Along with regular exercise and a healthy diet, diabetes medicine is an important part of treatment. In particular type-1 diabetics need their insulin to survive. Some type-2 diabetes can go along without diabetes medicine, if they control their lifestyle very carefully. However, most find that they still need medical treatment in order to keep their blood sugar at a safe level.
Still, there are some that have been able to control and even reverse their diabetes by turning to alternative forms of diabetes medicine. This is a process though, in which people must carefully monitor and gradually learn to control their blood sugar. Although it doesn’t hurt to look into alternative forms of medicine, it is not advisable for you to begin alternative diabetes medical treatment or stop using diabetes medicine without first consulting your doctor.
Alternative Diabetes Medicine
Any health treatment that is not classified as a Western medical practice is considered a complimentary or alternative form of medicine. There are many forms of diabetes alternative medicine that one can consider. These include:
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Chiropractic Treatments
- Hypnosis
- Biofeedback
- Guided Imagery
- Aromatherapy
- Herbal Remedies
- Massage
- Ayurvedic Medicine
For diabetes, in particular, supplements are often used as alternative forms of diabetes medicine. Chromium, for example, has been found in many studies to be beneficial to diabetics even though it is not commonly administered in Western medicine. Magnesium is another supplement that may be helpful. In fact, the lack of magnesium has been linked with abnormalities in the body’s ability to secrete insulin. Also associations have been found between the lack of magnesium in patients and diabetes complications (WebMD.com, 2012).
Plant foods have also found to be very helpful in diabetes diets as well as when used as diabetes medicine. As a general rule, plant foods that are rich in fiber are the most helpful, and plant foods that are high carbohydrates should be avoided. Broccoli and other dark greens are known to be very helpful. Also, fenugreek seeds, okra, sage, peas, and whole wheat have been known to be helpful in controlling blood glucose levels. In addition, some studies have shown that herbal substances such as garlic, ginger, and ginseng can be helpful in diabetes treatment.
Diabetes Ayurvedic Medicine
One type of diabetes medicine that diabetics are beginning to turn to is ayurvedic medicine, which is a traditional form of treatment from India. It has been found by some to be especially helpful in the treatment of type-1 diabetes. According to NaturalNews.com, an herb used in ayurvedic medicine called GymnemaSylveste may be an alternative answer for type-1 diabetics.
GymnemaSylvestre has been used for hundreds of years and is still being used today for the treatment of Type-1 diabetes. It is said to reduce the need for insulin and lower fasting glucose levels in patients. It has also been known to reduce LDL, or bad, cholesterol, raise HDL, or good, cholesterol, control sugar cravings, and aid in weight loss and digestion. Further research must be done before GymnemaSylvestre will be considered part of “conventional” treatments, but many researchers are giving it a close look.
