The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse reports that an estimated 23.6 million people in the United States meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, a serious chronic disease. In diabetes, the body produces little or no insulin, leading to an abnormal level of sugar in the bloodstream. Some natural treatments and dietary supplements may be useful in coping with diabetes. However, diabetes is a dangerous condition that must be treated by a qualified health care professional. Use supplements only under medical supervision.
Aloe Vera
Aloe is a common succulent plant that is often used in lotions, ointments and creams intended for healing irritations and protecting the skin. Aloe vera gel has also been proposed as a natural treatment for diabetes. A review published in the American Journal of Health System Pharmacy analyzed seven studies that tested the use of aloe vera in diabetes. The authors reported that five out of the seven studies examined demonstrated that treatment with aloe vera led to significant reductions in fasting blood sugar. The term "fasting blood sugar" refers to a test used for diagnosing and evaluating diabetes in which the glucose in the bloodstream is measured after an eight-hour fast. Let your physician know if you plan to use aloe vera. It may reduce your blood sugar too much if used in conjunction with other diabetes treatments.
Capsaicin
Diabetic neuropathy is a common and serious complication of diabetes. It is a nervous system abnormality that can lead to either painful or numbed extremities, ulceration and sometimes amputation. An article published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Practice described the topical use of capsaicin, an ingredient in chili pepper, in patients with diabetes and painful neuropathy. While research studies have yielded mixed results, one study found that capsaicin users experienced improvements in pain relief and activities of daily living that were equivalent to those achieved by patients who took a prescription medicine instead. More research is needed to determine whether capsaicin should be widely recommended to patients with diabetes. Consult your physician about whether capsaicin is appropriate for you.
Magnesium
In her book, "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis Balch writes that magnesium supplements are important for people with diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes results in an increase in urinary excretion of glucose, which in turn causes a depletion of magnesium. Additionally, magnesium deficiencies have been correlated with the eye problems frequently caused by diabetes and with insulin resistance. The research on magnesium supplementation for diabetics has yielded conflicting results. However, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center at Oregon State University, an analysis of nine studies concluded that magnesium may decrease fasting blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Consult a qualified health care professional before using magnesium to address the symptoms of diabetes or any other condition.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center: Magnesium
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Phyllis Balch; 2006
- Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine: Botanicals and Dietary Supplements in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
- American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy; Oral Aloe Vera for Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus and Dyslipidemia, MQ Ngo et al; November 2010
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes Overview
