First, a word of caution: this article is NOT intended as medical advice. It should not be used in the place of the advice of a physician. It is written only to provide information. If you choose to take herbs or engage in other alternative medicine use, please tell your physician.

There are all kinds of alternative medicine choices out there. Alternative medicine consists of all kinds of things, ranging from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. Some examples of alternative medicine include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatments, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage, and many others.

Here let’s talk about herbal remedies, since that is the alternative medicine that you should most certainly inform your doctor about as some herbs can and do interact with prescription medications.

Chromium:

Chromium has been widely advertised as therapy to improve diabetes control. Several studies have been done that support the idea that chromium has some effect on and is possibly beneficial for control of blood glucose. But currently there is no recommendation for its use in controlling diabetes by the AMA.

Magnesium:

There have been many studies conducted over the years about using magnesium as a form of therapy to improve glucose control in people with diabetes. It is recognized that a lack of magnesium affects insulin secretion abnormalities and has been linked with complications of diabetes.

Vanadium:

Vanadium has been shown in a few studies to increase a person’s sensitivity to insulin. Currently, however, vanadium is not recommended as treatment for diabetes by the AMA.

There have never been any clinical trials that produced promising results for some of the other herbs being touted for treating diabetes, like garlic, ginger, ginseng, hawthorn, or nettle. If you are considering using any of these herbs as treatment for diabetes, please discuss it with your doctor BEFORE you use them.