RE: Herbs that may help lower blood sugar

[Guest guest]

Good article. Just a couple notes, I've also heard that the herb milk

thistle can help the liver in many ways, including dealing with sugar.

Regarding chromium, a company called Puritan's pride (www.puritan.com)

sells, or at least used to sell, a product called GTF (glucose tolerance

factor) Chromium.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Yolanda

Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 2:18 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Herbs that may help lower blood sugar

This is the the second time this topic has arisen on the list so I wanted to

share the following:

Herbs That May Help People With Diabetes

Chromium

Dosage: 200 mcg - 1000 mcg daily taken in divided doses

Benefit in Diabetes: Helps insulin metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and

fats. Chromium

deficiency may help to trigger adult-onset diabetes, but is not the

underlying cause

of diabetes, so chromium cannot cure the disease.

Harmful Effects: Adding chromium supplement should be done gradually,

especially

if already on diabetes medication which may need to be adjusted to avoid

glucose

lowering effect of chromium.

Research Support: Moderate - Strong

Various studies support that chromium has a positive effect on blood glucose

level,

as well as HbA1c.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Dosage: 100 - 200 mg 3 times a day

Benefit in Diabetes: Antioxidant supplement. May have effect on insulin

utilization

and blood sugar metabolism in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Harmful Effects: Formal safety studies have not been completed. Medication

may need

to be adjusted based on glucose lowering effects.

Research Support: Minimal - Moderate

Dates is controversial.

Magnesium

Dosage: 200 mg 2 times a day

Benefit in Diabetes: Low magnesium levels may aggravate diabetic conditions.

Studies

have demonstrated that it can help decrease insulin resistance and improves

glucose

metabolism.

Harmful Effects: May increase the absorption of some sulfonylureas.

Medication may

need to be adjusted based on glucose lowering effects.

Research Support: Moderate

Vanadly Sulfate

Dosage: Varies depending on product between 100 - 500 mcg daily

Benefit in Diabetes: Important for proper glucose metabolism.

Harmful Effects: Appears to be safe and well tolerated at doses as high as

1000 mcg

daily.

Research Support: Strong

Zinc

200 mg 2 times a day

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: It has been shown that individuals with diabetes have

impaired

intestinal zinc absorption and low plasma zinc zinc levels. Zinc supplements

have

the potential to help individuals with hypoglycemia, IGT, and diabetes.

Harmful Effects: No harmful side effects. Medication may need to be adjusted

based

on glucose lowering effect.

Research Support: Moderate

Gymnema

400 - 600 mg 2 times a day using a standardized extract

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: It has been used primarily in the management of

diabetes in

India for centuries. It appears to act in a manner similar to sulfonylurea

agents.

Also temporarily prevents the taste buds from recognizing sweetness, helping

prevent

sweetness cravings.

Harmful Effects: Adding gymnema should be done gradually, especially if

already on

diabetes medication or taking chromium supplements. Diabetes medications my

need

to be adjusted.

Research Support: Moderate - Strong

May be useful in both Type 1 and Type 2 by helping inhibit intestinal

glucose absorption.

Ginseng

100 - 300 mg per day

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: Recent University of Toronto study demonstrated that

taken 40

minutes prior to a meal may decrease post-prandial hyperglycemia in Type 2

diabetics.

Harmful Effects: Diabetes medications my need to be adjusted. Self

monitoring of

blood glucose is essential.

Research Support: Moderate

Fenugreek Seeds

15 - 50 g daily (1 Tbsp weights about 10.5 g)

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: Appears to decrease blood glucose, improves glucose

tolerance

and possibly decreases cholesterol levels.

Harmful Effects: Side effects may include diarrhea and upset stomach.

Research Support: Strong

Large amount of promising research.

[Guest guest]

My favorite place is puritan's pride. I highly reommend them for

individuals who use herbs.

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 9:10 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: Herbs that may help lower blood sugar

Good article. Just a couple notes, I've also heard that the herb milk

thistle can help the liver in many ways, including dealing with sugar.

Regarding chromium, a company called Puritan's pride (www.puritan.com)

sells, or at least used to sell, a product called GTF (glucose tolerance

factor) Chromium.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Yolanda

Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 2:18 AM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

Subject: Herbs that may help lower blood sugar

This is the the second time this topic has arisen on the list so I wanted to

share the following:

Herbs That May Help People With Diabetes

Chromium

Dosage: 200 mcg - 1000 mcg daily taken in divided doses

Benefit in Diabetes: Helps insulin metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and

fats. Chromium

deficiency may help to trigger adult-onset diabetes, but is not the

underlying cause

of diabetes, so chromium cannot cure the disease.

Harmful Effects: Adding chromium supplement should be done gradually,

especially

if already on diabetes medication which may need to be adjusted to avoid

glucose

lowering effect of chromium.

Research Support: Moderate - Strong

Various studies support that chromium has a positive effect on blood glucose

level,

as well as HbA1c.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Dosage: 100 - 200 mg 3 times a day

Benefit in Diabetes: Antioxidant supplement. May have effect on insulin

utilization

and blood sugar metabolism in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Harmful Effects: Formal safety studies have not been completed. Medication

may need

to be adjusted based on glucose lowering effects.

