Dozens of natural products are promoted to help people with diabetes improve their blood glucose control. In fact very few if any of these products fulfill their promise. Even worse, they can be potentially damaging to people who take them, especially if they are used instead of proven treatments.

Many people believe that if a product is natural, then it must be effective and safe. However, if that were truly the case, then healthcare providers would be telling their patients to use them. Some of these products may have a beneficial effect - but only as a placebo, if the patient believes that the product is going to work.

Experts agree that the best way to control your blood glucose is to follow your meal plan and use the proven, effective medications your doctor has prescribed. There is no need to spend a lot of money on unproven natural remedies. If you choose to do so, however, it is important that you tell your doctor about it so that you can be monitored for any toxic effects and to be sure that your treatment objectives are being achieved.

lifeclinic.com's clinical advisors suggest that people with diabetes could benefit from vitamins such as folic acid (800 mcg), magnesium (400 mg), selenium (200 mcg), B vitamins, at least 800 IU of vitamin E and at least 500 mg of vitamin C. Alpha-lipoic acid may also be useful in its long-acting form named Glucotize (available from MRI).

Related information: Diabetes - glucose control | Alternative treatments

Source:  Gori M, Campbell RD. Natural products and diabetes treatment. Diabetes Educator. 1998;March-April;24(2):201-8. (Abs.)