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Diabetes Symptoms

By the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Many people have no signs or symptoms. Diabetes symptoms can also be so mild that you might not even notice them. Nearly six million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes and do not know it.

Here is what to look for:

• increased thirst
• increased hunger
• fatigue
• increased urination, especially at night
• weight loss
• blurred vision
• sores that do not heal

Sometimes people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes. They delay scheduling a checkup because they do not feel sick. Many people do not find out they have the disease until they have diabetes complications, such as blurry vision or heart trouble. It is important to find out early if you have diabetes because treatment can prevent damage to the body from diabetes.

Taking Steps to Lower the Risk of Getting Diabetes Symptoms

Quick Menu:

• What is type 2 diabetes?
• How can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
• Diabetes symptoms - Type 2 diabetes?
• Types of Diabetes
• Should I be tested for diabetes symptoms?
• What does it mean to have pre-diabetes?
• Besides age and overweight, what other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes?
• What can I do about my risk?
• Doing My Part: Getting Started
• Hope Through Research

What is type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use the hormone insulin, made in the pancreas, to help them process blood glucose into energy.

People develop type 2 diabetes because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly. Eventually, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the body's needs. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.

How can type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Although people with diabetes can prevent or delay complications by keeping blood glucose levels close to normal, preventing or delaying the development of type 2 diabetes in the first place is even better. The results of a major federally funded study, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), show how to do so.

This study of 3,234 people at high risk for diabetes showed that moderate diet and exercise resulting in a 5- to 7-percent weight loss can delay and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes.

Study participants were overweight and had higher than normal levels of blood glucose, a condition called pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance). Both pre-diabetes and obesity are strong risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Because of the high risk among some minority groups, about half of the DPP participants were African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino.

The DPP tested two approaches to preventing diabetes: a healthy eating and exercise program (lifestyle changes), and the diabetes drug metformin. People in the lifestyle modification group exercised about 30 minutes a day 5 days a week (usually by walking) and lowered their intake of fat and calories. Those who took the diabetes drug metformin received standard information on exercise and diet. A third group received only standard information on exercise and diet.

The results showed that people in the lifestyle modification group reduced their risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. Average weight loss in the first year of the study was 15 pounds. Lifestyle modification was even more effective in those 60 and older. They reduced their risk by 71 percent. People receiving metformin reduced their risk by 31 percent.

Types of Diabetes

The three main kinds of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin shots or using an insulin pump, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, taking aspirin daily (for some), and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Treatment includes taking diabetes medicines, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, taking aspirin daily, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

Gestational Diabetes

Some women develop gestational diabetes during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin.

Should I be tested for diabetes symptoms?

Anyone 45 years old or older should consider getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and overweight (see BMI chart), it is strongly recommended that you get tested. If you are younger than 45, overweight, and have one or more of the risk factors, you should consider testing. Ask your doctor for a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test.

Even if your blood glucose level is normal and you have no risk factors, if you are over 45, you may need to remind your doctor to check your blood glucose again in 3 years. If your blood glucose is higher than normal but lower than the diabetes range (what we now call pre-diabetes), have your blood glucose checked in 1 to 2 years. As you get older, your chances of getting type 2 diabetes rise. You are also more likely to get type 2 diabetes if you have one or more of the risk factors.

What does it mean to have pre-diabetes?

It means you are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The good news is if you have pre-diabetes you can reduce the risk of getting diabetes and even return to normal blood glucose levels. With modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

Besides age and overweight, what other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes?

To find out your risk for type 2 diabetes, check each item that applies to you.

What can I do about my risk?

You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes. Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake, and losing weight can all help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also help you stay healthy.

If you are overweight

Then take these steps:

• Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight.
• Make wise food choices most of the time.
• Be physically active every day.

If you checked

√ I am fairly inactive.

Then take this step:

• Be physically active every day.

If you checked

√ My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.

Then take these steps:

• Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight.
• Make wise food choices most of the time.
• Reduce your intake of salt and alcohol.
• Be physically active every day.
• Talk to your doctor about whether you need medicine to control your blood pressure.

