1. Consider a Natural Approach
Diabetes is a serious condition in which the body secretes little or no insulin, or the body is not sensitive to insulin. This means that the body cannot take glucose and move it into the cells to use for energy. Too much sugar builds up in the blood, which can make a person ill. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys the insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas. In type 2 diabetes, which is more common, the pancreas produces some insulin but it doesn't release it at the right time or the organs and tissues may be resistant to it. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin in order to live; people with type 2 diabetes can sometimes control their disease through diet and exercise. All diabetics can benefit from some natural treatments to control the disease and its complications.
2. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Most people with type 2 diabetes eat too much fat and sugar and not enough whole grains, fruits, vegetables and fiber. Too much stress and lack of exercise can also contribute to the disease. The first step in controlling diabetes is to improve your diet and incorporate exercise into your routine. Also, take time to relax. If you're not sure what you should be doing, see a nutritionist who specializes in diabetes. Many people with diabetes find that eating smaller, more frequent meals gives them better control over their blood sugar.
3. Get Your B's
The B vitamins help control blood sugar. In addition to taking a multivitamin, a person with diabetes should consider increasing their intake of these vitamins. Brewer's yeast is a good source of B vitamins and glucose tolerance factor, which helps increase insulin sensitivity. You can buy Brewer's yeast as a powder and sprinkle it in fruit juices, on cereals or in a number of other foods. Some other members of the B vitamin family found to be deficient in people with diabetes are niacin, thiamine, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
4. Stop the Vicious Cycle
Studies have shown that people with diabetes have at least 30 percent lower circulating levels of vitamin C than people who are not diabetic. Diabetes can cause problems with the way vitamin C metabolizes, but a vitamin C deficiency can cause the problem to become worse. One way to avoid this vicious cycle is to take 0.5 to 1 g of vitamin C daily.
5. Try Some Vitamin E
Vitamin E supplements improve glucose control in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They can also help prevent some of the vascular complications caused by high blood sugar levels. Nutritionists generally recommend a daily dose of 800 IU.
