Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 23.6 million children and adults in the United States—8% of the population—have diabetes, with numbers probably rising in the next few years !
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness, kidney failure and nontraumatic lower-extremity amputations among adults. When we add in figures for ‘pre-diabetes’, including hypoglycemia,the numbers look even more alarming. However, there is really good news! While some people think it may be inevitable for them to suffer from diabetes, because “it runs in the family” research shows that while people may inherit a susceptibility to diabetes, they do not inherit the disease itself—making healthy choices and prevention more important than ever.
There are many ways to tremendously decrease your risk of getting diabetes, along with ways to modify its effects if you have already been diagnosed. These include:
Dietary Choices
Assessing Food Allergies
Underactive Thyroid Assesment
Emotional Influences
Daily Exercise
In this article we will review supplements and Herbal Botanical Medicine that can bring down blood sugar levels. CAUTION- IF YOU ARE TAKING MEDICATION FOR BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL, BE SURE TO DISCUSS THE USE OF ALL SUPPLEMENTS WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is also called ALA or simply Lipoic Acid. This supplement decreases free radicals that can lead to nerve damage- one of the negative effects caused by diabetes. ALS also helps muscle cells to absorb glucose from the blood, which helps to increase energy. ALA may also help muscle cells take up blood sugar, and has been shown to decrease nerve pain, numbness, and burning. Typical dose: 600-800 mg per day.
Bilberry is a small relative to the Blueberry fruit. It is loaded with various anthocyanidins which act as antioxidants that protect small blood vessels from damage. This can help to minimize retinopathy and nerve pain common in diabetes. Dose: 100-300 milligrams per day.
Bitter Melon is a vine that grows on all the fences around Century Village! It is also called Cerasee. They don’t call it “Bitter” for nothing. This plant can be made into a tea and allows glucose to be used efficiently by the cells, and may lower blood glucose levels. Dosage : 50 – 100 milliliters or 3 to 6 tablespoons per day.
Chromium is involved in the body’s metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates, and may help to enhance insulin’s action on the cells. People use chromium as part of weight loss protocols as well as to assist with blood sugar disregulations such as diabetes or hypoglycemia. Dose 200 micrograms per day.
Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a fatty acid found in many natural sources and is especially high in evening primrose oil. Supplementing with GLA may be helpful to prevent and reduce the nerve pain that can occur in individuals with diabetes. Dosage is between 250-550 milligrams per day.
Gymnema sylvestre is an herb from India- its name translates to ‘sugar destroyer’. Put some on your tongue to decrease cravings for sweets. It is helpful for blood sugar control by increasing enzyme activity for glucose utilization by cells, and increasing insulin production. A typical dose is 200-250 mg twice a day.
Magnesium is often low in people who have blood sugar disregulation. You can request that your level be tested by your physician. The most accurate test is to evalulate Red Blood Cell Magnesium Level. Forms of supplemental magnesium vary in terms of usefulness in the body. Magnesium Oxide is poorly absorbed, which Magnesium Glycinate if a better form. Dosage : 250 – 350 mg per day.
Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit is a beautiful pink colored fruit that grows on the Prickly Pair Cactus. These fruits are available for purchase at certain seasons in specialty grocery stores, and extracts and juice is available in health food stores. If eaten for blood sugar balance ½ cup per day of cooked fruit is recommended. If you pick your own be sure to watch out for the stickers on the plant! It is high in fiber and contains natural constituents that act in a similar way to insulin.