Diabetes Type 2 and Evidence Based Natural Therapies – NATUROPATHY
It’s important to note that while some natural therapies may complement conventional treatments, it is important to work with your GP and Naturopath in order to reduce or replace prescribed medications under supervised medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diabetes management plan.
Type 2 Diabetes Overview:
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). In this type of diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to utilize glucose for energy. Without proper insulin function, blood sugar levels can rise, leading to various health complications.
Evidence-Based Natural Therapies:
- Diet and Lifestyle Changes:
- A well-balanced diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, is fundamental for managing blood sugar levels.
- Reference: American Diabetes Association. (2019). Lifestyle Management: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2019. Diabetes Care, 42(Supplement 1), S46–S60.
- Physical Activity:
- Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and can contribute to better blood sugar control.
- Reference: Colberg, S. R., Sigal, R. J., Yardley, J. E., et al. (2016). Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care, 39(11), 2065–2079.
- Cinnamon:
- Some studies suggest that cinnamon may have a modest effect on lowering blood sugar levels.
- Reference: Allen, R. W., Schwartzman, E., Baker, W. L., Coleman, C. I., & Phung, O. J. (2013). Cinnamon use in type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. The Annals of Family Medicine, 11(5), 452–459.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid:
- Alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant, may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
- Reference: Mijnhout, G. S., Alkhalaf, A., Kleefstra, N., & Bilo, H. J. (2012). Alpha lipoic acid: a new treatment for neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes? The Netherlands Journal of Medicine, 70(9), 421–424.
- Chromium:
- Some studies suggest that chromium supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity.
- Reference: Balk, E. M., Tatsioni, A., Lichtenstein, A. H., Lau, J., & Pittas, A. G. (2007). Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Care, 30(8), 2154–2163.
- Bitter Melon:
- Bitter melon has been studied for its potential to lower blood sugar levels.
- Reference: Ooi, C. P., Yassin, Z., & Hamid, T. A. (2012). Momordica charantia for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8, CD007845.
While some natural therapies may offer benefits in managing Type 2 diabetes, it’s crucial to approach them as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical supervision and adherence to prescribed medications.
Individual responses to these therapies may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult with a healthcare professional, GP and Naturopath before making changes to your diabetes management strategy.
How a Naturopath can help with Diabetes Type 2.
Naturopaths are healthcare practitioners who focus on a holistic and integrative approach to health and wellness. While they are not a substitute for conventional medical care, some individuals with Type 2 diabetes choose to consult naturopaths as complementary healthcare providers.
It’s essential to note that the effectiveness of naturopathic interventions can vary among individuals, and their role is typically to complement, not replace, conventional medical management. Individual results may vary and many people have experienced great improvements with integrative and natural therapies. Here are ways in which a naturopath may assist with Type 2 diabetes:
- Lifestyle and Dietary Guidance:
- Naturopaths often emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes. They may provide personalized dietary recommendations, focusing on whole foods, balanced nutrition, and avoiding processed and sugary foods.
- Guidance on meal planning, portion control, and the timing of meals may be part of their approach.
- Nutritional Supplements:
- Naturopaths may recommend nutritional supplements to address potential nutrient deficiencies or support overall health. For example, they might suggest omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, or other supplements that have been studied for their potential benefits in diabetes management. These are based on scientific and/or evidence based research.
- Herbal Medicine:
- Some naturopaths incorporate herbal remedies into their treatment plans. Certain herbs, such as bitter melon, fenugreek, and cinnamon, have been studied for their potential to help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Herbal interventions are personalized based on an individual’s health status, and their use should be coordinated with conventional medications to avoid interactions.
- Stress Reduction Techniques:
- Stress management is an integral part of naturopathic care. Stress can impact blood sugar levels, and naturopaths may recommend relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or other stress-reducing practices to support overall well-being.
- Physical Activity Recommendations:
- Naturopaths often emphasize the importance of regular physical activity in diabetes management. They may provide guidance on suitable exercise routines, taking into account an individual’s fitness level and any existing health conditions.
- Individualized Treatment Plans:
- Naturopaths typically develop individualized treatment plans based on a thorough assessment of a person’s health history, lifestyle, and current health status.
- They may collaborate with other healthcare providers, including medical doctors, to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to diabetes care.
- Monitoring and Follow-Up:
- Naturopaths may monitor the progress of their clients over time and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed.
- Regular follow-up appointments allow for ongoing assessment and modification of strategies based on the individual’s response to interventions.
It’s crucial for individuals with Type 2 diabetes to communicate openly with all members of their healthcare team, including naturopaths, to ensure a coordinated and safe approach to their care. Any changes to the diabetes management plan, including the addition of natural therapies, should be discussed with and approved by the primary care physician or endocrinologist.
