Diabetes Dietary Supplements

We have all heard the line “Take two of aspirin, and call me in the morning” and while a “one- size fits all” treatment approach might be easier, it is also impractical, incorrect and unhealthy. However, when you factor in the many illnesses, combined with treatment variations and cost, and choices like over the counter medication, prescription drugs, holistic medicine and assorted procedures, it is no wonder that many people are interested in a simpler way to handle health concerns. As a diabetic, dietary supplements may seem to be the perfect solution to daily insulin injections or insulin pills, glucose testing and food exchanges, but as much as you would like it, there has not been any 100% conclusive evidence that there is a dietary supplement for diabetics that will totally eradicate insulin deficiency or resistance. However, there are many herbal supplements touted as helpful in managing your Diabetes, as well as huge strides in herbs and extracts that can help.

Diabetes Dietary Supplements:

There are over 1200 plant compounds that have been tested to see if they will lower blood glucose levels, but none with conclusive positive evidence for human use. However, there are some herbal supplements that have made some differences, but not enough to be used in place of insulin. The herbs that have shown the most promise as dietary supplements for diabetics are bitter melon, fenugreek, gurmar, goats rue, bilberry, ginseng, nopal cactus, and garlic and onions. There have been a variety of test performed on these herbs and foods with different positive results and assortment of side effects. The most effective Diabetes dietary supplements are fenugreek, nopal cactus and the garlic and onions.

Diabetes Dietary Supplements Guidelines

1. Research the herb(s) you are interested in using, so you know what it consist of and any noted side effects
2. Always talk to your doctor before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.
3. Keep records of doses, starting date, blood glucose levels, usage goals and how it works.
4. Only add 1 new Diabetes dietary supplement at a time
5. Follow usage guides on the package
6. Do not combine medication and herbal supplements without talking to your doctor first
7. Do not quit taking your regular medication without talking to your doctor first
8. As with many things, if you have any negative side effects, stop using the dietary supplement for “diabetics”  immediately
9. Do not use herbal supplements if you are pregnant or nursing.
10. Do not give herbal supplements to infants or young children
11. Store your diabetic dietary supplements in their original containers.
12. Stop taking any dietary supplements before surgery, anesthesia other medical procedures.
13. Decide on a time frame for trying a diabetic dietary supplement (usually 3-6 weeks). If it doesn’t work, quit using it.
14. Pay attention to your blood glucose levels as this is the best way to see how effective the dietary supplement for your Diabetes is working.
    

There is much interest in the use of Diabetes dietary supplements. From ginkgo to green tea and chromium picolonate to cinnamon, there is an abundance of options with new research is being done every day. So, be patient, the day of Diabetes dietary supplements in place of oral medication or injections may be closer than we think!

Diabetic Seniors Team

Related Articles

The ABCs of Diabetes Diet Control - How much sugar is in that dish? What would be a tasty vegetable exchange with dinner? And, what about fat and sodium? My blood glucose level is too high, how can I lower? I am already exercising and watching what I eat! One of the most challenging issues for a diabetic is the daily willpower it takes for diabetes diet control. Since diabetes is not merely a 72 hour virus, but rather, a lifestyle altering disease, diabetic diet control is the standard, not the exception.

The 1800 Calorie Diabetic Diet - Low fat, low carb, fruits and vegetables only, the grapefruit diet, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers-everywhere you turn there is another diet. If you have diabetes and your doctor has suggested that you shed some pounds, then selecting the diet plan that works best for you can be a bit intimidating. One common approach is the 1800 calorie diabetic diet, based on the food pyramid. The food pyramid's base suggest 6+ daily servings of grains, beans, and starchy vegetables, followed by 3-5 servings of vegetables, followed by 2-4 servings of fruit, 2-3 (each) servings of dairy and meats and small quantities of fats, sweets and alcohol. By using the food pyramid as a guide, the 1800 calorie diabetes diet is an attainable feat.

Diabetes Meal Planning - Fruits and vegetables, fiber, proteins, and carbohydrates-the diabetic meal plan has many choices and they aren't all required to be sugar -free and flavorless. Thanks to many strides in Diabetes research combined with the food industries healthy choice awareness, it is easier than it has ever been for Diabetes food and meal planning. Of course, doing everything right each day can still be difficult and sometimes a bit stressful (especially if you have been recently diagnosed). To make your Diabetes meal planning a bit easier, here are some Diabetes food and meal planning tips for success.

Diabetes Prevention Diet - "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". When Benjamin Franklin coined this phrase, diabetes was a little understood disease. However, today diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in America; consequently, a diet to prevent diabetes is in great demand. Interestingly enough, a diabetes prevention diet is not all that unique. In many cases, diabetes-especially Type 2-can be prevented by a healthy diet and getting a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise daily.