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.

Diabetes is a horrible disease that many people have to suffer with throughout their lives. Not only is it a disease that is concerning for future health issues, but it can be a very expensive illness to have. The average person who has diabetes will incur more than $13,000 in medical costs each year. Compare that with a person without diabetes who may only incur $3000 in costs each year and you can see how it can become a financial burden. This is why finding low cost diabetic supplies is so important to people who cannot afford the high cost of treating their disease.

Finding these supplies can be difficult unless you know where to look. Some low cost diabetic supplies are given to people who cannot afford them at full price by groups affiliated with health insurance companies. Some of these companies will send out free samples or initial supplies to diabetics but you do want to make sure that you are covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Medical companies will offer free or low cost diabetes supplies including blood glucose monitors and the accessories that go with them. Sometimes they can even be shipped to your home for free.

Another great way to find low cost diabetic supplies is by looking online. Even if you cannot find free items, you can often find discounted diabetic supplies just by doing a search in Google. Usually, this will involve calling or e-mailing the company and having your doctor fill out a few simple forms. These companies are there to provide quality information and assistance to people who need it.

Your doctor may also be able to direct you to low cost diabetic supply information. Many doctors participate in programs which allow you to get discounted or free materials to help you with your diabetes especially when you are first diagnosed. Some of the diabetic supplies that you can get are test strips, lancets, syringes and testing meters.

Finding free diabetic supplies can make all the difference in the world to someone who cannot afford to maintain their health while dealing with diabetes. By doing some simple research, you will be able to find free resources that can help you save money and improve your health.

Diabetes has become a prevalent health concern in our society today. Unfortunately the daily choices made by most Americans are more sedentary lifestyles fueled by not so healthy convenience foods. Being pre-diabetic is a serious condition that needs to be addressed early on. The good news is that diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

More than likely you already have a good sense that you may be overweight as most Americans are. You may already be aware of the connection that excess weight and body fat might create health issues down the road. A very strong indicator of potential future heath conditions is excess belly fat. Belly fat is associated with significantly increasing the risk for heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Whether or not you have excessive belly fat, everyone benefits from taking charge with their physical condition and health in the prevention of disease and especially diabetes.

Common sense tells us that in general watching one’s diet and incorporating exercise into a regular routine is important to achieving and maintaining good health. It is also necessary in diabetes prevention. There are medications or diabetic supplies that can be utilized in the prevention and delay of diabetes; however diet and exercise have proven to be more effective.

First let’s consider nutrition and making healthy food choices. It’s important to eat lots of vegetable and fruits and of all different colors which aids in building your immune system. In many cases, eating out can make up over 60% of the typical diet. Eating out and fast foods, no matter how healthy you think it might be probably isn’t as healthy as you would like.

Other important foods to add to your diet are whole grains, dried beans, fish, lean meats, and plenty of non-fat dairy items. These foods allow you to get the best nutrition value for your calorie intake. One of the easiest and best things to incorporate into your daily routine is drinking plenty of water. Water consumption not only helps to dilute the concentration of blood sugar but also helps to remove toxins and boost fat metabolism.

Exercise is basically anything to get you moving around the house or in the yard, as well as activities like vigorous walking or going to the gym to work out. The immediate physical benefit of exercise is that it lowers blood pressure, clears your head, reduces stress, while burning calories beyond typical daily activities. In addition, physical activity can lower your blood sugar and reduce cholesterol. One way that exercise reduces blood sugar in diabetes prevention is that as muscles increase and become stronger, they also require more blood sugar or glucose for energy. Increased use of glucose for fuel then decreases blood sugar in the blood stream.

It’s amazing how we really do have the ability to take charge of our own destiny and create a better life and health to enjoy. Diabetes prevention is something everyone can do by improving your diet and making exercise a part of your daily life. Not only are you improving your life, but quite possibly saving your life.