alam Khan, PhD states that cinnamon can help glucose metabolism and the overall condition of diabetes. The reason is that one of the compounds in cinnamon, hydroxychalcone, can lower blood glucose levels, along with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. Cinnamon can be purchased in supplemental form at any health food store.
Glucomannan
Glucomannan (amorphophallus konjac) is a natural dietary fiber that comes from the konjac root. It slows the stomach from emptying, which, in turn, can cause a more gradual absorption of sugar. Because it slows down the absorption of sugar and cholesterol in the stomach, it can help control sugar levels in diabetes. The additional bonus to this is it can reduce cholesterol levels which, according to American Diabetes Association, is an aid in treating Type 2 diabetes.
Ginseng
A study at the University of Toronto has discovered that American as well as Korean ginseng can reduce blood glucose levels in people who have Type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe that ginseng lowers the glycemic response after carbohydrate consumption if taken 40 minutes before eating carbohydrates.
Bitter Melon
A study that appeared in this year in the "Journal of Chemistry and Biology" shows a great deal of promise for bitter melon, a fruit found in Asian stores. The research showed that bitter melon can activate an enzyme that helps regulate metabolism by transporting glucose into the cells.
References
- "Diabetes Care;" December 2003; vol 26: pp 3215-3218
- Health Care Industry
- "Diabetes Care;" December 2003; vol 26: pp 3215-3218.
