With almost 24 million cases in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association, Type 2 diabetes has reached an all-time high. Treatments include diet modifications, exercise, medications to lower glucose levels and insulin injections. Complementary medicine offers several options for managing diabetes, either used alone or in conjunction with conventional medicine. Regardless of which methods patients choose to manage diabetes, lifestyle changes are important and common to all.
Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and is based on the idea that there are three types of dosha, and you are either vata, pitta or kasha, depending on physical and mental characteristics. All types suffer from diabetes mellitus, type 2. Treatment emphasizes diet and exercise changes, along with herbs. With ayurvedic medicine, a person would reduce or eliminate all bad fats, carbohydrates and simple sugars. For all types, yoga is important to maintain mind-body balance and for weight loss in those with a pitta type. Herbal remedies include turmeric, bitter melon and fenugreek.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Like other options, TCM incorporates diet changes and exercise into the treatment. A TCM practitioner will also offer Chinese herbs to manage blood sugar levels. Acupuncture might be prescribed to open energy flow to the body, and acupressure is useful for relieving nerve pain. You can usually find a doctor or naturopath familiar with Chinese herbs and traditional Chinese medicine in medium to large cities.
Westernized Alternative Medicine
Exercise and diet modification are important, along with supplements. Common supplements include Alpha-lipoic acid, which is an antioxidant found in liver and spinach, and also available in capsules. Alpha-lipoic acid lowers blood sugar by inhibiting glucose release via improving the body's sensitivity to insulin, so diabetics should carefully monitor blood sugar levels while using this. ALA is also beneficial for treating diabetic neuropathy. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for their ability to lower triglycerides and protect the heart (diabetics are more vulnerable to high cholesterol and heart attacks). Gymnema Sylvestre inhibits glucose and reduces the craving for sweets. Bilberry and blueberry are both good for healthy eyes and might reduce incidences of diabetic retinopathy. Stevia is good for lowering blood sugar. It is 250 times sweeter than sugar and can be used as a sugar substitute. Unlike sucralose, saccharin and aspartame, Stevia is a plant that has no chemicals and no dangerous side effects.
Tags: blood sugar, along with, Alpha-lipoic acid, blood sugar levels, Chinese herbs, sugar levels