Type 2 diabetes often affects adults around age 45 and older but is not limited to this group. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 percent to 95 percent of diabetes cases in the United States, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes causes hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels in the blood), leading to the risks of hypertension, heart disease and kidney problems or strokes. Controlling blood glucose levels through diet, exercise and medications is one treatment approach; another is the use of herbal supplements such as chromium, janum or Gymnema sylvestre.
Chromium
Chromium is essential for insulin activity in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Chromium supplementation, along with biotin (a trace element vitamin B complex), may help to improve blood sugar levels and gylcemic control in Type 2 diabetes. Chromium may also improve muscle mass and help in weight loss. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, due to the inconsistencies regarding chromium picolate supplementation and glucose metabolism, the Food and Drug Administration says chromium picolinate does not reduce the risk of insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes.
Jamun
Jamun (rose apple) flourishes during the rainy season throughout India, where it’s commonly used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. This nutritious fruit is packed with vitamin C, calcium and phosphorous as well as manganese, zinc and sodium and potassium. The seeds of this juicy, dark violet-colored berry contain Jamboline, a kind of glucose that checks the conversion of starch into sugar when there is an increased production of glucose, according to the Edu Book website. Jamun also acts on the pancreas and boosts insulin levels in diabetics.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre, also called Gurmar, is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. According to the Diabetes Mellitus website, Gymnema sylvestre stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin in Type 2 diabetes and improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar levels in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It also diminishes the urge for sweets. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering website, there have been instances in treating Type 2 diabetic patients with Gymnema sylvestre in which it became necessary to reduce the dosage of traditional diabetic drugs and sometimes to discontinue them completely. Gymnema sylvestre benefits have not been subjected to controlled studies.
Considerations
Diabetes is a condition that requires the advice, care and treatment of a professional health care practitioner in order to prevent the ravaging effects of the complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Consult a doctor before taking any herbal products.
About this Author
Norma Chew is a retired registered nurse who has been a freelance writer since 1978. Chew’s articles have appeared in the Journal of the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN), “Point of View Magazine” and “Today’s OR Nurse.” Chew has a master’s degree in health care administration from Nova Southeastern University.
