Some people with diabetes use complementary or alternative treatments for this condition. Although some alternative treatments may be effective, others can be ineffective or even harmful. People who use alternative treatments marketed as “natural diabetes remedies” need to let their healthcare providers know what they are doing.

This article focuses on six possible natural remedies that people try:

* Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
* Chromium
* Coenzyme Q10
* Garlic
* Magnesium
* Omega-3 fatty acids.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid as a Natural Remedy for Diabetes

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, also known as lipoic acid or thioctic acid) is a chemical that is similar to a vitamin.
It is an antioxidant — a substance that prevents cell damage caused by substances called free radicals in a process called oxidative stress. High levels of blood glucose are one cause of oxidative stress.

ALA is found in foods such as:

* Liver
* Spinach
* Broccoli
* Potatoes.

ALA can also be made in the laboratory. The supplements are marketed as tablets or capsules. It is theorized that ALA may be beneficial because of its antioxidant activity.

Research Findings on Alpha-Lipoic Acid

The evidence on ALA as a natural remedy for type 2 diabetes and obesity is limited. There are a number of small studies in animals and in people that have shown hints of beneficial effects. In a few of these studies, some possible benefit from ALA was seen in:

* Glucose uptake in muscle
* Sensitivity of the body to insulin
* Diabetic neuropathy
* Weight loss.

More research is needed to document whether there is any benefit of using ALA to treat diabetes and to better understand how it works.

Side Effects and Possible Risks With Alpha-Lipoic Acid

While ALA appears to be safe for the general adult population, people with diabetes need to know that using it as a natural remedy for diabetes might lower blood sugar too much; they would need to monitor their blood sugar level especially carefully. ALA may also:

* Lower blood levels of minerals (such as iron)
* Interact with some medicines (such as antacids)
* Decrease the effectiveness of some anticancer drugs.

Other possible side effects of ALA include headache, skin rash, and stomach upset.

Natural Remedies for Diabetes: Chromium

Chromium is a metal and an essential trace mineral. It is found in foods such as:

* Meats
* Animal fats
* Fish
* Brown sugar
* Coffee
* Tea
* Some spices
* Whole-wheat and rye breads
* Brewer’s yeast.

It is marketed in supplement form (capsules and tablets) as:

* Chromium picolinate
* Chromium chloride
* Chromium nicotinate.

Research Findings on Chromium

There are scientific controversies about the use or need for chromium supplementation by people with diabetes. It is difficult to determine, including through tests, whether a person has a chromium deficiency. Also, it is not known whether it is beneficial to take chromium supplementation as a natural diabetes remedy; there is a lack of rigorous basic science studies to explain or support any evidence of benefit. Most research scientists conclude that there is not enough evidence to show that taking chromium supplements is beneficial for people with diabetes.

Side Effects and Other Risks With Chromium

At low doses, short-term use of chromium appears to be safe in the general adult population. However, chromium can add its effects on blood sugar to that of insulin; this might cause the blood sugar to go too low.

Possible side effects at low doses include:

* Weight gain
* Headache
* Insomnia
* Skin irritation
* Sleep problems
* Mood changes.

High doses can cause serious side effects. The foremost concern for people with diabetes who use chromium is the development of kidney problems. Other possible side effects include:

* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract
* Worsening of any behavioral or psychiatric problems.

Read More

Natural Remedies for Diabetes Coenzyme Q10
Natural Remedies for Diabetes an Introduction
Alternative Treatments for Diabetes
Oral Medications for Diabetes
An Overview of Diabetic Medication
Treating Diabetes an Overview
Diabetes and Exercise
Herbal Medicine for Diabetes
Diabetes Supplements