Dietary Supplements for Diabetes – The Surprising Truth about Natural Diabetic Remedies
These days, there is a supplement that promises to cure almost every kind of ill. Some natural remedies are worthwhile and have clear benefits, but others may be a waste of money. As a savvy consumer, you are wise to be sceptical of outrageous claims. One type of health product that is gaining attention is the dietary supplement for diabetes. Do these products work, or are they just another way to separate you from your hard-earned money?
Diabetes is a frightening epidemic in the Western world. In fact, it’s predicted that diabetes rates will double by the year 2030. Diabetics may experience, pain, fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms and are at increased risk for life-altering or life-threatening complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke. So it’s not surprising that health products related to this condition are coming onto the market.
Your doctor will probably will tell you that medication, diet, and exercise are the keys to controlling your illness. And of course, this is true. Western medicine, in general, is sceptical about natural or plant remedies. Certainly there are some botanical extracts such as cinnamon bark that are widely believed by researchers to offer benefits to diabetics.
But there are many other plants and nutrients that may be helpful in managing diabetes. They have been used by traditional healers for a very long time. However, there hasn’t been enough scientific research proving that they work, at least according to the standards of western medicine. The fact that these substances have been used for thousands of years to treat diabetes isn’t considered proof.
All diabetic nutritional supplements are not the same. Companies create their own proprietary blends. As you would expect, the raw ingredients are selected for their proven or supposed benefits, but each formula will be somewhat different. Before you can evaluate a product, you need to know what is in it. This is where you have to do a little homework.
Here’s the bottom line. Many of the botanical extracts and nutrients found in supplements have been used in traditional medicine. Some studies show that certain ingredients may be helpful in lowering blood sugar, promoting insulin sensitivity, and rejuvenating beta cells in the pancreas, but research is still in the early stages.
There is also considerable anecdotal evidence that people are indeed getting favorable results from these products. The surprising truth is that supplements for diabetes can make some diabetics feel better, as long as their lifestyle also includes healthy eating habits and exercise. Ultimately, you have to decide what is right for you.