Diabetes is often described as a lifestyle disease, which can be managed effectively with lifestyle alterations. Natural supplements for diabetes can also help in improving health and in managing the disease and keeping it in control. We look at what supplements can help to naturally manage and control this disease.
1. Cinnamon
This sweetish spice is now being recognized as one of the more effective natural supplements for diabetes management. It is seen to help improve insulin sensitivity and the process of converting sugar to energy in the body. It can be taken in powdered or extract form.
2. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is known to have several other health benefits and powered fenugreek seeds are known to decrease fasting blood sugar blood glucose levels as well as increase glucose tolerance.
3. Bitter melon
This fruit is largely consumed in Asia and South Africa and is also as used natural supplement for diabetes in juice, tea or capsule form. It can be eaten and can even be injected. The seeds of the fruit and the fruit itself are thought to lower glucose levels.
4. Ginseng
Ginseng is known to be a tonic that may improve health in many different ways. One of the many varieties of ginseng is the North American type of ginseng that is seen to be most effective for diabetes control. It is seen to improve control of blood sugar and also glycosylated hemoglobin counts.
5. Alpha lipoic acid
This is an antioxidant that works in the way that B complex vitamins work on the body. These natural supplements for diabetes work by helping convert food into energy and also by lowering blood sugar levels. This supplement has been seen to improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy that could result from poorly managed diabetes.
6. Magnesium
This supplement is seen to help with insulin resistance and fasting glucose levels.
7. Chromium
This is a trace mineral and supplements can help diabetics in several ways. Studies have shown that these natural supplements for diabetes could help keep weight gain in control and also help improve insulin sensitivity.
8. Zinc
One of the functions of zinc is production and storage of insulin which makes this supplement important to diabetes management. This mineral can be had from several food sources or can be had in the form of supplements.
9. Tea
The natural antioxidants in tea help improve overall health and as long as it is taken without sugar it can also help manage diabetes.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is also counted among the natural supplements for diabetes. The active phytosterol compounds present in gel are seen to lower blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.