What Are Some Alternative Diabetes Treatments?

Millions of people today suffer from Type 2 diabetes. Those with this type of diabetes have problems controlling blood sugar levels because the body doesn't produce enough insulin or because the body has built up an insulin resistance. In many cases, patients are given prescription drugs to help control glucose levels. For those dealing with more advanced problems, insulin may be taken on a regular basis to keep levels of glucose stable. While some people do need medical intervention to treat their Type 2 diabetes effectively, many alternative diabetes treatments are available as well. Some people have found that using alternative measures to treat the problem is enough to help them get off their medications. Here is a look at some of the alternative diabetes treatments to consider if you're interested in a natural way to control your blood sugar.

Chromium

One of the potential alternative treatments for diabetes is chromium, which happens to be a trace mineral. This mineral is important because it has a lot to do with fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It is also known to aid the cells of the body in responding correctly to insulin as well. Research has found that many people with diabetes have low levels of this trace mineral and some studies are showing that supplementation of this trace mineral may be able to help those who suffer from diabetes.

Cinnamon

Another of the potential alternative diabetes treatments to consider is cinnamon, which is a well known spice. Studies that have been done on cinnamon have shown that those with Type 2 diabetes see an improvement in their blood sugar control when taking cinnamon on a regular basis. One study looked at six groups of people, with the first three groups of people taking 6g, 3g, or 1g of cinnamon. The last three groups had placebo capsules of 6g, 3g, or 1g. At the end of this study, the three groups taking cinnamon all showed a significant reduction in their fasting blood glucose levels. Other benefits included lowered cholesterol, and lower triglycerides. Other studies have also been done on cinnamon, showing that it can have a positive impact on blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.

Ginseng

Several types of ginseng are available, but when it comes to an alternative treatment for diabetes, it is North American ginseng that shows the most promise. Studies on this type of ginseng have shown that blood sugar may be better controlled when taking North American ginseng on a regular basis.

Zinc

When it comes to the storage and production of insulin within the body, zinc is an important mineral. Research has shown that those dealing with Type 2 diabetes often have less zinc than needed because of an increased excretion rate and problems with a decreased absorption of zinc. Zinc can be taken as a supplement, but it also can be found in a variety of different foods, including chicken, almonds, beef liver, egg yolks, pecans, fresh oysters, buckwheat, walnuts, lima beans, lamp, and split peas.

These are just a few of the alternative diabetes treatments to consider if you're looking for a natural way to treat your Type 2 diabetes. Some other common alternative treatments include aloe vera gel, magnesium, vanadium, gymnema, vitamimn D, fenugreek, and momordica charantia. Of course, before trying alternative options, it is always best to discuss these treatment options with your doctor.