Natural Approaches to Lower Blood Sugar

Newspaper Columns, Herb & Home Remedy Q&A June 27, 2007

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.

Reader Comments

My doctor was similarly reticent about my wish to be off prescription meds for Type II Diabetes. But, the bloodwork doesn't lie - I've been Rx-free for 12 months! I use cinnamon and chromium picolinate.

Posted by: Peggy Bassett | June 29, 2007 12:16 PM

I, too, am attempting to control my diabetes without drugs, and so far, have done well. I would like to form a support group for people with this goal. I would be glad to share the name of my medical doctor, who supports me in this and helps me keep tabs on my efforts by ordering the proper lab tests, etc. There are also helpful books on the subject.

Posted by: Althea Hayes | July 5, 2007 12:51 PM

Share Your Experiences

Do you have personal experiences related to this article? If so, we want to hear from you! Let us know your thoughts:

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)

Name (or initials):

Email address (required, will not be displayed on site):

Web site address (optional):

Remember the information above? (If you check this box, the next time you post a comment you will not need to re-enter your name and email address)

Note: If you make a factual claim (for example, about a person, group or product) be sure to include a link to a reference. This will help other readers learn more. Thanks!

Comments:

Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

The People's Pharmacy® with Joe and Terry Graedon

Search