To what extent can alternative medicine aid in managing diabetes? You might feel inclined to experiment with herbal remedies that claim to “cure” diabetes without prescription medication or seek out acupuncture for regulating blood sugar levels. While some of these complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches may complement a healthy lifestyle, it’s crucial to comprehend their limitations, particularly in the context of diabetes management.
Due to the natural origin of herbs and plants, many people presume that they are inherently safe. However, this assumption may not always hold. It’s important to exercise caution when considering any herbal medicine for diabetes, or supplement recommended for diabetes, even if others have found success with it. These products could contain substances that might interact with your current medications, potentially leading to dangers such as dangerously low blood sugar levels.
The American Diabetes Association and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) do not support replacing traditional treatment with CAM therapies. NCCAM highlights the lack of sufficient scientific evidence to support the use of complementary medicine for diabetes. Research on certain herbal products is underway to assess their potential for preventing and treating diabetes. While some therapies are showing promise, they are still far from being approved for use. These promising therapies include: Nutritional supplements, plants, and herbs
Alpha-lipoic acid. This is an antioxidant made by the body. It’s also found in organ meats, such as liver, and dark vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli. In some people, it can lower blood sugar and help reduce or prevent the nerve damage that is a complication of diabetes.
Chromium. Chromium is a trace mineral required in small quantities in your daily diet. It can be found in whole-grain bread and certain vegetables and is available for purchase in the forms of chromium picolinate, chromium chloride, or chromium nicotinate. When consumed in low doses and for short periods, it appears to be safe. Studies indicate that doses of up to 1,000 micrograms per day for a maximum of 6 years may be safe, but exceeding this amount could potentially be harmful to the kidneys. Due to chromium’s potential to aid in glucose metabolism, ongoing research is investigating the optimal dosage for managing diabetes.
Cinnamon. Cinnamon has been shown to decrease glucose uptake from the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. It works a lot like a certain class of antidiabetic medicines (the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors).
Polyphenols. These are antioxidants found in green tea, olive oil, and dark chocolate, among many other foods. Scientists are trying to see if polyphenols can lower blood sugar and cholesterol. Some lab studies had good results. But other studies done on people had mixed results.
Ginseng. For centuries, practitioners have employed this herb to address various ailments such as headaches, severe fatigue, diabetes, and fever. Several studies have demonstrated its potential to lower blood sugar levels, but it can also pose similar negative effects to excessive coffee consumption, including anxiety, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, the concentration of its active ingredients varies depending on the season when the root is harvested.
Various cultures have utilized diverse plants to reduce blood sugar levels due to their natural compounds that have blood sugar-lowering properties. As a result, scientists researching diabetes are currently investigating botanicals like fenugreek, milk thistle — a flowering herb from the Mediterranean, and bitter melon, a vine commonly cultivated in Asian gardens. It’s worth noting that the bark of apple trees was the source of identification for at least one potent class of antidiabetic medications, known as the SGLT-2 inhibitors.
Exercise caution when using any herbs or supplements, as they may impact the effectiveness of diabetes medications and other drugs. Before using any herbal supplements, consult with your healthcare provider, and ensure that you continue taking your prescribed medications. Inform all your healthcare providers about any herbal supplements you are currently using.
Additionally, refrain from giving children any of these herbs, plants, or supplements, even if they are included in a home-cooked meal. Some, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, are not recommended for children.
