Alternate care for diabetes.

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ALTERNATIVES DIABETEShttp://www.healthy.net/scr/article.asp?Id=3531© What Doctors Don't Tell You (Volume 6, Issue 10)--It is widely accepted that diet and exercise are beneficial in diabetes (seeWDDTY vol 3 no 7). But far less is generally known about the use of moreexotic foods or herbs to treat the condition. It's worth stressing that theseremedies may help a no.Both onion and garlic are now known to have a very significant ability tolower blood sugar and should be used liberally as part of the normal diet ofdiabetes sufferers (Ind J Med Res, 1977; 65: 422-29; Quart J Crude Drug Res,1979;17: 139-96).Fenugreek (Methi) seeds have also been shown to have a similar effect (Eur J ClinNutr, 1988; 42(1):51-4; Eur J Clin Nutr, 1990; 44(4):

301-6).The stems of prickly pears (of the Opuntia cactus), or nopal, eaten inMexico, have the reputation of helping diabetics. In an experimental doubleblind study, a group of non-insulin patients took 500g of broiled nopal stems. Afterthree hours they experienced a average reduction in glucose of 17 per cent andin insulin, 50 per cent, compared with those taking a placebo (Diabetes Care,1988, 11:63-6).Dandelion root, Jerusalem artichokes and burdock root all contain a substancecalled inulin, which assists in blood sugar control (Am J Clin Nutr, 1990;52:675-81) and in reducing hyperglycemia and fatigue after starchy meals (AnnIntern Med, 1931; 5: 274-84).In the Indian sub-continent the bark of sanderswood has long beensuccessfully used in the treatment of diabetes. A flavonoid named epicatechincontained in the bark and an alcoholic extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have been proved able to

regenerate functional cells of the pancreas (Lancet, 1981; 2: 759-60;Lancet, 1982;2: 272).In my own practice, I have very often found that Diacure capsules (a productof France's Laboratoires Lehning) helps my diabetic patients reduce theirinsulin requirements by 40 to 45 per cent after about two or three weeks (asrecorded by patients with their home glucose monitors). This powdered herbalcompound contains dandelion root, barberry, butternut, yarrow, whortleberry(bilberry) leaves and red centaury with some natrium phosphoricum (Enquiries:UK:NutriCentre, London; Canada: Homeocan, Montreal; US: Enzymatic Therapy, GreenBay, WI 54311).As for herbal remedies, German herbalist Rudolf Fritz Weiss mentions a homeremedy for diabetes used widely as a tea in Europe. It is made in equal partsof whortleberry leaves, bean pods, goat's rue herb, goat's rue seed andpeppermint leaves. The first four contain

substances with insulin like action,called glucokinins (R F Weiss. Herbal Medicine, 1988, A B Arcanum, Gothenburg).In homeopathy, the seeds or mother tincture of the rose apple (jambul in theUS, and Syzygium jambolanum to homeopaths) is a reliable homeopathic remedy (WBoericke, Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica, 9th ed, Boericke & Runyon, 1927).As far as nutritional management, one or more of the following can be of realbenefit in diabetes: chromium, quercetin, pyridoxine, carnitine, omega-6fatty acids, ascorbic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, manganese, magnesium,biotin, inositol and potassium. A full vitamin and mineral profile willestablish which supplements should be taken.But the most important supplement of all is vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol).There is mounting evidence that raised blood glucose levels produce more freeradicals. Vitamin E has been shown to measurably stop the

production of freeradicals (Diabetes Care,1991;14(1): 68-72). However, only doses of 600-1200mghave this effect; lower doses are ineffective (Am J Clin Nutr, 1993; 58: 412-16).Vitamin E also helps with circulation of diabetic patients (Diabetes, 1982;31: 947-51; and 1984; 33: 239-43; Metabolism, 1992; 41(6): 613-21). By loweringfree radicals and protecting blood vessel walls, it can also prevent diabeticcomplications, such as foot ulcers and neuropathy.Vitamin E can also stabilize blood sugar. In a carefully controlled study,900mg per day of vitamin E given for four months both lowered free radicalproduction and improved insulin action in non-insulin patients, compared with agroup of controls (Am J Clin Nutr, 1993; 57: 650-56).Under no circumstance should anyone suddenly take him/herself off diabeticdrugs, especially insulin. Taking any supplement that will probably affect bloodsugar regulation can be

potentially dangerous, particularly for any patientneeding insulin injections. Such supplements should be tried only underprofessional direction. According to current informed opinion, an insulindependent patient will never be able to stop taking insulin altogether.!AHarald C GaierHarald Gaier is a registered naturopath, homoeopath and osteopath.© 1995 What Doctors Don't Tell You (Volume 6, Issue 10) "Our ideal is not the spirituality that withdraws from life but the conquest of life by the power of the spirit." - Aurobindo.

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