Publication Date: 5/9/2006
Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
Someone I know has what I believe is type 1 diabetes. The person is not taking any medication or insulin and is basically treated with exercise. However, the blood sugars still run high, and this person won't give up the junk food that causes the problem. Is there a natural supplement to help with the blood sugar levels other than prescription drugs from the doctor?Answer
If this individual is controlling diabetes just with exercise, it must be type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 die if they are not on insulin injections because they are "insulin-dependent", meaning that their life depends on insulin. There are no supplements to control blood sugar. Blood sugar must be managed with a combination of exercise, proper meal planning appropriate food choices, and medications.There are no natural supplements that can control diabetes. As Sue points out, it's a combination of meal planning, exercise, and sometimes prescription medications (or insulin injections) that will be needed.
Anyone trying to sell you herbs or other non-prescription products to control blood sugar levels is more interested in their finances than in your health.