If you checked

 √  My cholesterol levels are not normal.

Then take these steps:

• Make wise food choices most of the time.
• Be physically active every day.
• Talk to your doctor about whether you need medicine to control your cholesterol levels.

Doing My Part: Getting Started

Making big changes in your life is hard, especially if you are faced with more than one change. You can make it easier by taking these steps:

• Make a plan to change behavior.
• Decide exactly what you will do and when you will do it.
• Plan what you need to get ready.
• Think about what might prevent you from reaching your goals.
• Find family and friends who will support and encourage you.
• Decide how you will reward yourself when you do what you have planned.

Your doctor, a dietitian, or a counselor can help you make a plan. Here are some of the areas you may wish to change to reduce your risk of diabetes.

Reach and Maintain a Reasonable Body Weight

Your weight affects your health in many ways. Being overweight can keep your body from making and using insulin properly. It can also cause high blood pressure. The DPP showed that losing even a few pounds can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes because it helps your body use insulin more effectively. In the DPP, people who lost between 5 and 7 percent of their body weight significantly reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, losing only 10 pounds could make a difference.

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body weight relative to height. You can use BMI to see whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Use the body mass index table to find your BMI.

If you are overweight or obese, choose sensible ways to get in shape:

• Avoid crash diets. Instead, eat less of the foods you usually have. Limit the amount of fat you eat.
• Increase your physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. (See easy suggestions.)
• Set a reasonable weight-loss goal, such as losing 1 pound a week. Aim for a long-term goal of losing 5 to 7 percent of your total body weight.

Make Wise Food Choices Most of the Time

What you eat has a big impact on your health. By making wise food choices, you can help control your body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

• Take a hard look at the serving sizes of the foods you eat. Reduce serving sizes of main courses (such as meat), desserts, and foods high in fat. Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables.
• Limit your fat intake to about 25 percent of your total calories. For example, if your food choices add up to about 2,000 calories a day, try to eat no more than 56 grams of fat. Your doctor or a dietitian can help you figure out how much fat to have. You can check food labels for fat content too.
• You may also wish to reduce the number of calories you have each day. People in the DPP lifestyle modification group lowered their daily calorie total by an average of about 450 calories. Your doctor or dietitian can help you with a meal plan that emphasizes weight loss.
• Keep a food and exercise log. Write down what you eat, how much you exercise--anything that helps keep you on track.
• When you meet your goal, reward yourself with a nonfood item or activity, like watching a movie.

Be physically active every day

Regular exercise tackles several risk factors at once. It helps you lose weight, keeps your cholesterol and blood pressure under control, and helps your body use insulin. People in the DPP who were physically active for 30 minutes a day 5 days a week reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes. Many chose brisk walking for exercise.

If you are not very active, you should start slowly, talking with your doctor first about what kinds of exercise would be safe for you. Make a plan to increase your activity level toward the goal of being active for at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week.

Choose activities you enjoy. Here are some ways to work extra activity into your daily routine:

• Take the stairs rather than an elevator or escalator.
• Park at the far end of the lot and walk.
• Get off the bus a few stops early and walk the rest of the way.
• Walk or bicycle instead of drive whenever you can.

Take Your Prescribed Medications

Some people need medication to help control their blood pressure or cholesterol levels. If you do, take your medicines as directed. Ask your doctor whether there are any medicines you can take to prevent type 2 diabetes.
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Hope Through Research

We now know that many people can prevent type 2 diabetes through weight loss, regular exercise, and lowering their intake of fat and calories. Researchers are intensively studying the genetic and environmental factors that underlie the susceptibility to obesity, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. As they learn more about the molecular events that lead to diabetes, they will develop ways to prevent and cure the different stages of this disease. People with diabetes and those at risk for it now have easier access to clinical trials that test promising new approaches to treatment and prevention. For information about current studies, see http://ClinicalTrials.gov.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

1 Information Way Bethesda, MD 20892-3560 Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1978, the clearinghouse provides information about diabetes to people with diabetes and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. NDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about diabetes.