Research Support: Minimal - Moderate

Dates is controversial.

Magnesium

Dosage: 200 mg 2 times a day

Benefit in Diabetes: Low magnesium levels may aggravate diabetic conditions.

Studies

have demonstrated that it can help decrease insulin resistance and improves

glucose

metabolism.

Harmful Effects: May increase the absorption of some sulfonylureas.

Medication may

need to be adjusted based on glucose lowering effects.

Research Support: Moderate

Vanadly Sulfate

Dosage: Varies depending on product between 100 - 500 mcg daily

Benefit in Diabetes: Important for proper glucose metabolism.

Harmful Effects: Appears to be safe and well tolerated at doses as high as

1000 mcg

daily.

Research Support: Strong

Zinc

200 mg 2 times a day

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: It has been shown that individuals with diabetes have

impaired

intestinal zinc absorption and low plasma zinc zinc levels. Zinc supplements

have

the potential to help individuals with hypoglycemia, IGT, and diabetes.

Harmful Effects: No harmful side effects. Medication may need to be adjusted

based

on glucose lowering effect.

Research Support: Moderate

Gymnema

400 - 600 mg 2 times a day using a standardized extract

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: It has been used primarily in the management of

diabetes in

India for centuries. It appears to act in a manner similar to sulfonylurea

agents.

Also temporarily prevents the taste buds from recognizing sweetness, helping

prevent

sweetness cravings.

Harmful Effects: Adding gymnema should be done gradually, especially if

already on

diabetes medication or taking chromium supplements. Diabetes medications my

need

to be adjusted.

Research Support: Moderate - Strong

May be useful in both Type 1 and Type 2 by helping inhibit intestinal

glucose absorption.

Ginseng

100 - 300 mg per day

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: Recent University of Toronto study demonstrated that

taken 40

minutes prior to a meal may decrease post-prandial hyperglycemia in Type 2

diabetics.

Harmful Effects: Diabetes medications my need to be adjusted. Self

monitoring of

blood glucose is essential.

Research Support: Moderate

Fenugreek Seeds

15 - 50 g daily (1 Tbsp weights about 10.5 g)

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: Appears to decrease blood glucose, improves glucose

tolerance

and possibly decreases cholesterol levels.

Harmful Effects: Side effects may include diarrhea and upset stomach.

Research Support: Strong

Large amount of promising research.

[Guest guest]

My favorite place is puritan's pride. I highly reommend them for

individuals who use herbs.

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 9:10 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: Herbs that may help lower blood sugar

Good article. Just a couple notes, I've also heard that the herb milk

thistle can help the liver in many ways, including dealing with sugar.

Regarding chromium, a company called Puritan's pride (www.puritan.com)

sells, or at least used to sell, a product called GTF (glucose tolerance

factor) Chromium.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Yolanda

Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 2:18 AM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

Subject: Herbs that may help lower blood sugar

This is the the second time this topic has arisen on the list so I wanted to

share the following:

Herbs That May Help People With Diabetes

Chromium

Dosage: 200 mcg - 1000 mcg daily taken in divided doses

Benefit in Diabetes: Helps insulin metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and

fats. Chromium

deficiency may help to trigger adult-onset diabetes, but is not the

underlying cause

of diabetes, so chromium cannot cure the disease.

Harmful Effects: Adding chromium supplement should be done gradually,

especially

if already on diabetes medication which may need to be adjusted to avoid

glucose

lowering effect of chromium.

Research Support: Moderate - Strong

Various studies support that chromium has a positive effect on blood glucose

level,

as well as HbA1c.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Dosage: 100 - 200 mg 3 times a day

Benefit in Diabetes: Antioxidant supplement. May have effect on insulin

utilization

and blood sugar metabolism in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Harmful Effects: Formal safety studies have not been completed. Medication

may need

to be adjusted based on glucose lowering effects.

Research Support: Minimal - Moderate

Dates is controversial.

Magnesium

Dosage: 200 mg 2 times a day

Benefit in Diabetes: Low magnesium levels may aggravate diabetic conditions.

Studies

have demonstrated that it can help decrease insulin resistance and improves

glucose

metabolism.

Harmful Effects: May increase the absorption of some sulfonylureas.

Medication may

need to be adjusted based on glucose lowering effects.

Research Support: Moderate

Vanadly Sulfate

Dosage: Varies depending on product between 100 - 500 mcg daily

Benefit in Diabetes: Important for proper glucose metabolism.

Harmful Effects: Appears to be safe and well tolerated at doses as high as

1000 mcg

daily.

Research Support: Strong

Zinc

200 mg 2 times a day

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: It has been shown that individuals with diabetes have

impaired

intestinal zinc absorption and low plasma zinc zinc levels. Zinc supplements

have

the potential to help individuals with hypoglycemia, IGT, and diabetes.

Harmful Effects: No harmful side effects. Medication may need to be adjusted

based

on glucose lowering effect.

