Type-I diabetes (sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes) is a condition that can present serious complications. Aside from the standard treatments and methods for managing Type-I diabetes, there are various natural remedies touted for their ability to help mitigate the symptoms and complications of this condition.
What is Type-I (Juvenile) Diabetes?
Type-I diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body prevents the production of insulin by
attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, glucose will remain in the blood instead of being absorbed and dispersed to cells throughout the body. In the past, Type-I diabetes was commonly referred to as
juvenile diabetes, because it most commonly manifests in individuals when they are still young.
Managing Type-I Diabetes
There is currently no way to prevent or cure
Type-I diabetes, but research on these areas has been going on for a long time. Type-I diabetes must be managed in order for a person with the condition to be in good health.
Taking insulin on a daily basis is absolutely essential for someone with Type-I diabetes. A diabetic individual would not survive without it. It is most commonly taken by needle or syringe, or with an insulin pump.
Monitoring blood sugar and glucose levels are also critically important. There are devices designed to do this easily and regularly, so that glucose stays within the ranges prescribed by the child (or adult's) doctor.
Herbs with Potential Anti-Diabetic Properties
It is important for us to establish that the standard treatments for Type-I diabetes are absolutely necessary for anyone with the condition. Insulin and blood-sugar monitoring are critical for a person with Type-I to stay alive and healthy. There are herbs with the potential to help
diabetic individuals, but they are
not a replacement for insulin. Speak to your doctor before you or your child use these herbs.
Chromium is a trace element that can work in tandem with insulin to help transport glucose from the blood to the cells. The recommended dose of gluten-tolerance factor (GTF) chromium per day is up to 1,000 mcg.
Cinnamon bark has been credited as having
anti-diabetic and insulin-like effects based on some scientific studies. The best potential use according to some studies is cinnamon's ability to prevent blood sugar spikes; therefore, it might be helpful to take at mealtimes. However, there is not substantial science to firmly prove cinnamon as beneficial for diabetics.
Ginger might be beneficial in that it helps your body
metabolize carbohydrates, which helps contribute to a lower blood sugar level. The science supporting the benefits of ginger are primarily animal studies, not human studies.
Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that can help bolster the
absorption of glucose into cells. It also might help treat peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes (which often occurs in the feet).
Fenugreek has been shown to lower fasting blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in diabetic individuals. One study showed that 100mg of fenugreek added to two meals a day showed a noticeable effect on blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Fenugreek's benefits may come from its support of carbohydrate digestion and absorption.
Treating and managing Type-I diabetes requires daily doses of insulin and attention. While there is no replacement for treatment, herbal and supplemental remedies have the potential to benefit diabetic individuals. Talk to your doctor about incorporating these into your routine.