Controlling Diabetes Symptoms with Nutritional Supplements and Herbs

By Decker Weiss: NMD, AACVPR

Perhaps no other disease is as closely linked to nutrition as diabetes. Not only does nutrition play a role in its development, nutrition is also one of the disease’s most powerful treatments.1 Because of this strong and critical connection to nutrition, researchers have carefully studied the use of nutritional supplements in the treatment of the disease. They found that many vitamins, such as vitamin C and the B vitamins, minerals such as chromium, as well as herbs like Gymnema sylvestre, can safely, effectively, and naturally lower blood sugars and help prevent diabetic complications. What is even more important, however, is that these vitamins, minerals, and herbs can be combined together in a scientifically validated diabetic formula to work synergistically. That means their combined effectiveness is even more powerful. Like a group of good friends, these vitamins, minerals, and herbs do their best work when they are all together. We will talk about powerful vitamins, minerals, and herbs combined in a scientifically validated formula that people with diabetes can use every day. But before we get into the specific formula, we need to first talk about diabetes.

What exactly is diabetes?

When we eat, the process of digestion breaks down our food into nutrients. Most of the food we eat is broken down into sugar (also called glucose). The sugar enters the bloodstream for delivery throughout the body and is then called blood sugar.2,3 Insulin, a hormone that helps metabolize blood sugar, is made in the pancreas–a long, skinny gland located behind the stomach. Insulin takes blood sugar from the bloodstream and delivers it into the cells that make up the various organs in our body, such as our heart, lungs, and kidneys. The sugar provides energy to the cells to keep our hearts beating, our lungs breathing, and our kidneys excreting.2,3

Type 1 diabetes, sometimes called insulindependent or juvenile diabetes, most often starts in childhood. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin. The sugar stays in the blood instead of going into the cells where it is needed. Because of this, all people with Type 1 diabetes have to take at least one shot of insulin every day just to stay alive.4

Type 2 diabetes most often starts in adults and is also the most common kind. About 90 to 95 percent of all people with diabetes have Type 2. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is usually producing enough insulin. However, the body does not use it effectively. The condition known as "insulin resistance" occurs when the cells do not respond to (resist) insulin’s attempt to enter with glucose. The pancreas responds by producing more and more insulin. When the cells do not respond, high levels of glucose build up in the blood, leading to Type 2 diabetes. Almost everyone with Type 2 diabetes also is insulin resistant. Because the insulin is left unused, the pancreas thinks it isn’t needed and may eventually stop making it. People with Type 2 diabetes often need to take prescription drugs to lower blood sugar levels if dietary and lifestyle changes are not enough to control the problem.4

In both types of diabetes, the sugar stays in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells where it is needed and belongs. When blood sugar builds up in the blood, it causes two problems. First, the cells become starved for energy. And, over a period of time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys.4

What causes diabetes?

While scientists aren’t exactly sure why Type 1 diabetes happens, they do know the immune system is involved. A healthy immune system protects us from diseases caused by infections, such as colds or the flu, as well as diseases that start in our own cells, such as cancer. For some reason, in certain people, the immune system becomes confused and begins attacking and destroying the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.4 Scientists aren’t exactly sure why Type 2 diabetes happens either; however, they have identified that it occurs most often in certain individuals. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, have high blood pressure, and have high cholesterol levels in their blood.4

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Type I diabetes develops very quickly. The classic signs of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination, because the body is trying to get rid of the excess sugar in the blood

• Intense thirst, because the body needs to replace the fluid lost through the urine

• Increased hunger, because the cells need nutrients

• Weight loss, because without insulin, the body begins to starve4 The onset of Type 2 diabetes is often very gradual and may develop without any symptoms at all. Sadly, the diagnosis most often is made only after a complication of the disease happens.3,4

What are the complications of diabetes?

