subject: Effective Alternative Diabetes Treatment [print this page] Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes, approximately 10 percent from type 1 and 90 some percent from type 2. While there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, alternative diabetes treatment for type 2 can be effective and swift, working to reduce symptoms in only a month or two. Diet, exercise, mineral supplements and herbs can all play a positive part in improving and even reversing the disease. People often develop type 2 diabetes by a combination of eating too much of the wrong kinds of foods and a sedentary lifestyle with little or no exercise. When lifestyle changes are made, people with type 2 diabetes can successfully fight the disease.
Diet
Eating healthy and nutritious foods will help heal those with type 2 diabetes and aid in managing the disease for those with type 1. Balancing the proper amounts of carbohydrates, protein and fats in the diet will help diabetics lower and stabilize blood glucose levels. Switching to complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, non-starchy vegetables and legumes increases the amount of fiber in the diet and lessens the amount of glucose loosed into the blood as the food gets digested. Omega-3 rich fish such as salmon and mackerel and oil-rich nuts such as walnuts, almonds and pecans enhance the essential fatty acids necessary for health in diabetics. Avoiding white flour and sugar is equally necessary, though small amounts of fruit can and should be enjoyed by people with type 2. A good diet is the first step in an alternative protocol for type 2.
Exercise
A decisive next step in the alternative protocol requires getting active, at least adding on a good walking session two to three times a week. More exercise is better than less, but any amount of additional exercise helps stabilize blood sugar levels and leads to easing symptoms of diabetes. Exercise and weight management can help prevent diabetes as well as treat the disease. Regular, moderate exercise sessions will likely help with weight problems as well as reducing cardiovascular risks and controlling blood glucose.
Mineral Supplements
The trace mineral chromium, found in foods such as liver, cheese, meats, vegetables and grains, can help reduce blood glucose levels for people with type 2 diabetes. While some chromium comes to individuals through a healthy diet, supplementing with 50 to 200 mcg chromium a day can help control diabetes. Magnesium supplementation can also help, as people with type 2 diabetes often show low levels of magnesium. Eating foods rich in magnesium like green leafy vegetables, lentils, seeds and whole grains will provide both good dietary fiber and rich sources of magnesium for stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving insulin activity in the body.
Herbs
Cinnamon and American ginseng have both shown some effectiveness in alternative diabetes treatment. Using cinnamon in cooking, or drinking delicious cinnamon tea has a positive effect on blood glucose. Cinnamon capsules are available in health food stores, as are capsules of American ginseng. Studies of both have shown the herbs to be effective in improving blood sugar levels.
