Effective Herbal Supplements For Diabetics

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease, which is caused by the inability of the pancreas to manufacture insulin, or to utilize the insulin produced in the proper way.

This disease is considered the 7th leading cause of death among Americans; and over 15 million Americans suffer from one form or another of this disease. Diabetes has also been linked to causing impotence and digestive problems. It is important to note that controlling blood pressure and blood glucose levels, plus regular check-ups, can help reduce the risks of such complications.

Types Of Diabetes

There are two main classifications of diabetes, type I and type II. Type I diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes affects about 10 percent of people with diabetes. In type I diabetes, the pancreas makes almost no insulin.

Type II diabetes, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, was previously called "adult-onset diabetes" since it was usually discovered after age 40. However, with increasing levels of obesity and sedentary lifestyle, this disease is now affecting more and more adolescents, and even children below 10 years old.

The Elements In Effective Diabetes Treatment

Effectively treating diabetes treatments can include many elements, as traditional and alternative treatments are available. A health treatment that is not classified as standard western medical practice is commonly called an "alternative."

Alternative therapy covers a wide spectrum of disciplines that include everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. Specific examples of alternative methods include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatments, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage and many others.

Promising Herbal Supplements For Diabetics

Health experts are hopeful that someday, there may be a safe, potent and proven herbal remedies for diabetes. Tomorrow's doctors may even be able to carefully prescribe standard doses of fenugreek to their diabetes patients. In addition, according to the September 1, 2000, issue of American Family Physician, the following supplements show good promise to warrant extensive, in-depth studies:

- Alpha lipoic acid. This acid is found in potatoes, broccoli, and liver. The antioxidant may help slow the nerve damage that affects a lot of diabetes patients. A study of 328 patients revealed that three doses of alpha lipoic acid, taken intravenously, substantially reduced pain, numbness and tingling associated with diabetes-related nerve damage.

- Garlic. This famous herb helped relieved diabetes -- in rats. Human trials, however have still been inconclusive.

In one such study, garlic didn't fare any better than a placebo pill. The study included only 20 patients, and it's possible that a wider trial would gather proof that garlic works for humans as well as rodents.

In another study, scientists noted garlic compounds protected low-density lipoproteins from degeneration and noted that these compounds may benefit diabetics and patients with heart disease. Lipoproteins ferry cholesterol to where your body needs it. Diabetics usually have an imbalance of lipoproteins that can lead to heart disease.

- Chromium picolinate. Patients with type 2 diabetes excrete more chromium than healthy people, and the loss of this important mineral could make it harder for the body to respond to insulin. Initial studies have suggested that chromium supplements can help people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

Reference:Prime Herbal - http://primeherbal.com