Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.[1] It is a chronic illness associated with abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood.
Among the most common causes of this condition are the following:
- High consumption of glucose-rich foods
- Insufficient production of insulin in the body
Due to the high amounts of glucose in the body, the liver fails to convert them all into energy.[2]
According to the statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 30 million adults in the United States suffer from diabetes.[3] More than one-quarter of these people are unaware of the fact that they are going through the condition. Furthermore, 84 million adults in the U.S. suffer from prediabetes which may even increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.[4]
Types of Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the beta-cells of the pancreas are destroyed, thus causing a lack of insulin in the body. This type of diabetes occurs at a very young age.[5]
On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of this ailment, accounting for over 90% of all diabetes cases. This condition can develop at any age, even during childhood.[6]
A study in 2010 found that Type 2 diabetes can cause several complications. These complications include kidney failure, amputation, and loss of vision.[7]
Due to the complications caused by diabetes, the life expectancy of the patient is drastically reduced from the time of diagnosis.[8]
Facts That You Need To Know About Diabetes
- About 1.25 million Americans are diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes.[9]
- Type-2 diabetes can cause multiple complications if not treated immediately.[10]
- Some complications include blindness, kidney failure, and amputation.[11]
- Dietary change is the primary treatment and prevention recommended by physicians.[12]
- People with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases.[13]
- Those who suffer from diabetes caused by obesity may try Bariatric Surgery to reduce the effects and symptoms of the condition.[14]
Natural supplements that aid the body in controlling blood sugar may help fight diabetes.
Diabetes Treatment
The current recommended treatment for diabetes focuses on lifestyle interventions, such as reduction of sugar intake and exercise. Doctors may also recommend supplements for encouraging blood sugar maintenance in diabetic patients.[15]
Here are some facts that will give you a better understanding of diabetes and what measures should be taken to prevent this problem.
Benefits Of Using Supplements For Diabetes
“Do herbal supplements control diabetes?”
This is a question that splits the opinions of many.
In South East Asia, medical practitioners use herbal supplements to control blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes.
- Supplements like Tongkat Ali and Korean Red Ginseng may have the ability to regulate blood sugar levels and boost insulin sensitivity.[16]
- For diabetics who have less severe symptoms, some of these supplements may enhance the mood and keep the patient motivated.[17]
- Maca supplement comes with dietary fiber that may decrease blood sugar while increasing the level of antioxidants in the body.[18]
- Herbal supplements give a person a shot at healing without breaking the bank. These are often cheaper and come in small packaging.[19]
- Herbal supplements have fewer side effects compared to drugstore medicine.[20]
Controlling Diabetes Using Natural Supplements
Medications and simple lifestyle changes are the usual approach in managing diabetes. But sometimes, these are not enough. This is where all-natural herbal supplements enter the picture.
There are herbal supplements that come with anti-diabetic properties. These properties may improve blood lipid levels and insulin sensitivity along with lowering blood sugar levels.
Below are some of the best supplements that may aid in maintaining normal blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is an herb native to the regions of Southeast Asia. It is popular for its healing properties.
Some of the more common uses of this herb are for testosterone-boosting capabilities, as well as for its energy-boosting benefits and naturally increasing vigor. It may also have positive effects on controlling diabetes.[21]
How Does Tongkat Ali Work For Diabetes?
A team of researchers back in 2013 conducted a systematic review of Tongkat Ali. In their review, they validated the claims that Tongkat Ali may reduce the blood sugar levels in the body. In addition to decreasing the blood sugar level, it may also increase both physical and mental performance. [22]
In the same study, Tongkat Ali may have the ability to decrease the production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone known as the “stress hormone.” Moreover, the herb itself may also aid in improving testosterone levels in men, as well as libido.[23]
For these reasons, the supplementation of Tongkat Ali may be beneficial in aiding the treatment of diabetes.
How Can It Be Used?
Tongkat Ali is usually taken as a complementary supplement to traditional treatments. Once the herb starts to decrease blood sugar levels, the patient then decreases the use of other medications under the supervision of their doctor. Tongkat Ali is best taken daily as a dietary supplement.
The suggested optimal dosage of Tongkat Ali is between 1,200mg to 2,400mg of standardized 2% extract. This can be taken twice a day, with the first dose taken in the morning, and the next one in the afternoon.
