Medical treatments for diabetes has changed over the last 50 years. While diet is a primary means of treatment, medications to increase insulin production, lower glucose the liver releases, deal with insulin resistance, decrease absorption of carbs in the intestines and actually slow down digestion in the stomach are also used. Naturally, if needed, insulin injections can be used, if needed.

Not all patients can tolerate these medications, which can be a problem. At this point, not a lot can be done other than falling back on diet and insulin injections. There is hope, however.

Before I get to that, let me talk a bit about the diabetic diet. A chief concern is carbohydrates. Carbs can be turned into glucose very quickly in the body; they are, after all, instant fuel. However, controlling sugar levels in the blood is of paramount importance.

While a diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables is recommended, care has to be taken as to which you eat. Carrots contain a lot of sugar, as do many fruits. You’ll need to keep track of your carb allowance and follow portion control to make sure it’s accurate.

People with this condition used to be required to strictly follow a low fat diet, as well. Now, however, that has changed. Some fats are allowed, but they should be limited to healthy choices.

Due to our “on the go” culture, many people end up buying convenience foods rather than cooking, and that is a problem for people trying to watch carb intake. Most of them are highly processed and contain a lot more than what is safe. Reading nutrition labels is extremely important in choosing these products.

Now, about herbs. Diabetics have to be particularly careful when choosing supplements. Some of them will counteract medications, some will raise sugar levels and some may drop them dangerously low. Never start a new supplement without discussing it with your doctor and pharmacist to be sure it will be safe.

Of those that lower sugar levels, one might actually become an accepted treatment in the relatively near future. Cinnamon bark has gone through three extensive double blind, placebo controlled clinical trials. The results indicate that the bark lowers blood sugar. It may take a while for them to decide on dosage issues, etc. but it looks good.

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