Beating Diabetes The Natural Way

Occasionally I like to give my readers some insight which many people do not know. Living with Diabetes all these years, and working in the medical field, I have had the chance to hear and try new things which have added some wonderful results in my fight against this deadly disease. Anything that I can do to help myself live longer, and help my body metabolize sugar like it should, I gladly accept. A couple days ago, I went to my endocrinologist. We went over results of my labs. My HBA1c was 5.7. This level is at a level that would be considered almost NON-DIABETIC!! I was never so happy! I contribute MUCH of my success in my diabetic numbers to the following. I believe God put herbs here on this earth for a reason. I believe that we need to not so much focus on what can be created in a lab by people in white coats, and moreso on things in nature. So here is the list that I have used and have been very successful with:



ALPHA LIPOIC ACID (ALA)
Experimental studies show that alpha-lipoic acid may exhibit a renal protective effect in individuals with diabetes. Alpha-lipoic acid increases glucose uptake in the cells and appears to reduce symptoms of diabetic complications including cataract formation, vascular damage, and polyneuropathy (nerve damage). A study published in Diabetic Medicine in 1999 showed that patients treated with 600 mg of ALA 3 times daily for 3 weeks had improvement of diabetic symptoms from polyneuropathy. In another study using 600 to 1,800 mg of ALA daily, individuals treated showed improved insulin sensitivity. Most studies supporting the use of alpha-lipoic acid to reduce symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy employed intravenous alpha-lipoic.
Lipoic acid plays a key role in a variety vital energy-producing reactions in the body that turn glucose (blood sugar) into energy.

FIBER
Studies suggest that diets high in fiber can help to lower insulin and blood sugar levels, improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and help prevent type II diabetes. Soluble fiber bonds with water in the digestive system, whereby lowering the rate of absorption of starches and sugars in the stomach and intestinal tract. The result of this effect is significantly reduced cholesterol levels over time, which may help prevent hear disease, stroke, and a myriad of other internal problems. Eating foods or taking supplements that provide soluble fiber may also help improve glucose tolerance for people suffering from diabetes.

ACETYL-L CARNITINE
Carnitine will give an energy boost, which in addition to converting body fat to fuel will elevate certain enzymes needed to metabolize sugars, starches, and other carbohydrates. Carnitine has many benefits for the heart as well but primarily it is excellent for helping the body metabolize and use sugar.

GTF CHROMIUM
GTF (glucose tolerance factor) chromium: This trace element plays a role in blood sugar regulation by working with insulin to help transport glucose into cells. Take 1,000 mcg daily.

CINNAMON 
Several mechanisms by which cinnamon might lower glucose have been proposed. Cinnamon may have an insulin-like effect, causing glucose to be stored in the form of glycogen. In one study of rats, cinnamon reportedly caused an increase in a compound IRS-1, which is responsible for increasing glucose uptake in muscle tissue. Cinnamon has also been reported to cause an increase in the transporter mechanisms (GLUT-4) that take glucose out of the blood stream and into tissue. Cinnamon has also been cited as having a number of other properties that might contribute to any hypoglycemic effect that it might have.

B COMPLEX Vitamins
If there were one disease that could be treated by the B complex Vitamins, it would be Diabetes.
Almost all B complex vitamins contribute in alleviating its nasty effects in the body. Niacin, folic acid, thiamin, and Vitamin B6 play a role in converting starches and sugar to energy.
Deficiency of the B vitamins would only cause increased sugar content in the body. A complete B vitamin supplement should help your body in managing the disease.


And there we have it! These supplements seem to really be kicking a dent in my diabetes. I have definitely seen better numbers in my lab results, as well as a great decrease in my peripheral diabetic neuropathy in my feet. For a while there I was experiencing numbness and tingling in my feet and toes. After bumping up the above supplements a notch, particularly the folic acid (usually found in B Complex Vitamins), I noticed significant changes! We need not forget to increase our exercise and watch what we eat, but these supplements add to your arsenal. ;) Good luck and let me know if you also notice a big difference! Bear in mind it takes a good month or two to start noticing results from taking supplements.