Glucose is the basic unit of sugar. When we consume carbohydrates, they are broken down during digestion into glucose. Glucose is the main substance used for energy by the body. It is transported through the bloodstream and into the cells by insulin. However, some individuals may lose the ability to produce enough insulin, or the cells may be resistant to the insulin. This is known as type II diabetes. Those with type II diabetes learn to control their blood sugar levels through diet, and sometimes may even require medication. There are also herbs that can assist in regulating blood glucose.
Stevia
Stevia is commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is a naturally sweet herb, but does not raise blood glucose levels as does regular table sugar. It is used by herbalists to treat diabetes. Although research on the anti-diabetic effects of stevia shows mixed results, it still provides an excellent alternative to reduce the amount of dietary sugar intake for diabetics. It comes in powder form or liquid drops, and can be added to coffee, tea, cereals, yogurt and baking recipes.
Ginseng
Ginseng, and specifically Asian ginseng, is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that both American and Asian ginseng have been shown to lower blood glucose levels. They recommend taking ginseng either before or along with a high-sugar meal to control blood sugar. It can be found in capsule, tablet or liquid extract form.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is another herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. However, rather than controlling blood sugar levels, gymnema assists the pancreas in producing insulin, and helps the body use insulin properly. Holistic Online, an online alternative medicine resource, notes that the herb may also help reduce sugar cravings. They recommend taking up to 500mg per day.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are used in both cooking and herbal medicine. Herbalists traditionally used the seeds to treat diabetes. They contain both fiber and certain alkaloids, which are believed to slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Studies cited in the 2005 issue of "Diabetes Health" showed that fenugreek not only helps lower blood glucose levels immediately after a meal, but can help maintain lower blood sugar levels for 1 to 2 hours following a meal. It is commonly found in capsule form.
Garlic and Onions
Although used in many culinary dishes, both garlic and onions have medicinal properties and are often used by herbalists to treat a variety of conditions. They are antibacterial and anti-viral, and are used to treat colds, the flu and even lower cholesterol. They contain active ingredients that are thought to lower blood sugar levels by helping the body use insulin more efficiently. Both onions and garlic can be used liberally in a diabetic diet.