The complications of diabetes happen in both types of the disease. All diabetic complications are caused by chronically high blood sugars. The longer your blood sugar levels are elevated, the greater your chances are of having complications.3,4

Diabetes - Circulation problems

High blood sugar damages blood vessels. When high levels of sugar are continuously in the blood, the blood vessels become thicker and less flexible, causing poor circulation. Poor circulation can impair healing, especially on the feet and lower legs. High blood sugar also causes higher levels of fat in the bloodstream. The fat clogs and narrows the blood vessels. Partial blockages deprive the heart of some necessary nutrients. A complete blockage can result in a heart attack, heart pain (called angina), or stroke.3,4

Diabetes - Nerve damage

Nerve damage makes it hard for your nerves to send messages to the brain and other parts of the body. It may cause you to lose feeling in parts of your body or have a painful pins-and-needles-like feeling. While nerve damage most often affects the feet and legs, it can also affect other parts of the body.3,4

Diabetes - Eye problems

Diabetes can damage and weaken the small blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that is sensitive to light and helps you see. When the blood vessels are weak, they can leak fluid, which causes swelling in the eye. The swelling blurs your vision. If the eye damage gets worse, your eye attempts to fix this damage by making new blood vessels over the retin But because these blood vessels are fragile, they can break open easily and bleed into the eye. Scar tissue can then form. This may cause the retina to break away from the back of the eye, which can lead to visual impairment –even blindness.3,4

Diabetes - Kidney damage

Diabetes can also damage the blood vessels in the kidney so it can’t filter out the body’s waste. High blood pressure is also associated with kidney damage. If you have diabetes and high blood pressure, it is important to keep them both under control as much as possible. The longer blood sugar levels are left uncontrolled, the greater the amount of kidney damage that can occur. If the kidney damage isn’t stopped, some individuals may progress to needing kidney transplants or dialysis machines.3,4 All of these complications, however, can almost always be prevented.

How can the complications of diabetes be prevented?

Vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements can provide powerful tools for preventing serious complications and keeping people with diabetes healthy. The best nutritional supplement contains powerful vitamins, minerals, and herbs in a synergistic formula that can effectively lower blood sugars and provide the specialized nutrients people with diabetes need.

Which vitamins, minerals, and herbs should be included in a nutritional supplement for people with diabetes?

The chart, at right, lists the best ingredients for people with diabetes. You can see that the vitamins, minerals, and herbs in a diabetic formula should work synergistically and be clinically demonstrated to help prevent the known complications of diabetes. To get the best results, it is very important that the right ingredients are in the diabetic formula you buy.

How often should I take a diabetic formula supplement?

Read the label of the diabetic formula you are considering buying. Most quality products need to be taken twice a day. Keep in mind that you will still need to take a high quality multivitamin in addition to the diabetic formula supplement. A diabetic formula is complementary. That means that it is designed to be an addition to your multivitamin routine, not a replacement.

Could the diabetic formula lower my blood sugar level too much?

In general, too low blood sugar levels should not be a problem. A high quality diabetic formula containing synergistic vitamins, minerals, and herbs, most often lowers blood sugars to normal levels. However, these vitamins, minerals, and herbs will not excessively lower blood sugar levels that are already normal.

Do I need to continue monitoring my blood sugar when taking a diabetic formula supplement?

Diabetes is a disease that requires active participation from you. You need to be aware of your problem and be in control of it as much as possible. If you use a home glucose monitor to check your blood sugars, you may feel more comfortable by checking your levels more frequently when you first take a diabetic formula supplement. You should always follow the recommendation of your doctor or a licensed health care practioner regarding how often you should check your blood sugar levels.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (as well as most licensed health care practitioners), a good blood sugar range for most people with diabetes (before a meal) is from about 70 to 150.1,2,35 An ideal range is 70-120.

Taking a nutritional supplement formulated especially for diabetics that contains vitamins, minerals, and herbs that work synergistically in a scientifically valid formula will help you keep your blood sugars right where the ADA and the NIDDK recommend.

Can’t I just take the diabetic formula supplement and not worry about my diet?

