Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or cannot properly use insulin, a pancreatic hormone. Insulin is so vital to health because it controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the body and the rate at which it is absorbed into the cells to produce energy. Many people live with diabetes and don’t even know it, and if not properly monitored, diabetes can lead to fatal diseases like heart and kidney disease. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes is rising and diabetes remains the sixth leading cause of the death. An individual living with diabetes needs to monitor blood glucose levels, blood cholesterol and blood pressure in order to ensure optimal health. Below are natural remedies that support general health in people living with diabetes.
Fenugreek
People suffering from diabetes are often subject to episodes of both high and blow blood sugar levels. For centuries, the herb fenugreek has been used for a variety of health conditions because of its powerful properties. Researched studies supported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) claim that taking fenugreek can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Studies have found that fenugreek may help lower blood sugar levels in people with elevated levels caused by diabetes.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema Sylvestre is so much more than just another unfamiliar herb with a name that is hard to pronounce. In India, the name literally translates to “sugar destroyer” and studies have lead researchers to believe it may be very beneficial to people with diabetes. Research compiled by “Reader’s Digest” shows the herb’s ability to control healthy blood sugar levels that are often elevated or low in diabetes. The studies also show that Gymnema may also increase the activity of enzymes that promote healthy secretion of the hormone insulin. This healthy release of insulin in the body promotes healthy blood sugar levels and decreases the complications of diabetes.
Ginseng
Ginseng might be one of the most well known and trusted herbs used for natural remedies. Native to China and Korea, ginseng has been used in a variety of ways because of its potential therapeutic properties. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that Ginseng contains active components called ginsenosides that are emerging as a potential treatment for the management of diabetes. The studies claim that ginseng may lower blood glucose levels and have other possible beneficial effects on the immune system. Ginseng has been shown to be most beneficial for people with diabetes because it supports healthy glucose and blood pressure levels.
About this Author
Anthony Isaac Palacios has been a professional writer for more than four years for various media, including magazine, newspaper and the Internet. He has a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and nutrition and specializes in health and nutrition articles for the general public.