Research Support: Moderate

Gymnema

400 - 600 mg 2 times a day using a standardized extract

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: It has been used primarily in the management of

diabetes in

India for centuries. It appears to act in a manner similar to sulfonylurea

agents.

Also temporarily prevents the taste buds from recognizing sweetness, helping

prevent

sweetness cravings.

Harmful Effects: Adding gymnema should be done gradually, especially if

already on

diabetes medication or taking chromium supplements. Diabetes medications my

need

to be adjusted.

Research Support: Moderate - Strong

May be useful in both Type 1 and Type 2 by helping inhibit intestinal

glucose absorption.

Ginseng

100 - 300 mg per day

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: Recent University of Toronto study demonstrated that

taken 40

minutes prior to a meal may decrease post-prandial hyperglycemia in Type 2

diabetics.

Harmful Effects: Diabetes medications my need to be adjusted. Self

monitoring of

blood glucose is essential.

Research Support: Moderate

Fenugreek Seeds

15 - 50 g daily (1 Tbsp weights about 10.5 g)

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: Appears to decrease blood glucose, improves glucose

tolerance

and possibly decreases cholesterol levels.

Harmful Effects: Side effects may include diarrhea and upset stomach.

Research Support: Strong

Large amount of promising research.

[Guest guest]

My favorite place is puritan's pride. I highly reommend them for

individuals who use herbs.

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky

Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 9:10 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: Herbs that may help lower blood sugar

Good article. Just a couple notes, I've also heard that the herb milk

thistle can help the liver in many ways, including dealing with sugar.

Regarding chromium, a company called Puritan's pride (www.puritan.com)

sells, or at least used to sell, a product called GTF (glucose tolerance

factor) Chromium.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

[mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Yolanda

Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 2:18 AM

To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

Subject: Herbs that may help lower blood sugar

This is the the second time this topic has arisen on the list so I wanted to

share the following:

Herbs That May Help People With Diabetes

Chromium

Dosage: 200 mcg - 1000 mcg daily taken in divided doses

Benefit in Diabetes: Helps insulin metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and

fats. Chromium

deficiency may help to trigger adult-onset diabetes, but is not the

underlying cause

of diabetes, so chromium cannot cure the disease.

Harmful Effects: Adding chromium supplement should be done gradually,

especially

if already on diabetes medication which may need to be adjusted to avoid

glucose

lowering effect of chromium.

Research Support: Moderate - Strong

Various studies support that chromium has a positive effect on blood glucose

level,

as well as HbA1c.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Dosage: 100 - 200 mg 3 times a day

Benefit in Diabetes: Antioxidant supplement. May have effect on insulin

utilization

and blood sugar metabolism in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Harmful Effects: Formal safety studies have not been completed. Medication

may need

to be adjusted based on glucose lowering effects.

Research Support: Minimal - Moderate

Dates is controversial.

Magnesium

Dosage: 200 mg 2 times a day

Benefit in Diabetes: Low magnesium levels may aggravate diabetic conditions.

Studies

have demonstrated that it can help decrease insulin resistance and improves

glucose

metabolism.

Harmful Effects: May increase the absorption of some sulfonylureas.

Medication may

need to be adjusted based on glucose lowering effects.

Research Support: Moderate

Vanadly Sulfate

Dosage: Varies depending on product between 100 - 500 mcg daily

Benefit in Diabetes: Important for proper glucose metabolism.

Harmful Effects: Appears to be safe and well tolerated at doses as high as

1000 mcg

daily.

Research Support: Strong

Zinc

200 mg 2 times a day

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: It has been shown that individuals with diabetes have

impaired

intestinal zinc absorption and low plasma zinc zinc levels. Zinc supplements

have

the potential to help individuals with hypoglycemia, IGT, and diabetes.

Harmful Effects: No harmful side effects. Medication may need to be adjusted

based

on glucose lowering effect.

Research Support: Moderate

Gymnema

400 - 600 mg 2 times a day using a standardized extract

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: It has been used primarily in the management of

diabetes in

India for centuries. It appears to act in a manner similar to sulfonylurea

agents.

Also temporarily prevents the taste buds from recognizing sweetness, helping

prevent

sweetness cravings.

Harmful Effects: Adding gymnema should be done gradually, especially if

already on

diabetes medication or taking chromium supplements. Diabetes medications my

need

to be adjusted.

Research Support: Moderate - Strong

May be useful in both Type 1 and Type 2 by helping inhibit intestinal

glucose absorption.

Ginseng

100 - 300 mg per day

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: Recent University of Toronto study demonstrated that

taken 40

minutes prior to a meal may decrease post-prandial hyperglycemia in Type 2

diabetics.

Harmful Effects: Diabetes medications my need to be adjusted. Self

monitoring of

blood glucose is essential.

Research Support: Moderate

Fenugreek Seeds

15 - 50 g daily (1 Tbsp weights about 10.5 g)

Supplement & Dosage:

Benefit in Diabetes: Appears to decrease blood glucose, improves glucose

tolerance

and possibly decreases cholesterol levels.

Harmful Effects: Side effects may include diarrhea and upset stomach.

Research Support: Strong

Large amount of promising research.