Unfortunately, you cannot. Successful diabetes management means doing lots of positive things. First, you need to see your licensed health care practitioner often. You need to choose foods wisely and stay active to have a positive influence on your blood sugar levels and your health. And, taking a diabetic formula supplement every day can really help. However, the diabetic formula supplement is meant to be an addition to your healthy diet, not a substitute.

Conclusion

Having diabetes might make you feel overwhelmed. Restrictions on what you may and may not eat might make you feel deprived and unfairly burdened. The possibility of disease complications may make you feel anxious and scared–even angry. It is only natural to ask "Why me?" Taking control of your diabetes, instead of letting it control you, can help with these feelings. Eating wisely and exercising every day are two important ways to improve your health. And, taking a nutritional supplement formulated specifically for people with diabetes every day can give you the critical control you need to direct your health for years to come. Many healthy years to come.

References

Diabetes - Open Thread

What's your experience with diabetes remedies? |

Curcumin can significantly reduce insulin resistance and prevent Type 2 diabetes

Columbia University Medical Centre found that curcumin, the anti-nflammatory, anti-oxidant ingredient in turmeric can significantly reduce insulin resistance and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Low Magnesium May Lead To Higher Rates of Type 2 Diabetes

Oct 2007 - Research by Townsville Aboriginal & Islander Health Service

Diabetes accounts for a significant part of the morbidity and mortality experienced by Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. Research over the past two decades has provided evidence of a clinical correlation between diabetes and low magnesium intake. Hypomagnesaemia is the most common electrolyte abnormality in diabetic outpatients and may be linked to the development of both macrovascular and microvascular diabetic complications. A diabetes risk reduction of 33%-34% has been found among those with diets highest in magnesium. Full abstract

What Foods Have The Most Magnesium?

Halibut - 90mg*
Almonds, dry roasted - 80mg
Cashews, dry roasted - 75mg
Soybeans - 75mg
Spinach cooked -75mg
Nuts, mixed, roasted 65mg
Shredded wheat - 55mg
Oatmeal, fortified - 55mg
Baked Potato w/ skin 50mg
Peanuts, dry roasted, 50mg
      *mg - milligrams

These mg values are base on an average single serving. Find out how magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate/sugar metabolism by visiting the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Recommended Dietary Allowances for Magnesium

Hypomagnesemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

UCLA Medical Center, Department of Medicine.

Hypomagnesemia has been reported to occur at an increased frequency among patients with type 2 diabetes compared with their counterparts without diabetes. Despite numerous reports linking hypomagnesemia to chronic diabetic complications, attention to this issue is poor among clinicians. This article reviews the literature on the metabolism of magnesium, incidence of hypomagnesemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, implicated contributing factors, and associated complications. Hypomagnesemia occurs at an incidence of 13.5 to 47.7% among patients with type 2 diabetes. Poor dietary intake, autonomic dysfunction, altered insulin metabolism, glomerular hyperfiltration, osmotic diuresis, recurrent metabolic acidosis, hypophosphatemia, and hypokalemia may be contributory. Full abstract

Magnesium status and association with diabetes in the Taiwanese elderly. Full abstract

Momordica Charantia (Bitter Melon) will soon be out in the market as a cure for type 2 diabetes mellitus The DOH cited a 10-year study that found out that the vegetable can effectively regulate blood sugar in the same way as a regular anti-diabetes drug. http://www.gmanews.tv/

Momordica Charantia (Bitter Melon) Research

Role of selected Indian plants in management of type 2 diabetes: a review. J Altern Complement Med. 2004 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antidiabetic agents from medicinal plants. Curr Med Chem. 2006 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutraceutical resources for diabetes prevention--an update.

By McCarty MF. - Published in Med Hypotheses. 2005;64(1):151-8.

