'Alternative Cures That Really Work'

There is an interesting book which I just purchased recently and it is titled “Alternative Cures That Really Work” by Ronald Hoffman, MD, and Barry Fox, PhD. Since I have been diagnosed with diabetes more than three weeks ago now, I have been reading a number of articles regarding some treatments being offered by health professionals and diabetes experts to cure this disease. As we know it, the word “cure” or “treatment” for diabetes is really a misnomer. Medical experts tell us that there is no permanent cure or treatment for diabetes. It can only be regulated. If it is not regulated, it may lead to various complications.

On this article I would like to summarize and share with you some of these alternative cures for diabetes as written and expounded by Hoffmand and Fox in their book ‘Alternative Cures That Really Work.’ Right now I haven’t used any of these popular alternative treatments yet, but maybe they are something I would like to consider in the future- depending on the progress of my present treatment.

So, what are these popular treatments for diabetes? They include the following(according to popular rating):

1. Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol is the registered trademark for proprietary extract of the bark of the French Maritime pine tree. Pynogenol contains catechins, flavonoids, and other nutraceuticals that are believed to give it anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immune-stimulating properties. It has served as a treatment for a number of conditions, including allergies, pain, and diabetes.

In addition to lowering blood sugar, Pycnogenol appears to attack several of the problems associated with diabetes, including leaking blood vessels in the eyes that can cause vision loss; elevated blood pressure; and poor performance of the inner linings of the blood vessels throughout the body.

Other studies have shown that Pycnogenol can reduce the formation of unnecessary blood clots, improve antioxidant capacity in the blood, increase “good’ HDL cholesterol, and otherwise help strengthen cardiovascular health. All of these are important to diabetes, who often suffer from cardiovascular complications.

Although Pycnogenol is not a cure for diabetes,a fair number of studies indicate that it can help control blood sugar and protect against several diabetes-related problems(such as retinopathy and cardiovascular disease). Therefore it is fair to say that Pycnogenol is a four-star treatment for diabetes backed by strong evidence.

2. Alpha-Lipoic Acid

A powerful free radical fighter that resides inside the mitochondria – the “energy factor’ of a cell – alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supports certain energy-producing reactions. ALA also helps recycle antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, “regenerating” them so that they can continue to exert their antioxidant effects.

In Germany, ALA – also known as thioctic acid – is used as a drug to treat diabetic neuropathy and certain liver ailments. Several studies have looked into ALA’s ability to help control blood sugar.

Summing up the evidence – given the fairly robust research on the use of alpha-lipoic acid for diabetes, it is fair to say that alpha-lipoic acid is a three-star treatment for diabetes backed by intriguing evidence.

3. Blond Psyllium

Blond psyllium is a common treatment for constipation and diarrhea, as well as for elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and other ailments. Its seeds and husk are coated with mucilage, a gummy substance that forms a thick gel when exposed to liquid in the intestines. Of all the species of psyllium, blond psyllium contains the most mucilage.

In diabetes, mucilage helps control blood glucose by slowing the digestion and absorption of nutrients, which in turn slows the passage of glucose into the bloodstream. Psyllium also impairs the absorption of dietary fats and binds us bile acids, both of which help to lower blood cholesterol.

Several studies have found that psyllium can improve blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, while helping to reduce elevated cholesterol and blood fat levels.

With a number of studies suggesting that blond psyllium can lower postprandial(after-meal) glucose and insulin levels in those with type 2 diabetes, and postprandial glucose levels in those with type 1 diabetes, it is fair to say that blond psyllium is a three-star treatment for diabetes backed by intriguing evidence.

4. Chromium

The mineral chromium works with insulin to help cells take up fuel(glucose) from the bloodstream and release energy. Although the body contains only a small amount of chromium (about 6 milligrams), a shortfall of this mineral can diminish insulin’s effectiveness as well as the body’s ability to handle glucose. Low levels of chromium are characteristic of diabetes, although there is no proof that a lack of chromium actually causes the disease. Still, some people have used chromium to treat diabetes, as well as elevated cholesterol, heart disease, and obesity. It is also believed to improve athletic performance.

The idea that chromium might be helpful in the treatment of diabetes goes back at least 50 years, when researchers hypothesized that brewer’s yeast contained a glucose tolerance factor (GTF) that prevented deliberately induced diabetes from taking root in laboratory animals. Several studies have shown that the mineral can indeed help improve glucose and insulin levels in diabetics.

Summing up the evidence – a fair number of studies have shown that chromium is indeed helpful in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics – although other studies have found the opposite. At this point, it can be said that chromium is a three-star treatment for diabetes backed by intriguing evidence.