Maca
Maca is a Peruvian root that is often associated with energy enhancement as well as many other benefits. Many believe that this herb may also aid in managing diabetes and other complications related to it.[24]
How Does Maca Work For Diabetes?
Maca consists of compounds that may help in controlling type-2 diabetes.
This herbal supplement may help the cells to become more sensitive to the effects of insulin. As a result, this mechanism may aid in controlling blood glucose levels.[25]
Maca is also rich in antioxidants. These may help diabetic patients in combating the inflammation caused by high blood sugar levels.[26]
How Can It Be Used?
Maca is best taken in combination with a healthy diet and prescription medicine. The supplement may also work better along with regular exercise.
Maca is safe for diabetics and may also help lower the current doses of medications for diabetes under the supervision of their doctor.
The standard dose for gelatinized maca is 1,500mg to 3,000mg, taken daily. It is highly recommended to take the supplement along with food.
Korean Red Ginseng
Throughout history, Korean Red Ginseng gained popularity as one of the best medicinal herbs and an all-around general health tonic. It was also used in Chinese Traditional Medicine for centuries.[27]
This herb may play a role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis, a state in which the body is in complete balance.[28]
According to research, Korean Red Ginseng may improve the brain’s functions, and boost the immune system. The herb may also have pain-relieving effects on the body, reduce fatigue, and aid in treating diabetes[29]
Along with its many health benefits, Korean Red Ginseng may also aid in treating diabetes.
How Does Korean Red Ginseng Work For Diabetes?
According to a study, Korean Red Ginseng may act as an aid for diabetes patients by normalizing the blood sugar levels in the body. The researchers claim that it may take twelve weeks before the body experiences the full effects of the herb.[30]
After the twelve-week period, the body’s glycemic condition switched to normal levels. Both the amounts of glucose and insulin are in balance within the body.[31]
There are eleven components in Korean Red Ginseng, and two of them are known to control the complications of diabetes. These components may also control the blood glucose levels of patients who have type-2 diabetes.[32]
How Can It Be Used?
The recommended dosage of Korean Red Ginseng for preventative purposes is 200mg of standardized extract, daily.[33]
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a popular herb in Ayurvedic Medicine. Ashwagandha is an herb that is a part of Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine for the last 3,000 years. It is popular for its adaptogenic properties.[34]
This herb is also known by the following names: Withania Somnifera, Indian Ginseng, and Winter Cherry. Ashwagandha may have the ability to fight arthritis, asthma, hypertension, cancer, and diabetes.[35]
How Does Ashwagandha Work For Diabetes?
Ashwagandha is a common natural supplement that may help in treating diabetes.[36] The herb has a steroidal lactone called Withaferin-A. Withaferin-A is responsible for the anti-diabetic properties of the herb.[37]
Additionally, Ashwagandha does not have any hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) effects, but a study observed that it may treat hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) throughout the whole body, albeit the side effects on the sexual glands.[38]
According to a 2011 review by the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, this herb may alter the urine and blood glucose levels, liver enzymes, and glycated hemoglobin in diabetic rats.[39]
Another 2013 study revealed that Withania Somnifera may decrease the blood glucose levels as compared to an oral hypoglycemic.[40]
How Can It Be Used?
Several studies show that Ashwagandha can be dosed within the range of 50mg-6,000 mg, with the most common dose ranging from 500mg-1000mg. Depending on the extract strength, the common dose consists of about 5%-25% of withanolide content.
If you are new to using this herbal remedy, you may want to start with an Ashwagandha supplement containing 5% of Withanolides, within the 500mg-1000mg range.
Though Ashwagandha is considered as a supplement for many people, you should avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Final Word
Before you start taking supplements for diabetes, you should always consult with your physician first. These supplements may be all-natural, but they may still interfere with certain conditions. For this reason, it is always best to get your doctor’s approval before taking them.
Moreover, certain supplements and medications tend to impose allergic reactions on some people. These allergic reactions are often due to the chemicals and compounds present in the products.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition, but it is possible to control it. Lifestyle changes, such as engaging in more physical activities and a healthier diet may be the key to keeping diabetes at bay. Remember that supplements are only there to assist this health condition, and can not fully alter the role of a healthy lifestyle and proper treatment.
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