Diabetes Health Tricks

 
Source: Jean Carper

No magic bullet can stop our epidemic of type 2 diabetes, but certain supplements may help cut risk and alleviate symptoms:

Chromium. Taking 200 to 1,000 micrograms daily can lower blood glucose, improve insulin function and lessen diabetic symptoms such as thirst and fatigue, says expert Richard Anderson, Ph.D., of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In recent Israeli research, taking 200 mcg twice a day for three weeks reduced diabetics’ blood glucose by 26% and cholesterol by 9%. Anderson advises all adults to take 200 mcg chromium daily to help prevent diabetes.

Cinnamon. The spice boosts Insulin’s efficiency in processing sugar, Anderson says. In one test, diabetics who ate 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day for 40 days reduced their fasting blood sugar 18% to 29%, triglycerides 23% to 30% and cholesterol 12% to 26%. Sprinkle cinnamon on foods such as cereal or fruit, or take it in capsules, Anderson says.

Alpha-lipoic acid. This potent antioxidant can improve blood sugar and help prevent and treat diabetic complications such as cataracts and neuropathy, says Lester Packer, Ph.D., of the University of Southern California. In German research, 600 milligrams daily significantly increased insulin sensitivity and lowered blood sugar in type 2 diabetics after four weeks.