5. Cinnamon

The volatile oils in cinnamon bark are most likely the active ingredients in cinnamon, a spice that various cultures long have used as a treatment for poor appetite, infections, stomach upset, and diarrhea. It also appears as a flavoring in foods, beverages, mouthwash, and toothpaste, and as a fragrance in lotions, detergents, cosmetics, and other products.

Test-tube studies have shown that cinnamon can enhance the activity of insulin. This prompted Pakistani researchers to investigate whether the spice could improve blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood fat levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Summing up the evidence- this single study on cinnamon for diabetes in intriguing but limited. At this point, it is reasonable to say that cinnamon is a two-star treatment for diabetes based on modest evidence.

6. Fenugreek

Native to Northern Africa and India, fenugreek has a long history. Ancient Egyptians used it for incense and embalming; the Romans adopted it as an aid to women during labor; and Chinese doctors prescribed it for weakness and swelling of the legs and as a general tonic. Today, fenugreek serves as a treatment for diabetes as well as for constipation, elevated cholesterol and blood fats, kidney problems, and a number of other ailments. It also is an ingredient in spice blends, and a flavoring agent in various foods.

Although it isn’t known exactly how fenugreek might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes, some studies suggest it may do just that.

Summing up the evidence – a small body of clinical studies – plus numerous case histories- supports the use of fenugreek as an adjunct treatment for diabetes. Thus, it is reasonable to say that fenugreek is a two-star treatment for diabetes backed by modest evidence.

7. Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a soluble dietary fiber derived from konjac flour, a substance with a long history in China and Japan as a folk remedy for various ailments. It remains popular in those countries as a general health remedy and as a thickening agent for food. In the US, glucomannan supplements serve as a treatment for diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and constipation as well as a weight-loss aid.

As suggested by the research available today, it is reasonable to say that glucomannan is a two-star treatment for diabetes based on modest evidence.

8. Guar Gum

Guar Gum is a soluble dietary fiber that comes from the seed of the guar plant, native to India. In manufacturing, it is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and/or binding agent in foods, beverages, lotions, and creams.

When mixed with liquid in the intestines, guar gum expands, giving more “heft” to feces and promoting bowel action. This makes it an effective remedy for constipation. Because it absorbs fluid, it may be helpful for diarrhea as well.

Some studies have investigated whether guar gum could help manage diabetes and elevated cholesterol. The evidence shows that – in addition to lowering blood sugar and sometimes insulin levels, guar gum reduces cholesterol levels – an important consideration for diabetics, who are at increased risk for clogged arteries and heart attacks. Guar gum has performed well, alone and in combination with other substances, in studies resting its effects on diabetes. It is reasonable to say that guar gum is a two-star treatment for diabetes based on modest evidence.

9. Vanadium

Vanadium is a nonessential mineral found in various foods. It’s considered nonessential because so far, nutrition researchers have not determined what vital role it may play in human health. The mineral does, however, seem to influence the way in which the body handles insulin and blood sugar. Some studies suggest that supplemental vanadium might be helpful for those with diabetes.

Summing up the evidence – with the support from a small number of clinical studies, it is fair to say that vanadium is a two-star treatment for diabetes backed by modest evidence.

10. Bitter Melon

A cousin of cantaloupe, casaba, and honeydew, bitter melon is eaten as a vegetable in India and parts of Asia, South America, and Africa. It has anti-bacterial properties and is a traditional remedy for psoriasis, ulcers, constipation, and other ailments.

Animal studies have suggested that bitter melon also can lower blood sugar levels. Now researchers are looking into whether it has the same benefit in humans.
Summing up the evidence – animal and laboratory studies, plus case histories and nonrandomized studies, have indicated that bitter melon can lower elevated blood sugar. However, the large-scale randomized, double-blind, controlled studies necessary to make a definitive statement about the herb’s effects have not been performed. Based on what we know so far, it is reasonable to say that bitter melon is a one-star treatment for diabetes based on preliminary evidence.

11. Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema Sylvestre comes from a plant grown in India. It is said that the plant was given the Hindu name of ‘gurmar,’ meaning “sugar destroyer,” because chewing the leaves takes away the ability to taste sweetness. Ayurvedic physicians use the herb to treat diabetes, malaria, and constipation.

Without data from quality randomized human trials to draw on, it is best to say that Gymnema sylvestre is a one-star treatment for diabetes based on preliminary evidence.


(Source: Hoffman, Ronald, M.D. & Fox, Barry, PhD. Alternative Cures That Really Work. New York: Rodale Inc., 2006.)