Recently, I was reading online (can't remember where now...hmmm...that's another one...does diabetes affect your memory???) about the benefits of certain supplements. Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Garlic predominantly. I have also read about the benefits of Cinnamon for diabetics as well.
Is there any research available showing whether or not these supplements actually work, or is this kind of a he says/she says sort of thing?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
There have been studies
There have been studies showing that cinnamon works, and also some other supplements. I have read about them online, but of course I don't recall now where. I googled "cinnamon study AND blood glucose sugar diabetes" and got many articles including this one
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL07026020070620
There are articles about studies that showed it didn't have much effect and others showing it does help. Look at dates of the studies or report on it, number of people involved, type of cinnamon, etc. You have to weigh the pros and cons after reading several articles and then decide if you want to try it.
Personally I use Alpha Lipoec Acid together with Evening Primrose Oil. I read in Dr Bernsteins book that it can help and I have seen slightly lower readings on my meter when I use it and a rise when I forget it or run out. Not much of a difference, but it does have anti-oxidant properties and I was taking EPO anyway, so I thought it would be worthwhile to add it.
You can buy his newest book online at amazon or from his website, but you could try the library first if you prefer.
http://www.diabetes-normalsugars.com/readit.shtml
I have taken aged garlic for over a decade for high blood pressure, Kyolic brand. I don't think it helps with blood sugar levels but it does have other benefits and is used elsewhere in the world to help with blood pressure problems. This is not standard medical treatment in North
America though.
Just do your research, try to stick with reliable sites, steer away from anything that sounds too good to be true, because it probably is. Ask your doctor for advice on supplements and also check with your pharmacist BEFORE you start anything new. Some supplements and even some vitamins can cause problems with some medications and that's nothing to play around with.
Everything you put into your body has an effect and when you are dealing with a serious disease like diabetes, you have to know what you're doing and get ALL the facts first.
Emmy
A new group for Canadians with diabetes...
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanadianSugarBabies/
I've heard of garlic for
I've heard of garlic for many things but not for diabetes. As for cinnamon, I've also heard about the benefits of it in the prevention of t2 but I also can't remember where nor do I really believe it.
If there is anyone out there who has some real knowledge on this -- please comment.