Many people with diabetes are interested in alternative or complementary therapies. They feel that if they can take an herbal supplement or vitamin to better control their blood sugar levels or reduce their dependence on insulin injections, why not?
But do such therapeutic drugs, often touted as alternative treatments for diabetes, really work?
Diabetes needs new treatments and new approaches
First, we should be clear about the difference between the terms “alternative” and “complementary”. For diabetes management, experts prefer the latter term. “Substitution” means giving up one treatment and moving to another, whereas if a patient wants to take a supplement, it is in addition to the primary treatment.
While many herbs and vitamins have shown promise for treating diabetes, the scientific evidence for their safety and effectiveness is unclear, and experts have a hard time recommending them.
Experts are not completely resistant to such treatments. Nathaniel Clark, MD, a spokesman for the American Diabetes Association (ADA), said, “There are always unknowns waiting to be understood, and diabetes needs new treatments and new approaches.”
Can herbs lower blood sugar?
Much has been said about the medicinal benefits of various herbs. But modern medicine needs evidence, and as herbs become more popular, scientists are busy examining the possible benefits of herbs for diseases. Diabetes is no exception.
One study found that cinnamon may improve blood sugar metabolism by triggering the release of insulin. In this study, patients who took just ΒΌ teaspoon of cinnamon a day had significantly lower blood sugar levels. Cinnamon also improved blood lipid levels called triglycerides.
Some of the herbs that have been studied include: aloe vera, red gourd (ivy gourd), garlic, ginseng, spoonbill vine, holy basil, fenugreek, fig leaf, milk thistle, bitter melon, and cactus. Some herbs show signs of helping to regulate blood sugar levels, but the evidence is not clear and more research needs to be done. One caveat is that patients should try herbs only if they are safe and talk to their doctor ahead of time.
Are herbs “compatible” with Western medicine?
Does herbal medicine “match” western medicine?
For some herbs that may be beneficial for diabetes, their safety in and of themselves does not seem to be a big issue.
However, herbs can interact adversely with medications prescribed for diabetes. For example, if herbs do work, blood sugar levels may drop quickly and lead to hypoglycemia. Therefore, experts recommend increasing the frequency of blood glucose checks when trying supplement therapy and trying one herb at a time so that you can better determine if this herb is right for you.
George B. Kudolo, PhD, a researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center, is conducting a study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to study 3 The study was funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to study the interaction between 3 prescription diabetes medications (glipizide, pioglitazone, and metformin) and ginkgo biloba.
George found in earlier studies that ginkgo may be helpful for people with diabetes because it thins the blood, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation.
“We found that ginkgo biloba had exactly the same effect as aspirin.” George said. Aspirin is known to be beneficial for people with heart disease or who are at risk for heart disease. But as with aspirin, taking blood thinners and ginkgo biloba together can be very dangerous.
George also found that ginkgo biloba increases insulin, but does not cause blood sugar levels to drop. He suspects that the cause of this phenomenon may be interference with the way some diabetes drugs work.
Do vitamins and minerals cure diabetes?
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes use supplements only when they are deficient in vitamins and minerals. For example, taking a daily multivitamin may be particularly effective for people with diabetes who:
- Elderly people
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Vegetarians
- People on low-calorie diets
A statement issued by the American Diabetes Association in January 2003 showed that the benefit of taking high doses of vitamins is very uncertain. However, it is very important to have a diet that contains all the vitamins you need.
As for minerals, chromium has been touted as a supplemental treatment for diabetes. The body needs chromium to regulate blood sugar, but the American Diabetes Association states that taking chromium supplements does not provide any benefit to most people with diabetes. Studies have shown that chromium supplements can be helpful for people who are deficient in chromium, but most people are not deficient in the mineral.