If trends continue, up to one in three people in the United States will have diabetes by the year 2050, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes, a serious, chronic disorder, is currently the seventh leading cause of death. Proper diet and exercise can reduce diabetes risk and help to control symptoms. Certain supplements, herbs and vitamins may also be useful, but none have been demonstrated to alter the course of the disease. Use them only under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
Vitamin D
Dr. Esther Krug of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reported at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society that over 90 percent of Type 2 diabetes patients have low levels of vitamin D in their bloodstreams. Krug led a group of researchers that examined the charts of 124 patients with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that the patients with the greatest deficiencies in vitamin D had the highest glycated hemoglobin levels, an indicator of poor blood sugar control. Many people are deficient in this vital nutrient, which can be obtained through sunlight, fortified foods, multivitamins and stand-alone supplements. Check with your physician to determine if vitamin D supplements are appropriate for you.
Gymnema
The Hindi name for the Ayurvedic herb known as gymnema is "gurmar," which translates as "sugar destroyer." Gymnema has been used for centuries in the traditional Ayurvedic healing system to treat diabetes and other related disorders. Modern studies of gymnema in diabetic patients have yielded promising results, according to an article by Dr. Richard Nahas of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Nahas describes two studies in which gymnema successfully lowered fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, two important diabetes indicators. The patients in these trials did not experience any negative side effects. However, more studies are necessary to ensure that gymnema is safe for long-term use.
Chromium Picolinate
There is strong evidence that daily doses of chromium picolinate improve glycemic control in diabetics. No significant adverse effects have been reported with the use of this supplement. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, chromium plays a role in glucose metabolism by enhancing the action of insulin. However, large scale clinical trials are necessary to find out if chromium can effectively treat diabetes. There have been isolated reports of kidney problems due to chromium supplements. To be safe, take chromium only under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.
References
- Canadian Family Physician: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
- Diabetes Health: Vitamin D Deficiency Common in People With Poor Diabetes Control
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Number of Americans with Diabetes Projected to Double or Triple by 2050
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center: Chromium
