Controlling Blood Sugar

Diabetes Information Network

Controlling Blood Sugar Levels

Various folk medicines have been used to treat diabetics since ancient times. Many of them have been shown to effectively reduce excessive blood sugar levels. Those listed below have at least some preliminary research behind them supporting both their safety and effectiveness.

Any one of these natural medicines taken alone can significantly lower your blood sugar. It’s very important that you only take them under the supervision of a physician as adjustments in your insulin and medication levels may be required. Also, if you choose to experiment with these medicines, you should only take them one at a time. They shouldn’t be taken along with diabetic drugs or in combinations except under the direction of a physician.

Aloe Vera
Taken orally Aloe Vera reduces blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production.

Other names:                  Hsiang-dan, Miracle plant, Lily of the desert
Best form to take:           Gel or Softgel capsules
Usual dosage:                Capsules (250mg or 470mg), Softgel 1,000mg
Approximate cost:          Less than $10 per month
Other effects:                  Anti-inflammatory effect

Be careful with dosage levels. If you take too much, you can expect to experience moderate to severe diarrhea and intestinal irritation. Do not take if experiencing unexplained abdominal pain or you have an ulcer or are taking diuretics. Do not take for too long as long term use can cause a Potassium deficiency. Aloe Vera is widely used as a digestive aid as it reduces stomach acid and calms the lining of the stomach (in moderate doses)

Biotin
Reduces excessive blood sugar levels.

Other names:                   Coenzyme R, D-biotin, W factor
Best form to take:           capsules
Usual dosage:                30-200mcg per day
Approximate cost:          Less than $8 per month
Other effects:                   Strengthens finger and toenails, hair
                                         weak painkiller for arthritis
Possible side effects:    Mild diuretic

Bitter Melon
Bitter melon has been widely used for the treatment of diabetes in traditional herbal medicine. The most active component seems to be something called “p-insulin”. It’s effects are cumulative and gradual so don’t expect instant results. In one study after one month the average blood sugar reduction was 25%. It also caused a drop in glycoslated hemoglobin after 7 weeks which stayed down even 15 days after bitter melon was discontinued. Bitter Melon also lowers blood sugar in a way that doesn’t involve the pancreas which is poorly understood. (the “Extrapancreatic” effect)

Other names:                  Momordica charantia, African cucumber
Best form to take:           Powdered leaf in capsule or tablet form
Usual dosage:              1-2 grams per day
Approximate cost:          Less than $10 per month
Other effects:                   Anti-tumor effect, mild laxative
Possible side effects:    Diarrhea if taken in larger doses

Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral that is critical in the blood sugar control process. Seriously ill patients fed Chromium deficient diets developed type II diabetes. Blood sugar levels fell an average of 18% in diabetic patients given Chromium orally (after six weeks).

Other names:                  Chromium chloride, Chromium nicotinate
Best form to take:           Chromium Picolinate
Usual dosage:                100-200 micrograms (mcg.) per day
Approximate cost:           Less than $10 per month
Other effects:                    May cause some weight loss. Increases good                                            cholesterol (HDL), reduces total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Possible side effects:    Large doses may be dangerous – >200mcg/day

The use of Chromium to enhance blood sugar control is still considered controversial. Numerous studies have supported it’s use while others were less convincing. Do not take more than 100-200 mcg per day as higher doses might be toxic and somewhat dangerous.

Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 increases insulin production which reduces blood sugar levels an average of 20%.

Other names:                  CoQ10, co-Q10, Ubiquinone
Best form to take:           Coenzyme Q10 made from fermented sugar
Usual dosage:                50-250mg per day
Approximate cost:          $10-12 per month – increases with dosage
Other effects:                   Used to treat chest pain (angina), chronic fatigue
Possible side effects:    Can cause stomach irritation – take with meals

Widely used by cardiologists in Japan and Europe to treat various heart problems. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that works in conjunction with vitamin E. Used by AIDS patients to boost the immune system.

Fenugreek
Fenugreek has been used to treat diabetes since ancient times in India where it’s part of their ancient traditional “Ayurvedic” medical system. It’s so effective at reducing blood sugar levels that it works in diabetics and normal subjects in the much the same way. It reduces fasting blood sugar, and after meal sugar levels of both insulin and blood sugar.

Other names:                  Trigonella forenum graecum, Foenugraeci semen
Best form to take:           Capsules containing powdered Fenugreek seed
Usual dosage:                1-2 grams up to three times per day
Approximate cost:          Less than $10 per month
Other effects:                   May reduce total cholesterol, mild diuretic
Possible side effects:    Allergy to Fenugreek is possible but rare

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