Evidence-Based Supplements for Managing Type II Diabetes

Conventional Western Treatments for Type II Diabetes and Their Side Effects

Typically, Western medicine recommends lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight control, and diet therapy for managing Type II diabetes. Additionally, physicians may prescribe glucose-lowering drugs and insulin injections. However, these treatments can have adverse effects, including severe hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, liver cell injury, permanent neurologic deficit, digestive discomfort, headache, dizziness, and in extreme cases, death.

Herbal Alternatives for Diabetes Management

There are several scientifically-backed alternatives to glucose-lowering drugs. For instance, the hypoglycemic herb Galega officinalis played a crucial role in the development of Metformin, a common diabetes medication. While not all herbs may be potent enough to replace anti-diabetic drugs, comprehensive Chinese herbal therapy may offer a viable alternative. Many herbs have been shown to lower glucose levels when taken in combination with oral drug therapy.

It's important to consider these herbal alternatives under the guidance of a healthcare professional. In some states, like California, acupuncturists are considered physicians and can provide advice on herbal treatments.

Western, Chinese, and Ayurvedic Herbs for Diabetes

Both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine offer a range of herbs for managing diabetes. For example, Ginseng and Dang Gui are Chinese herbs, while Ayurveda offers herbs like Fenugreek and Gurmar. Western herbs, such as St. John's Wort, are generally used individually, similar to Western drugs, which may increase the risk of side effects.

Western Herbs for Type II Diabetes

• Bitter Melon: Dried powder 3-15g daily or standardized capsules 100-200mg three times per day
• Alium Cepa (Onions): One 400mg capsule daily
• Allium Sativum (Garlic): 4g Fresh or 8mg essential oil
• Bilberry: 80-160mg three times daily of 25% anthrocyanoside extract
• Aloe Vera: 1 tbsp juice twice daily
• Salt Bush: 3g per day

Ayurvedic Herbs for Type II Diabetes

• Fenugreek: 15g powdered, soaked in water; 10-100g daily
• Gurmar (Gymnema Sylvestre): 400mg daily
• Pterocarpus Marsupium: 2-4g daily

Chinese Herbs for Type II Diabetes

• Asian Ginseng (Panax): 1-3g of root or 200-600mg standardized extract. For more information, see the article "Diabetes & Ginseng" here.
• American Ginseng
• Green Tea: No specific dosage recommended
• Quei Fu Di Huang Wan (formula): 26 mg/kg every 8 h, three times daily
• Rou Gui: 50 mg/kg
• Tang Niao Kang (formula): No dosage specified

Many Chinese herbs have been proven to lower glucose levels. However, they should be prescribed according to pattern discrimination (diagnosis). Your Chinese medical physician will diagnose you and then prescribe a personalized herbal formula or patent medicine that contains the appropriate herbs.

Minerals for Type II Diabetes

• Chromium Picolinate: 500mcg twice daily
• Vanadium: 100mg per day
• Magnesium: No dosage recommended

One study suggested that it's not just the mineral content in herbs that lowers glucose levels. Another warned that alternative medicine practitioners should not change a patient's insulin dosage as it's not only illegal but also dangerous and has resulted in patients going into diabetic comas.

How to Use These Herbs

It's advised not to combine the herbs listed above without professional advice. Please consult with an herbalist trained and certified by a licensing or professional body before taking any herbs. Herbs could interact with your medications, or with one another. Each of these three traditions has wisdom, experience, and research behind their use.

References

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