Diabetes is a disease that alters your body's ability to regulate insulin and increases blood glucose levels. Whether your diabetes begins in childhood, as an adult or during pregnancy, different treatment options are available. A variety of nutritional supplements and botanicals show promise as natural treatments for regulating blood glucose and preventing complications. Consult a health care provider before taking any nutritional supplements. Some supplements can cause side effects and negative reactions in people who are also taking medication.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid, commonly called ALA, is a promising supplement that has been tested in clinical trials. It is an antioxidant chemical that occurs naturally in some vegetables and meat. ALA helps prevent free-radical damage to cells and may help moderate insulin sensitivity. Some people with diabetes take ALA to lower their blood glucose levels and prevent the onset of related nerve problems. To avoid extreme drops in blood glucose, you need to monitor your glucose levels closely while taking ALA.
Chromium
Chromium is an essential mineral that is naturally present in many types of food, such as spices and whole grains. Everyone needs to eat small concentrations of chromium to be healthy, but some diabetics take supplements, such as chromium picolinate and chromium chloride, to control their blood glucose levels. The clinical evidence for using chromium to control blood glucose is mixed and high doses can cause kidney damage.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3-fatty acids are a healthy fat that our bodies need for many functions, such as muscle contraction, cell division and blood clotting. You can get omega-3 fatty acids through your diet by eating fish, nuts and vegetable oil. Two common types include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These may have roles in preventing heart disease, which is a risk for people with diabetes, but clinical evidence is mixed.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are antioxidant chemicals that are formed naturally in many plants. Dietary sources such as dark chocolate and green tea may help lower blood pressure and regulate insulin levels, but clinical evidence is limited. There are various types of polyphenols and each may have a different affect on diabetes symptoms.
Botanicals
There are many plants and plant extracts that have potential for treating diabetes, but most of the research supporting their benefits is limited. Plants that have a history of traditional use or are currently being studied for their potential blood glucose lowering effects include garlic, prickly pear, aloe vera, fenugreek, bitter melon and ginseng.
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