Natural Remedies for Diabetes

Some people with diabetes try so-called "natural remedies for diabetes." Natural remedies for diabetes people try include: magnesium, garlic, chromium, and omega-3 fatty acids. There is limited scientific evidence on the effectiveness of natural remedies for diabetes. To ensure a safe and coordinated course of care, people should inform their healthcare providers about any natural remedies for diabetes that they are currently using or considering.

 

Natural Remedies for Diabetes: An Introduction

Some people with diabetes use complementary or alternative treatments for diabetes. Although some alternative treatments for diabetes may be effective, others can be ineffective or even harmful. Patients who use alternative treatments marketed as natural remedies for diabetes need to let their healthcare providers know what they are doing.
 
This article focuses on six possible natural remedies for diabetes that people try:
 
(Click Alternative Treatments for Diabetes for more information on other possible natural remedies for diabetes.)
 

Natural Remedies for Diabetes: Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, also known as lipoic acid or thioctic acid) is a chemical that is similar to a vitamin.
 It is an antioxidant -- a substance that prevents cell damage caused by substances called free radicals in a process called oxidative stress. High levels of blood glucose are one cause of oxidative stress.
 
ALA is found in foods such as:
 
  • Liver
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Potatoes.
     
ALA can also be made in the laboratory. ALA supplements are marketed as tablets or capsules. It is theorized that ALA may be beneficial because of its antioxidant activity.
(Natural Remedies for Diabetes Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD