I’ve got a google mail account and one of the interesting things about it is the ads which appear in the frame around your mailbox. (see the example on the right hand side of this post). I always find this a bit ‘big brother-ish’ because these links relate to keywords from the emails in your inbox. For example, this is what I got from an email from a friend of mine who’s had gestational diabetes (I’m going to post her piece shortly). When I got married and had emails from different suppliers and friends with the word ‘wedding’ in them, I got alllll sorts of ads on the right hand side.

So anyway, I have clicked on a few of these links before and quickly learnt that anything claiming to be a miracle cure for diabetes is a complete waste of time (no surprises there really). There are those which are clearly and unashamedly trying to pull the wool over vulnerable peoples’ eyes, and then there are some which look like they are trying to help, but are mainly only about type 2 diabetes.

Anyway – clicked on one today and it seemed pretty sound actually. No miracle cures, and nothing which told me I could give up insulin altogether (a sure sign of quackery in my opinion). Here are some of the lists of potentially complementary natural diabetes ‘assistants’:

Aloe vera

The gel of aloe vera, a well-known home remedy for burns and other skin conditions, has helped diabetics. Researchers in a Japanese study isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that reduced blood glucose. A blend of the gel of a one-inch piece with orange juice every morning stabilises blood sugar.

Bay leaves

Grind dry leaves to a fine powder. Add five grams to warm water and drink for 10 continuous days to lower hyperglycaemia.

Bitter melon

Also known as bitter gourd, it is a popular Asian vegetable which helps to keep blood sugar at a manageable level. Bitter melon stimulates beta cells of the pancreas to produce quality, sufficient insulin. Consume one tablespoon of bitter melon every morning.

Black raisins

Soak in water overnight and strain in the morning. Drink the clear liquid regularly to control blood sugar.

Cinnamon

Type Two diabetics who have regularly used great-tasting cinnamon have reported improved blood-glucose control. Cinnamon contains an extract, Cinnulin PF, which efficiently works at the cellular level to reduce blood sugar.

A study in the journal, Diabetes Care, indicated a significant reduction in blood glucose in people taking three grams/three times of cinnamon daily. There was significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek contains trigonelline, coumarin, fibre and non-protein amino acids, which assist with reduction of blood glucose. Fenugreek seeds should be soaked in water overnight. The seeds are mashed in the morning and combined with the water. Drink the mixture regularly for two months.

Fresh fruit concoction

This is ideal for breakfast or snack. Blend two stalks of celery, an apple, callaloo leaves, cucumber slices and a dash of lime juice. Apple is high in fibre and contains pectin, which can control blood-sugar levels. Variations can include any fruit and vegetable.

Garlic

By increasing the consumption of garlic, diabetics should reduce blood sugar levels.

Ginseng

Although there are different types of ginseng, studies on ginseng and diabetes indicate that the most promising is North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), which may improve blood-sugar control and haemoglobin levels in the blood.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit and its juice help with weight loss, which reduces the risk for an increase in blood sugar.

Green bananas

Cut off the skin and dry in the sun to remove the moisture. Grind the dry bananas to powder and add one teaspoonful to cow’s milk and drink daily. This remedy supplements the requisite amount of carbohydrate required by the body.

Green plantains can be washed and peeled, then placed in a jar.

Green tea

Preliminary studies have shown that green-tea extract may help prevent Type Two diabetes through improved glucose tolerance.

Gymnema

This contains gymnemic acid, which helps to enhance the production of insulin, increasing the uptake of glucose into glycogen in liver, kidney and muscle. Studies have shown that when diabetics are given gymnema extract and oral hypoglycaemic drugs, patients experienced improved blood-sugar control. Subsequently, they were able to considerably reduce their drug dosage.

Gymnemic extract is without side effects and exerts the ability to lower blood sugar in diabetics. Diabetics taking medications for diabetes, or using insulin, should not take gymnema, unless they are closely monitored by a doctor.

Mango leaves

Mango leaves also help fight diabetic disease. It is recommended to boil three to four fresh mango leaves in the morning and drink.

Red peppers

Used in providing relief for diabetic foot pain and severe ankle foot pain known as the burning foot pain.

Soybean is protein-rich and contain iron, calcium, vitamin A and fibre and are useful to the diabetic diet.

Vegetables

Besides bitter melon, other vegetables are helpful in diabetes management. These include string beans, cucumbers, onion and garlic. String bean pod tea contains a natural substitute for insulin. Cucumbers contain a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin. Onions and garlic have proven beneficial in reducing blood sugar in diabetics.

Vinegar

Used on a salad or just drinking two tablespoons straight before a meal, may prevent spikes in insulin or glucose after eating.

Zinc

This mineral plays an important role in the production and storage of insulin. Sources of zinc include fresh oysters, ginger root, pecans, split peas, egg yolk, beef liver, almonds, walnuts, sardines and chicken.

List care of http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20081206/features/features11.html

Personally, I can’t verify any of the above – but none of it sounds too ominous, and probably worth a try. Has anyone given any of these bits and pieces a go before? Any results or hints and tips for us?