Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar

Once an adult or child has been diagnosed with diabetes, it requires a dramatic change in lifestyle.

Key changes are geared at ensuring the blood sugar remains in the normal range so as not to damage target organs which include: the kidneys, the cardiovascular system, the heart and the eyes.

Natural Lifestyle Modifications to lower and control blood sugar.

All diabetics, their families and caregivers should benefit from diabetes education about the importance of the following in controlling diabetes:

Nutrition

o It is important to have foods from the various food groups

o Portion control helps to manage the caloric intake

o Low-glycemic foods are essential for blood glucose control

o Increase fruits, vegetables and fiber for better blood glucose control

Exercise

o Physical activity should be done daily, especially by diabetics who are overweight

o A combination of aerobic and strength resistance training is recommended

No tobacco use
Limited use of alcoholic beveragesFoot care: The importance of foot care and exercise must be emphasized for overall good management of the diabetes.Counselling to resolve emotional issuesFollow-up clinical visits

Natural Remedies

There are some Type 2 Diabetic patients that can be managed with non-drug therapy. Dietary counseling and close monitoring of the blood sugar levels allow some diabetics to live a good quality of life. Plant-based therapies for diabetes must be used with caution and under the supervision of a registered health practitioner, as there could be unsafe lowering of the blood sugar level. This is not recommended for persons diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes who must be on insulin. Some of these are:

a. Bitter melon

b. Cinnamon

c. Gingko, ginseng

d. Aloe vera e. Fenugreek

f. Ginger g. Milk thistle

Homeopathy preparations
Ayuvedic treatments

Chinese medicine

It is best to consult with expert naturopathic and integrative medical practitioner when embarking on natural therapy. The blood glucose levels have to be carefully monitored.

Self-Management of Diabetes

Self-management by diabetic older children and adults empowers individuals to do blood glucose testing daily and in some instances several times a day. It is important for the diabetic and the caregiver to be vigilant with the tell-tale signs when the diabetes is out of control: frequency of urination, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, slow healing wounds, drowsiness or fatigue. Diabetes if not controlled causes damage to blood vessels and tissues of major target organs (kidneys, heart, lower limbs, eyes).

Drug treatment

Many diabetics will need to be controlled on drug therapy.

Diabetes is treated with insulin for the Type 1 Diabetes. Oral medication or a combination of both oral medication and insulin is prescribed for Type 2 Diabetes.

For the patient who has circulatory issues or high cholesterol it is very helpful to have other medical conditions treated. Weight management (diet and exercise) must be a part of the treatment for obese diabetics.

With improvement in drug therapy and better dietary guideline, diabetics can enjoy optimal wellness.

HEALTHY LIVING

Ashley Dixon, DC Chiropractor, Personal Trainer, and Owner of Head to Toe Posture & Rehab Center, LLC in Plantation, FL.