Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

10/14/02

Q:
Hi, my friend's father is a diabetic who was taking glucophage and has now become insulin dependent. He takes one insulin shot a day 20 humulin. I wanted to know if there was any natural vitamin or a specific food that would reduce his current/future sugar level which is presently over 200? I didn't know if there was something that acted with sugar like garlic acts with cholesterol?

A:
There are several vitamins, minerals and herbals that have been shown in studies to help with lowering blood sugar and/or are needed to help correct deficiencies caused by the disease. Among these are chromium, fenugreek, lipoic acid, gumar, magnesium, essential fatty acids, coQ10 and others. You can request a copy of the booklet Managing Your Diabetes: Basics and Beyond from this website. If there is a nutritionist in your area who can individualize for you, that would be more ideal. Remember: always start with the basics of "right eating" and healthy lifestyle. Searching through our Archives section will give you a lot of practical information.