Q. I am a type 2 diabetic, taking metformin, glipizide and Avandia. I have begun taking cinnamon, alpha-lipoic acid and chromium picolinate in an effort to get off the drugs. It seems to be working, as I stopped taking Avandia four months ago and have had no increase in blood sugar levels.
My doctor is skeptical, but he can't argue with facts. He says if I am trying to eliminate all the drugs, he can't support that. He gave numerous reasons, but I didn’t find them convincing. Where can I find information on natural options while I look for another doctor more sympathetic to my desire to be drug-free?
A. With new studies on Avandia highlighting its potential to harm the heart, other type 2 diabetics may also want to find different ways to control their blood sugar. Natural methods may not be adequate, but with careful monitoring of blood sugar, you will know how well you are doing. Your doctor should supervise your progress
We discuss many treatments for type 2 diabetes, including both natural and pharmaceutical products, in our book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy (Rodale). It is available from libraries or bookstores or online (www.peoplespharmacy.com). Exercise, diet and relaxation are keystones to blood sugar management.
