Dietary Supplements

• Many people with diabetes employ CAM therapies to address diabetes. Though a few of these therapies might be efficacious, others could be useless or even injurious. Patients who apply CAM therapies should keep their health professionals aware of the methods and supplements that are being used in case of contraindications that the patient may not realize. Always check with your doctor before taking supplements.
  
  

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, also known as lipoic acid or thioctic acid) is an antioxidant that protects against the onset of cell injury. ALA is found in particular nutrients like liver, spinach, potatoes and broccoli. Many people with type 2 diabetes consume ALA supplements with the desire of bringing down blood sugar levels by bettering the body's capability to utilize insulin; others use ALA to forestall or address diabetic neuropathy, a nerve disorder that affects the feet and legs. Because ALA may bring down blood glucose excessively, people with diabetes who use it should supervise their blood glucose levels very closely.
  
  

Chromium

• Chromium is an all-important trace mineral that the human body needs in limited quantities to operate properly. Many patients with high blood sugar levels choose chromium in an attempt to better their blood sugar control. Comparatively beneficial sources include whole grain products, meat and numerous fruits, spices and vegetables. In supplemental form as tablets and capsules, it is distributed as chromium chloride, chromium picolinate and chromium nicotinate. In modest dosages, short-run consumption of chromium seems to be harmless for most adults. Nevertheless, patients with diabetes need to be aware that chromium could drive blood glucose levels too low.
  
  

The Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids derived from nutrients like fish oil, fish, vegetable oil (mainly canola and soya bean), wheat germ and walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are accessible as capsules or oils such as fish oil. Omega-3s are significant in numerous bodily processes, including the absorption of calcium and additional substances in and out of cells, blood coagulation, digestion, fertility, cellular division and growth. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are believed to protect against cardiopathy, reduce inflammation and lower triglyceride levels.
  
  

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture involves the introduction of needles into various parts of the body. Needles may be applied to activate the discharge of natural, biological or chemical analgesics or pain killers. It may be particularly helpful for people with diabetes who have frequent and painful nerve damage called neuropathy. Scientific research and clinical trials in multinational research facilities have demonstrated that acupuncture may help people with diabetes in lowering blood glucose levels; bringing down the discharge of pancreatic glucagons; reducing indications of polyphagia (the impulse to eat overmuch), polydipsia (unreasonable thirst) and polyuria (unrestrained passing of urine); and preventing the retardation of motor nerve conductivity.