There is considerable need for safe agents that can reduce risk for diabetes in at-risk subjects. Although certain drugs--including metformin, acarbose, and orlistat--have shown diabetes-preventive activity in large randomized studies, nutraceuticals have potential in this regard as well. Natural agents which slow carbohydrate absorption may mimic the protective effect of acarbose; these include: soluble fiber--most notably glucomannan; chlorogenic acid--likely responsible for reduction in diabetes risk associated with heavy coffee intake; and legume-derived alpha-amylase inhibitors. There does not appear to be a natural lipase inhibitor functionally equivalent to orlistat, although there are poorly documented claims for Cassia nomame extracts. Metformin's efficacy reflects activation of AMP-activated kinase; there is preliminary evidence that certain compounds in barley malt have similar activity, without the side effects associated with metformin. In supraphysiological concentrations, biotin directly activates soluble guanylate cyclase; this implies that, at some sufficient intake, biotin should exert effects on beta cells, the liver, and skeletal muscle that favor good glucose tolerance and maintenance of effective beta cell function. Good magnesium status is associated with reduced diabetes risk and superior insulin sensitivity in recent epidemiology; ample intakes of chromium picolinate appear to promote insulin sensitivity in many individuals and improve glycemic control in some diabetics; calcium/vitamin D may help preserve insulin sensitivity by preventing secondary hyperparathyroidism. Although conjugated linoleic acid--like thiazolidinediones, a PPAR-gamma agonist--has not aided insulin sensitivity in clinical trials, the natural rexinoid phytanic acid exerts thiazolidinedione-like effect in animals and cell cultures, and merits clinical examination. Other natural agents with the potential to treat and possibly prevent diabetes include extracts of bitter melon and of cinnamon. Nutraceuticals featuring meaningful doses of combinations of these agents would likely have substantial diabetes-preventive efficacy, and presumably could be marketed legally as aids to good glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.

Vitamins and Herbs Effect on Diabetes

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

With vitamin E, helps get sugar out of the blood stream and into the cells.5 Keeps diabetics’ blood vessels and kidneys healthy.6,7

Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)

With the B vitamins, vitamin E helps keeps the pancreas healthy and helps prevent nerve damage.8,9 Helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, and heart attacks.10,11 With vitamin C, helps keep blood vessels healthy.12,13

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCL)

With folic acid and B12, B6, helps prevents heart attacks and nerve damage.14,15 Helps prevent diabetic blindness, vision loss.16

Folic Acid

Along with B12, folic acid helps prevents strokes and loss of limbs due to diabetic complications.17 Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) Helps relieve neuropathic pain.18 Also works with folic acid and B6 (see above).

Biotin

With chromium’s help, biotin (one of the B vitamins) helps insulin work better, keeps the pancreas working well, and lowers blood sugar levels.19 Magnesium (Krebs cycle chelate) Relieves neuropathic pain and helps insulin work more effectively.20,21

Zinc (picolinate)

Helps blood sugar get into the cells and insulin work better.22

Selenium (aspartate)

Called an "insulin mimic", selenium helps take blood sugar into the cells. Selenium also protects against blood vessel and nerve damage from elevated blood sugars.23,24

Copper (picolinate)

Copper helps protect the cells in the pancreas that make insulin healthy, helps prevent diabetes-related damage to blood vessels and nerves, and lowers blood sugar levels.25

Manganese (Krebs cycle chelate)

Helps prevent damage to blood vessels and nerves.26,27

Chromium (picolinate)

Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract

Helps balance blood sugars and may protect us from gaining weight.28,29

Bitter melon whole fruit extract

Helps pathways in the diabetic liver work more efficiently; lowers blood sugar levels.30

Fenugreek seed extract

Helps lower blood sugars and helps our liver and kidneys metabolize blood sugars more efficiently.31

Bilberry berry extract

Helps prevent and reduce the severity of diabetic cataracts.32

Mixed bioflavonoids (citrus)

Helps protect vitamins C and E from diabetic damage. Like bilberry, bioflavonoids help keep diabetics’ vision clear and sharp.33 Vanadyl sulfate Helps cells of both the liver and muscles use insulin more effectively.34

Test Your Immune System

Does your immune system need a boost? This test by Dr. Linda Page is quick and easy!

