As I stated in a previous article, I have recently been online with a view to finding natural alternatives for controlling my diabetes. The number and type of ads I saw were seemingly limitless. Many offer a ‘cure’, and cite numerous ‘testimonials’ in support of their claims, but offer little by the way of documented studies into the product offered. Personally, I am not inclined to give much credence to these products. There are, however, a number of natural substances that have been studied. Below are just a few of them.

Please! Never take any form of treatment, natural or otherwise, without being under the supervision of a qualified professional. And I do mean your doctor. Many natural aids to the diabetic person are researched, but can pose a threat if taken in too large a dose, or in conjunction with other supplements and/or prescription drugs.

Also, please do your own research on anything you consider taking. The internet has made it easy for a person to access studies in relation to many health issues, and diabetes is no different. Many of the studies’ findings are worded in ways that most can understand, especially those with diabetes who are familiar with terms associated with the disease. Some, though, I found to be far over my head. They were written in very scientific terms and annotations.

Amongst the herbs, spices, minerals (trace and others the body needs to function properly), enzymes, and elements I viewed that have been studied in view of their effects on diabetes are:

Ginseng

Cinnamon

Zinc

Aloe vera gel

Jambolan - belonging to a species of cloves

Bitter melon extract

Chromium

Magnesium

Zinc

I am sure there are many I haven’t read about yet as well. There are also numerous natural aids that I have not as yet looked for studies for. Amongst these are:

Indian Kino/Malabar Kino

Blueberry leave

Gingko Biloba

Stevia - I have read this is unproven, but still good as it is an alternate sweetener

Gymnema Sylvester

Fenugreek

Mango leaves

There are traditional cures/treatments said to be useful for diabetes too, and though I find these very interesting, I still opt for the ones that have been studied and been shown to have some positive effect.

The cost of supplements, no matter what medical plan you are under, will come out of your own pocket. I don’t know about you, but I have no extra money for something that is not proven to be beneficial to my diabetes. “Snake-oil” salesmen beware.

I know that many believe that, even if a cure for diabetes is found, there is too much money involved in the sale of diabetic supplies and medications for the pharmaceutical companies to allow it to come to light. This could be true. But why take something that is only said to work, without any documentation to back it up

To me this is just foolish, but that is only my opinion on the subject. It’s your health and you must make your own decisions regarding it. Please make them “informed” decisions between you and your health care professionals.

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