My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

What alternative therapies are used to treat diabetes?

Related Topics: Diabetes
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

WebMDSUCCESS!
WebMD
7,873 Answers
99,654 Helpful Votes
159 Followers
A.

Supplements

  • Chromium has been widely publicized as therapy to improve diabetes control. Although there are several studies that support a role for chromium as beneficial in diabetes, currently there are no recommendations for its use in diabetes management.
  • Magnesium has been studied for years as a form of therapy to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. A lack of magnesium has been associated with insulin secretion abnormalities and has been associated with diabetes complications.
  • Vanadium is derived from plant sources and has been shown in a few studies to increase a person's sensitivity to insulin. Thus far, no recommendations exist for supplementation to be given to people with diabetes.

Plant Foods

The following plant foods have been found to help people with type 2 diabetes.

  • Brewer's yeast
  • Buckwheat
  • Broccoli and other related greens
  • Okra
  • Peas
  • Fenugreek seeds
  • Sage

Most plant foods are rich in fiber, which is beneficial for helping control blood sugar levels.

There are no clinical trials with promising results for many of the other herbs being proposed for diabetes, such as garlic, ginger, ginseng, hawthorn, or nettle. If you have diabetes and are considering taking any of these herbal substances, talk to your doctor before you take them.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

7 of 8 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Alternative Treatments for Diabetes
 
 
1 Answer

Next Question:

What is the treatment for diabetes? Next Question