Alternative Therapies for Diabetes

By theNational Institutes of Health (NIH)

Alternative therapies are treatments that are neither widely taught in medical schools nor widely practiced in hospitals. Alternative treatments that have been studied to manage diabetes include acupuncture, biofeedback, guided imagery, and vitamin and mineral supplementation. The success of some alternative treatments can be hard to measure. Many alternative treatments remain either untested or unproven through traditional scientific studies.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a procedure in that a practitioner inserts needles into designated points on the skin. Some Western scientists believe that acupuncture triggers the release of the body's natural painkillers. Acupuncture has been shown to offer relief from chronic pain. Acupuncture is sometimes used by people with neuropathy, the painful nerve damage of diabetes.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a technique that helps a person become more aware of and learn to deal with the body's response to pain. This alternative therapy emphasizes relaxation and stress-reduction techniques. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that some professionals who use biofeedback do. With guided imagery, a person thinks of peaceful mental images, such as ocean waves. A person may also include the images of controlling or curing a chronic disease, such as diabetes. People using this technique believe their condition can be eased with these positive images.

Chromium

The benefit of added chromium for diabetes has been studied and debated for several years. Several studies report that chromium supplementation may improve diabetes control. Chromium is needed to make glucose tolerance factor, which helps insulin improve its action. Because of insufficient information on the use of chromium to treat diabetes, no recommendations for supplementation yet exist.

Magnesium

Although the relationship between magnesium and diabetes has been studied for decades, it is not yet fully understood. Studies suggest that a deficiency in magnesium may worsen the blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. Scientists believe that a deficiency of magnesium interrupts insulin secretion in the pancreas and increases insulin resistance in the body's tissues. Evidence suggests that a deficiency of magnesium may contribute to certain diabetes complications.

Vanadium

Vanadium is a compound found in tiny amounts in plants and animals. Early studies showed that vanadium normalized blood glucose levels in animals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A recent study found that when people with diabetes were given vanadium, they developed a modest increase in insulin sensitivity and were able to decrease their insulin requirements. Currently researchers want to understand how vanadium works in the body, discover potential side effects, and establish safe dosages.

To learn more about alternative therapies for diabetes treatment, contact the National Institutes of Health's Office of Alternative Medicines Clearinghouse at (888) 644-6226.

Additional Information on Alternative Therapies for Diabetes

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse collects resource information on diabetes for the Combined Health Information Database (CHID). CHID is a database produced by health-related agencies of the Federal Government. This database provides titles, abstracts, and availability information for health information and health education resources.
To provide you with the most up-to-date resources, information specialists at the clearinghouse created an automatic CHID search. To obtain this information, you may view the results of the automatic search on Alternative Therapies for Diabetes.

Or, if you wish to perform your own search of the database, you may access the CHID Online web site and search CHID yourself.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD
20892-3560

Lowering Blood Sugar For Type 2 Diabetes With Exercise

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in Sept 2007 shows how combining strength training with aerobic exercise greatly reduces blood sugar levels in middle aged adults. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Sep 18;147(6):357-69

The study conducted by Ronald Sigal M.D. and colleagues, of the University of Calgary, tested 251 adults ages 35-70. They were divided into 4 separate groups: 1-resistance training, 2- aerobic regime, 3- combined training and a fourth control group that was inactive. All groups were blood sugar tested 3 times weekly, and after 5 mos. all 3 exercise groups showed improvement in their hemoglobin A1C (a blood sugar control test). The inactive participants showed no change. The greatest improvement was seen in the combined aerobic and strength training group. The A1C levels in that group dropped by almost a full percentage point, improving blood sugar levels twice the degree of either of the other 2 active groups. This change is so substantial that the affect it would have on the health risks associated with diabetes, such as heart attack and stroke, would be of paramount importance. If there were a pill that existed today that would yield the same results, it would most readily be prescribed, as believed by the authors of the study in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Exercise, already so important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, is so much more important, when your life itself could depend on it.