Diabetes is a condition that should always be managed by a doctor, though many herbs and supplements complement conventional medical treatment. Natural remedies can help to prevent some of the longer-term complications of this chronic but manageable disease.
What it is
In diabetes the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar, is not produced in sufficient quantities or is not used effectively by the body - a situation which creates high blood sugar levels. Over time this imbalance can lead to heart or kidney disease, nerve damage, vision loss and other complications. There are two types of diabetes: the less common is insulin-dependent diabetes (type I), which usually develops before the age of 30. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes (type II), which usually appears after the age of 40, accounts for 90% of cases.
For acknowledgement, see Supplement Guide, section 3.
