When one visits the doctor for high blood sugar or “metabolic syndrome’, most docs prescribe oral medications. The drugs; Metformin (glucophage), Januvia, Actos, and Byetta, do lower blood sugar, but they do far more. They increase the risk of weight gain, hypoglycemia, and double to triple the risk of cardiovascular disease. Glucophage, most drug experts consider safe. However, recent studies show that Januvia and Byetta double the risk for pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas) and triple the risk for pancreatic cancer! Actos can triple the risk for eye problems and vision loss, double the risk for bone fractures in women and double the risk for bladder cancer! Why not try Mother Nature’s gifts? One is magnesium. Studies show that magnesium significantly reduces the risk for diabetes, and most americans are lacking in this mineral. Beans, swiss chard, legumes, nuts and seeds are great sources of magnesium. Berberine is another- an alkaloid plant that works as well as Metformin in lowering blood sugar but also lowers triglycerides. Gymnema is a vinelike plant found in tropical forests of southern and central India, and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years. If one chews on the leaf of the plant, you will temporarily lose your ability to taste sweets. It works by filling up glucose receptor sites on the taste buds. They also fill up the sugar receptors in the gut, blocking the absorption of glucose. Recent research indicate that gymnema may even regenerate the cells of the pancreas that manufacture insulin, the hormone that ushers glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells. The most powerful form of this extract is called ProBeta-two capsules, two to three times a day. Other types of gymnema, 400 mg, three times a day. Apple cider vinegar (ACV): numerous studies have proven that ACV works to control type 2 diabetes. I’ve written several times on this in the past. ACV blunts the activity of disaccharide enzymes that help break down carbohydrates found in starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, and pasta. As a result, these foods are digested more slowly, lowering blood sugar and the insulin response. Remember, insulin loves to remove glucose (blood sugar) by storing it in cells, both muscle and fat cells. I recommend two tablespoons 10 minutes before a meal, twice a day. Make sure you use non-pasturized, organic ACV. Exercise is a must, any kind, even if you hate it! Physical activity makes the glucose receptor cells on muscle much more receptive to insulin, so less insulin is required. Less insulin, less work for the pancreas, and less fat storage.
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.