The idea of treating diabetes with other supplements is not a new thing and it certainly is not out of the question since most of these particular supplements are able to lower one’s blood glucose level.
Here are more supplements that you can look into if you are a diabetic who has considered taking extra supplements for your condition. However, be wary about the different side effects and remember to check with your physician if it is advisable for you to take these. Here are some of the most common supplements for the management of diabetes.
Garlic
This is also known by its scientific name of allium sativum. It is the same type of garlic that is used to put more flavor in food. It can be processed as a dietary supplement which is not uncommon since in other cultures, this herb is widely used for strict medicinal purposes.
The chemical allicin in garlic is the one that gives it a pungent taste and odor. There have been claims for this herb that for those countries who consume garlic in large quantities, the rates of specific diseases in those countries are surprisingly low. However, with regard to the herb having a significant impact on type 2 diabetes, it still remains to be seen.
There are hypotheses that would like to claim that garlic does have a beneficial impact to people who have type 2 diabetes but as far as solid scientific evidence is concerned, it is still up in the air. Like most medicinal supplements, when consumed along with other medicines that treat specific diseases, garlic decreases their effectiveness.
There are also certain birth control pills such as cyclosporine which may be affected when dietary supplements of garlic is consumed. Other negative effects are allergic reaction, skin rashes, diarrhea and upset stomach.
Magnesium
Magnesium is present in green leafy vegetables as well as seeds and whole grains. This mineral is used to maintain important functions in the body which include making proteins, maintenance of muscles, bones, nerves and handling glucose. People with diabetes normally have low levels of magnesium which leads to the connotation that a diabetic who is experiencing such should take dietary supplements of magnesium. However, the link between this mineral and diabetes is still very vague.
The studies that have been conducted regarding diabetes and magnesium have actually found out that there are some uses for magnesium in patients who have diabetes. It may help diabetics combat insulin resistance. However, controlled studies should still be conducted in order to fully conclude the apparent benefits of taking magnesium as a supplement for diabetics.
The discovered side effects of taking magnesium supplements are muscle weakness, breathing difficulty, low blood pressure, irregular beating of the heart, loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea. These are uncomfortable side effects so the beneficial effect of taking this mineral is still yet to be understood. As with all supplements, one should consult with an expert and a doctor in order ensure that one’s condition might not become worse.