In addition to many treatments based on scientific evidence in diabetes, various herbal treatments used among the public and different alternative treatments applied by many physicians and non-physicians are tried and explained. However, there is serious confusion on this issue and it is not clear whether complementary treatments will be successful or which one will be successful.
Type 2 diabetes is a completely treatable and preventable disease in the early stages, especially when insulin resistance occurs and diabetes does not yet exist. At this stage, in order to eliminate insulin resistance, it is sufficient to change lifestyle and eating habits and return to healthy living conditions. However, there is no known miracle treatment for overt diabetes that provides results in a very short time. The products presented in various media as miracles for diabetes are often products offered for commercial purposes. Although these products do not provide any benefit, they often cause patients to abandon treatment and cause serious problems. Even if it is not effective on its own, some food supplements can be used to support treatment and nutrition. In diabetes, together with a healthy and balanced diet and the treatment deemed appropriate by the physician, the food supplements reviewed below may have positive effects. However, these are supportive treatments along with medical treatment, they are not a treatment method on their own.
VITAMIN C:
Vitamin C cannot be synthesized in the human body, so it is taken from foods. According to studies conducted in patients with diabetes, significant changes were detected in the fasting blood sugar concentration and HbA1c level of patients taking vitamin C supplements. Daily intake of 2000 mg of vitamin C prevents diabetic neuropathy. Among the foods containing vitamin C are; kiwi, strawberry, lemon, orange, tangerine, broccoli, arugula, green pepper and parsley.
B COMPLEX VITAMINS:
Although they fulfill many functions in the body, they are effective in cardiovascular diseases and heart failure. . Since vitamin B6 suppresses protein glycosylation, it minimizes the risk of diabetic neuropathy. For this reason, it is recommended that diabetics take at least 50 mg of vitamin B6.
Patients using metformin Since vitamin B12 deficiency may occur repeatedly, it is recommended to take a daily supplement of 1000-3000 mcg.
VITAMIN D:
Vitamin D directly affects insulin function by strengthening insulin receptors, as well as extracellular and intracellular calcium. It also indirectly affects the flow by changing it. It is known that vitamin D deficiency causes a decrease in insulin sensitivity and vitamin D supplementation allows an increase in insulin secretion.
OMEGA 3:
Omega 3 has antithrombotic, antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive effects due to the fatty acids it contains. It is argued that . Fish consumption should be increased, especially oily fish living in cold waters such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardine. Walnuts, flax seeds and purslane should be added to the diet.
CINNAMON:
Cinnamon, one of the cinnamon varieties, is not recommended due to its high dose of coumarin content. Some studies show that Ceylon cinnamon, one of the cinnamon varieties, is effective on fasting blood sugar levels. It was determined that there was an average decrease of 0.49% in HbA1c levels. Since cinnamon may cause hypoglycemia, it should not be used in individuals with hypoglycemia.
ALFA LIPOIC ACID:
It is an antioxidant found in low amounts in foods such as spinach, broccoli, potatoes, red meat and beets. Generally, it can be synthesized in sufficient amounts in the body. It is used as a food supplement in the treatment of obesity and diabetes. It is effective on fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, insulin resistance and cholesterol. When alpha lipoic acid supplement is taken along with exercise, the development of heart disease and atherogenic effects are prevented.
GINSENG:
Although ginseng reduces blood pressure, it has no effect on diabetes.
FEGREEN:
It has been determined that fenugreek seeds have an antidiabetic effect. In a study conducted with individuals with prediabetes and diabetes, it was found that there was a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c levels of individuals using Fenugreek seeds. Due to its high fiber content, it may reduce the absorption of medications. Therefore, caution should be exercised in individuals using medication. Also It is not suitable for use in pregnant women due to the uterus-stimulating effect of a seeds.
RESVERATROL:
It is a powerful antioxidant found in the seeds of red grapes, pomegranates and strawberries. Significant decreases were observed in oxidative stress, insulin resistance, fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels with resveratrol.
Power Pomegranate:
It has been determined that bitter melon is effective in the regulation of glucose and lipid mechanism due to its antioxidant effect. In studies conducted with different extracts, it was determined that it had a hypoglycemic effect in rats with high blood glucose levels. Despite the positive results in in vivo studies conducted with bitter melon, the results of clinical studies are contradictory.
It has also been reported that bitter melon may cause miscarriage as it increases uterine contractions, so it should not be used by pregnant women. Additionally, children, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals undergoing infertility treatment should not use it. Long-term use of the plant (>4 weeks) is not recommended. Since the taste of the plant is bitter, it may be preferred to use it as a lyophilized powdered capsule, but care should be taken to avoid high dose consumption and toxicity.
GINGER:
Current clinical practice. Although the studies are still limited, according to some studies using ginger, it has been observed that it reduces fasting glucose levels, according to some it reduces HbA1c levels, and according to some it increases insulin sensitivity. It should be used under physician supervision by people with gallstones, individuals using anticoagulant medications, or people with blood clotting problems. Consuming more than six grams of ginger may cause irritation in the stomach.
Black Cumin:
Studies on diabetes have shown that black cumin has positive effects on diabetes. It has been determined that the optimum dose of black cumin seed is 2 g/day.
GINKGO BILOBA:
Ginkgo biloba has an antihypertensive effect by reducing blood pressure in both men and women
Read: 0
