Help For Diabetes

Top Herbs for Controlling Blood Sugar

By Cass Ingram, D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy)

Diabetes, commonly referred to as either Type 1 or Type 2, is rapidly becoming one of the worst epidemics of the modern age. As the number of cases continues to multiply, new ways of treating this chronic illness are being developed. Natural remedies are a popular alternative to prescription medications when treating Type 2 diabetes; these herb and spice extracts may also aid Type 1 diabetics in a variety of ways.

Whenever discussing diabetes it is first imperative to make a distinction between Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile onset diabetes because it normally develops during childhood, adolescence or early adulthood (before the age of 30), occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin (a hormone secreted by the pancreas to control blood sugar levels). This, in turn, makes Type 1 diabetics dependent upon insulin injections in order to survive. It is theorized that Type 1 diabetes, along with being inherited, is caused by a viral infection. Currently, there are approximately one million Americans with Type 1 diabetes.

In contrast, Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult onset, is typically found in middle-aged and elderly people. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs when a person is overweight and the body cannot properly use the insulin that is produced in the pancreas. After all, insulin acts as the mechanism for glucose uptake in cells. If insulin cannot get the cells to consume the glucose, the glucose remains in the bloodstream and cells are not able to produce energy.

Unfortunately, due to poor dietary habits and a lack of exercise, obesity and Type 2 diabetes are becoming a modern plague. With this trend extending to all segments of the population, even children and adolescents are now being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, as many as 16 million Americans currently have Type 2 diabetes Unfortunately, nearly one third of the people with Type 2 diabetes are not aware that they suffer from this debilitating disease.

The trick with diabetes is to gain control over blood sugar levels in the body. Type 1 diabetics accomplish this with insulin injections, exercise and a healthy diet. Type 2 diabetics usually take a prescription medication in order to help the insulin bring about glucose uptake at the cellular level, and rely upon exercise and a healthy diet in order to achieve optimal blood sugar levels. If diabetics do not work to lower their blood sugar levels they face devastating complications. With constant hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) comes poor circulation, which in turn may lead to limb amputation, heart disease, strokes, blindness and kidney failure. This is why many people are now turning to natural remedies as a way of controlling glucose levels.

Due to the fact that there are many natural remedies for controlling blood glucose levels, it is important to discuss the implications that accompany each one: 

Momordica charantia — better known as bitter melon, has been hypothesized to act via both pancreatic and extrapancreatic mechanisms in order to help lower and stabilize blood sugar levels. While bitter melon appears to have the advantage of lowering glucose levels, the arils around the seeds of the melon contain a toxic compound which has been implicated in at least one death. Side effects of bitter melon may include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), increased uterine bleeding and contractions in women and hepatotoxicity.

Gymnema sylvestre (gurmar) is a member of the milkweed family. The leaf, when chewed, has been reported to decrease the ability of the tastebuds to detect sweet tastes. Research using animals with the pancreas removed found no effect of gymnema supplementation, suggesting that some degree of beta cell function may be necessary for it to work. In other words, it appears that gymnema helps the body to absorb insulin that has already been produced by the pancreas. If there is no insulin present the supplement will not perform.

Chromium picolinate may be the most widely used nutritional supplement for diabetics. While chromium picolinate is highly touted by the alternative medicine field, it is simply a trace mineral that is necessary for the proper functioning of insulin activity.

Fenugreek is one of the finest natural remedies for correcting cellular glucose absorption. Numerous studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1995) exist which indicate that subjects receiving fenugreek noticed additional glucose uptake and utilization in peripheral tissues. According to these studies, fenugreek brought about a decrease in fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels as well as a reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels. Additionally, studies conducted at the Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. found that fenugreek effectively lowered blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels when combined with the essential oils of cumin, pumpkin seed, oregano and cinnamon. The product used by scientists for testing this unique combination of essential oils is called Oregulin™. 

Cinnamon has been proven to affect glucose metabolism. According to a recent research study published in the July 2000 issue of Agricultural Research, scientists at the US Agricultural Research Service found that an extract of cinnamon may help cells respond to insulin at a rate of 20 times faster than normal. Lead scientist Richard Anderson told the BBC at the time that a daily serving of cinnamon, a quarter to a full teaspoon, may help increase a diabetic’s glucose metabolism.
When searching for a nutraceutical that will help control blood glucose levels it is clear that consumers should look for one that contains both fenugreek and cinnamon. After all, these two components appear to have the greatest effect on cellular glucose uptake without the side effects of prescription medications.

Type 2 diabetes is avoidable. We are conditioning our children to become diabetic and we might not even know it. Proper diet, exercise, and knowledge of our treatment options to regulate insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar are the major components of a diabetic-free life.  Explore your options and listen to people who have used natural remedies to control their Type 2 diabetes. There are non-prescription effective solutions available to control blood sugar. Herbs have been proven to regulate blood sugar levels. However, essential oils offer a degree of concentration and, hence, increased efficacy, ranking them at the top of the blood sugar control list.