Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes glucose accumulates in the bloodstream. This can happen when the cells become resistant to insulin and blood sugar levels climb too high. Symptoms can include constant hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, excessive thirst, and blurry vision. Today, more and more patients are turning to alternative treatments to manage their diabetes symptoms. It is best to speak to your doctor before taking supplements, as they could interfere with other medicines.
The alternative treatment methods can include the following natural treatments:
1. Diet and exercise
To start with, most think that diet and exercise are not an alternate method of treating diabetes. Regular exercise and a healthy diet affect the blood sugar levels in a positive way. The more active you are, it helps reduce blood pressure, improves glucose tolerance and reduces high blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes should however watch out as they run the risk of hypoglycemic patches during exercise.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known to elevate insulin sensitivity and is helpful. Ginseng is a supplement that is known to attenuate hyperglycemia. It increases insulin production and minimizes pancreatic cell death. Aloe Vera in spite of its laxative effect is an alternative method and is found to lower fasting blood sugar when taken for six weeks.
3. Fenugreek
Fenugreek used as flavors in homes has been used as a remedy for diabetes. The defatted portion of the seed contains alkaloid trigonelline, nicotinic acid, and coumarin. 15 grams of fenugreek powder soaked in water and ingested significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, considered as good fats found in salmon, walnuts, and soybeans helps to treat cardiovascular disease which is a common comorbidity with diabetes.
5. Chromium supplements
Chromium is lost in urine by people with diabetes, which affects insulin resistance. Chromium supplements improve sugar levels. Chewing the leaves of the Gymnema plant helps reduce blood sugar levels. In India, it is referred to as the sugar destroying the plant.
6. Magnesium
People with low magnesium levels are found to be prone to diabetes. Low magnesium was found to interrupt insulin secretion in the pancreas and suggestive of contributing to some diabetic complications. Those who get more magnesium in their diet have a lower risk. Magnesium can be found in leafy vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
7. Vanadium
Vanadium, when given to diabetic people, is known to have shown a modest increase in insulin sensitivity and lower their need for insulin.
8. Vegetables
Vegetables like potatoes, broccoli, and spinach contain Alpha lipoic acid, which reduces nerve damage related to diabetes.
9. Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice has been successfully used with neuropathy to treat nerve damage that happens with diabetes. Acupressure, another Chinese method involves applying pressure to relieve muscle tension and relieve stress. These effects help people with diabetes.
10. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves smelling essential oils to promote relaxation. Oils of fenugreek, cinnamon, cumin, and oregano help lower systolic blood pressure and blood glucose levels when used in combination.
11. Meditation and yoga
Other stress-relieving techniques like transcendental and Zen meditation, which are generally considered safe to control nerve damage in diabetes. Additionally, yoga has been found to control symptoms and complications of type 2 diabetes. Yoga has also shown improvements in diabetic patients with pre-existing complications. Yoga also helps treat and manage diabetes.
