Thursday, July 26, 2012

Guest Post: Natural Remedies to Control Type 2 Diabetes



Guest post provided by DrugWatch.com staff

As of 2012, no cure for type I or type II diabetes exists. The focal point for those suffering from the condition is to obtain the optimal level of diabetes health. In order to achieve this, one must look into the treatment options available. This includes discovering the natural remedies available. Since no herb or lifestyle changes have been completely successful at regulating blood glucose levels, many patients may still require the use of diabetes drugs.

Taking medications for diabetes, like Actos, is a very common treatment option for those living with diabetes. However, Actos is associated with dangerous side effects that may even be life-threatening. Actos has been known to cause congestive heart failure and worsen the condition in those who already have the disease. Other cardiovascular risks are also complications of this pharmaceutical. These include heart attack and stroke. Additionally, Actos and bladder cancer symptoms have been linked together in many cases.

Lose Weight

Weight loss is one of the main natural remedies for reaching better diabetes health. In fact, the American Diabetes Association declares that even losing a few pounds can impact sugar levels. Since having excess fat cells appears to increase insulin resistance, weight loss may increase insulin sensitivity.
Even after a person reaches a healthy weight, one should continue eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Whole grains are an important part of a diet for people with diabetes. This is because people with diabetes are more prone to cardiovascular issues, and whole grains positively affect cardiovascular health.

Regulating carbohydrates can benefit individuals who have diabetes, since carbs increase blood sugar levels. Carb counting and glycemic index diets — eating plans that utilize the glycemic index, which is a chart that notes how much a food influences blood sugar levels — are known to contribute positively to both weight loss and controlling diabetes. At least 14 grams of fiber should be part of a person with diabetes' diet, states the Mayo Clinic. This is because fiber helps to lower glucose levels.

Exercise

Diet may be important to diabetes health, but exercise is important, too. Exercise helps to burn carbohydrates, which are converted into glucose for the body to use as energy. By burning these carbs, exercise can assist with maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Stress management contributes to better diabetes health, due to the fact that stress releases hormones that play a role in elevating sugar levels.

Consider Herbs

Lifestyle modifications are not the only types of natural remedies for managing diabetes health. In fact, herbal remedies are a growing trend in medicine. However, because certain herbs may react poorly when taken with other medications, herbs or supplements, one should always consult with a physician prior to starting an herb regimen. Additionally, a diabetes patient should never stop taking medications no matter which lifestyle modifications or other natural remedies he or she is taking, unless instructed to do so by a physician.

Gymnema has been known to aid a person into having better control over glucose levels. Other herbs that may lower blood sugar levels include fenugreek and garlic. Cinnamon may have the power to increase insulin sensitivity; however, neither the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor the National Institutes of Health have deemed it a safe or effective treatment.

Elizabeth Carrollton writes about defective medical devices and dangerous drugs for Drugwatch.com.

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