Dietary changes that may be helpful for Diabetes
Starch blockers
Starch blockers are substances that inhibit amylase, the digestive enzyme required to break down dietary starches for normal absorption. Controlled research has demonstrated that concentrated starch blocker extracts, when given with a starchy meal, can reduce the usual rise in blood sugar levels of both healthy people and diabetics. While this effect could be helpful in controlling diabetes, no research has investigated the long-term effects of taking starch blockers for this condition.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid found in protein-rich food. People with type 1 diabetes have been reported to have low blood taurine levels, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease by altering blood viscosity. Supplementing with taurine (1.5 grams per day) has restored blood taurine to normal levels and corrected the problem of blood viscosity within three months.
Vanadium
While vanadyl sulfate, a form of vanadium, may improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes, it may not help people with type 1 diabetes according to one preliminary report. The long-term safety of the large amounts of vanadium used in diabetes research (typically 100 mg per day) remains unknown. Many doctors expect that amounts this high may prove to be unsafe in the long term.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions. Herbs that may be helpful
Several herbs may help in managing symptoms associated with diabetes, including the control of blood sugar levels.
Cayenne
Double-blind trials have shown that topical application of creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin (from cayenne [Capsicum frutescens]) can relieve symptoms of diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy). Four or more applications per day may be required to relieve severe pain. This should be done only under a doctor’s supervision.
Bilberry
Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy. One preliminary trial found that supplementation with a standardized extract of bilberry improved signs of retinal damage in some people with diabetic retinopathy.
Gymnema
Test tube and animal studies have found several mechanisms by which gymnema may help normalize blood sugar control in diabetics. In a controlled trial with people with type 1 diabetes, 400 mg per day of gymnema extract reduced requirements for insulin. Whether the extract used in this study was standardized for active constituents is unclear. Recently, a preliminary trial found improved blood sugar levels after three months in a group of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who took 800 mg per day of an extract standardized for 25% gymnemic acids. Gymnema is not a substitute for insulin, but insulin amounts may need to be lowered in order to avoid hypoglycemia while taking gymnema.
Onion
Preliminary trials and at least one double-blind trial have shown that large amounts of onion can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The mechanism of onion’s blood sugar-lowering action is not precisely known, though there is evidence that constituents in onions block the breakdown of insulin in the liver. This would lead to higher levels of insulin in the body.
Açaí
Açaí is reported to be a traditional remedy for diabetes. Although oxidative stress may contribute to diabetes and anthocyanins may improve insulin secretion, there is no published evidence that açaí has any effect on diabetes.
Asian ginseng
Asian ginseng is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown in test tube and animal studies to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors.Animal research has also revealed a direct blood sugar–lowering effect of ginseng.However, no human trials have tested Asian ginseng in people with type 1 diabetes.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Animal research suggests that fenugreek may also contain a substance that stimulates insulin production and improves blood sugar control.In a controlled study in people with type 1 diabetes, incorporating powdered fenugreek seed into lunch and dinner meals (50 grams per meal) for ten days improved several measures of blood sugar control compared to a similar ten-day diet without added fenugreek.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy), though research is at best very preliminary in this area.
By : Healthnotes
