Glucose, or sugar, is one of the most important energy sources for your body's cells. Carbohydrates that you consume will eventually become glucose in your blood, notes the Medline Medical Encyclopedia. Your blood glucose levels are a measure of your body's ability to take up and use this fuel. Certain remedies may be helpful in lowering your high blood glucose levels, although you should always discuss the merits and drawbacks of natural remedies with your physician first.
Blood Glucose Abnormalities
High blood sugar levels -- also known as hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose -- is a type of blood glucose abnormality. In most cases, a person with high blood sugar levels is considered to have a condition called pre-diabetes, states the American Diabetes Association. If you have high blood sugar levels, you may be more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, although timely treatment interventions, including conservative care measures such as dietary supplementation, can often prevent or delay the onset of this condition.
Helpful Remedies
Some of the most helpful home remedies in lowering your blood glucose levels are herbal medicines known as hypoglycemics. Hypoglycemic remedies may be particularly effective in treating Type 2 diabetes. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," reports that two of the most effective remedies offering hypoglycemic action are green tea and bilberry. Other beneficial remedies may include jambul, fenugreek, blueberry, devil's club and gymnema. Further scientific scrutiny may be required to verify these remedies' true health benefits.
A Useful Remedy
Fenugreek is a useful and commonly used home remedy to help lower your blood glucose levels. Fenugreek, state Drs. Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, naturopathic physicians and co-authors of "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," may significantly reduce your fasting blood sugar levels and improve your glucose tolerance test results. This home remedy may be particularly effective as an anti-diabetic remedy. Murray and Pizzorno note that the active principle of this remedy is located in the defatted portion of the plant's seed.
Warning
Unchecked blood glucose levels are a serious cause for concern, as this health problem may lead to severe health complications. Though home remedies may be helpful in treating your high blood glucose levels, this condition is best managed by a qualified health care practitioner using a combination of complementary alternative and conventional allopathic treatment measures. Your family physician can counsel you on the risks, possible side effects and potential drug interactions associated with various home remedies.
References
- Medline Medical Encyclopedia: Glucose Test - Blood
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.; 1998