Integrating both conventional and naturopathic approaches under the guidance of healthcare professionals can contribute to a comprehensive and personalized diabetes management strategy and a better outcome for your health, energy levels and overall well being.
What herbal teas can help with diabetes type 2?
Several herbal teas have been studied for their potential benefits in managing Type 2 diabetes. However, it’s important to note that while some herbal teas may show promise in preliminary research, more robust evidence is often needed to establish their effectiveness. Additionally, individual responses to herbal remedies can vary, and these teas should not replace prescribed medications or medical advice. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating herbal teas into your diabetes management plan. Here are some herbal teas that have been studied:
- Cinnamon Tea:
- Cinnamon has been investigated for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest that cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity.
- To make cinnamon tea, steep a cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon in hot water. You can also find cinnamon tea bags in many stores.
- Chamomile Tea:
- Chamomile tea may help with blood sugar control and improve antioxidant status. It is also known for its calming effects, which can be beneficial for managing stress.
- Steep dried chamomile flowers in hot water to make chamomile tea.
- Ginger Tea:
- Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may have a positive impact on insulin sensitivity. It may also help in reducing complications associated with diabetes.
- To make ginger tea, steep fresh ginger slices or grated ginger in hot water. Ginger tea bags are also available.
- Green Tea:
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has been studied for its potential benefits in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels.
- Steep green tea leaves or tea bags in hot water. Some varieties also include added herbs or flavors.
- Fenugreek Tea:
- Fenugreek seeds have been researched for their potential to help lower blood sugar levels. Fenugreek tea may be one way to incorporate this herb into your routine.
- To make fenugreek tea, steep fenugreek seeds in hot water. You can also find fenugreek tea bags or capsules.
- Hibiscus Tea:
- Hibiscus tea has shown promise in lowering blood pressure and may also have potential benefits for people with diabetes. It may help in reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Steep dried hibiscus petals in hot water to make hibiscus tea.
- Turmeric Tea:
- Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some studies suggest it may have a role in managing diabetes.
- Make turmeric tea by steeping fresh turmeric slices or turmeric powder in hot water.
- Bilberry Tea:
- Bilberry, a relative of the blueberry, contains compounds that may help improve blood sugar control and reduce inflammation.
- Bilberry tea can be made by steeping dried bilberry leaves or berries in hot water.
Remember that while these herbal teas may offer potential benefits, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet, regular exercise, and prescribed medications. Always consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating herbal teas into your diabetes management plan, especially if you are taking medications, as some herbs may interact with drugs. Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly is also essential to track the impact of any changes to your routine.
It’s important to note that while some studies suggest potential benefits, the evidence for herbal teas in managing Type 2 diabetes is not as extensive or thorough as for pharmaceutical interventions and other naturopathic interventions. Here are references for some of the mentioned herbal teas:
- Cinnamon:
- Anderson, R. A., Zhan, Z., Luo, R., & Guo, X. (2010). Cinnamon extract lowers glucose, insulin and cholesterol in people with elevated serum glucose. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 6(4), 332–339.
- Chamomile:
- Zemestani, M., Rafraf, M., Asghari-Jafarabadi, M., & Chamomile tea improves glycemic indices and antioxidants status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrition, 32(1), 66–72.
- Ginger:
- Arablou, T., Aryaeian, N., Valizadeh, M., & Sharifi, F. (2014). The effect of ginger consumption on glycemic status, lipid profile and some inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 65(4), 515–520.
- Green Tea:
- Hsu, C. H., Liao, Y. L., Lin, S. C., Tsai, T. H., & Huang, C. J. (2011). Does supplementation with green tea extract improve insulin resistance in obese type 2 diabetics? A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(2), 157–163.
- Fenugreek:
- Neelakantan, N., Narayanan, M., de Souza, R. J., van Dam, R. M., & Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. Nutrients, 7(11), 9509–9524.
- Hibiscus:
- Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., Jalali-Khanabadi, B. A., Afkhami-Ardekani, M., & Fatehi, F. (2009). Effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on lipid profile and lipoproteins in patients with type II diabetes. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(8), 899–902.
- Turmeric:
- Chuengsamarn, S., Rattanamongkolgul, S., Luechapudiporn, R., Phisalaphong, C., & Jirawatnotai, S. (2014). Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 35(11), 2121–2127.
- Bilberry:
- Vuksan, V., Sievenpiper, J. L., Koo, V. Y., & Xu, Z. (2008). American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Archives of Internal Medicine, 168(19), 2070–2076.
Individual responses to these herbal teas can vary, and more research is needed to establish their efficacy and safety for diabetes management. Always consult with a healthcare professional such as your GP and Naturopath before incorporating herbal remedies into your diabetes care plan.
