Type 2 Diabetics Lower Your Blood Sugar with These Plants

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 5 years ago. Truth is, I was not totally surprised. Then a 39 year old, I found it difficult to go through a day without losing energy; my eyesight was often blurry – to the point of not being able focus more than a few feet in the mornings. My lifestyle was nothing to be proud of either. I often worked from 7 am till 11pm, eating only cakes, chased with a few soft drinks, and to top off smoking more than two packs a day. I know, should have known better right? Well I did.

The short of if is that I finally had physical symptoms that drove me to the doctor’s office. I had a persistent carbuncle under one arm that got a bit scary. A few tests were done, the results a blood sugar level of over 240. I was asked by my doctor if I could make some basic lifestyle changes while a decision was made about being treated with medication. Stop smoking immediately, reduce or remove sugar from my diet, lower my consumption of highly processed carbohydrates, eat more fruits and vegetables. Sounds easy enough? Not at all, I did manage to do all, but not without major discomfort. The great thing is that my health did improve.

Thus began my quest to learn, not only more about the diabetes and its effects on health, but ways, traditional and complimentary to improve one’s health in general. I created this blog to share some of the discoveries that have led me to believe that better health is within the grasps of all.

This first post looks at plants known traditionally and otherwise to lower blood sugar and improve the absorption of sugars by the body. The list is meant as an introduction, in following posts I shall provide more information on various traditional plants, remedies and alternative treatments for a number of common ailments. you will also find a number of healthy, tasty recipes, so please check back often and don't forget to leave your comments.

Note: the following is provided as general information. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic please consult a health care professional before any unfamiliar treatment.

1. Barley ( Hordeum vulgare)

Research shows that the high content of Beta-glucan soluble fiber in barley helps to slow the absorption of glucose into the blood stream. Barley, unlike many grains which contain fiber only in the outer bran layer (wheat, rice, etc), barley contains fiber throughout the entire kernel. Making it a cereal that can be prepared in many healthy and tasty recipes, while maintaining its blood sugar reducing value. Barley contains - Fiber (soluble and insoluble), is cholesterol free, low in fat, contains the vitamins B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), the elements selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and copper. it is also high in antioxidents and phyto nutrie

nts. (source:National Barley Foods Council).

2. Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L)

Banaba a variety of crepe myrtle that grows in the Philippines, India and Malaysia, is touted for its superior blood sugar lowering effects and weight loss, with no serious si

de effects. It contains corsolic acid and tannins. Usually prepared as a tea, but increasingly found as an extract.

3. Bitter melon (Momordica Charantia)

Bitter melon has a long history of use in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean as

a remedy for fighting diabetes. It is a cucumber like plant with a highly textured fruit that is very bitter. The fruit is cooked in some parts of the Caribbean. Preparations include drying the fruit or leaves and steeping as a tea, liquid and powder extracts.

4. Cinnamon

(Cinnamomum Verum/Cinnamomum Cassia)

Has been used as a spice form more than 4000 years. A great deal of research show that cinnamon lowers bloo

d sugar. Cinnamon may have an insulin-like effect, causing glucose to be stored in the form of glycogen. Although it does not stimulate the release of insulin it helps insulin w

ork more effectively.Usually available as an extract, but can be added to your favourite drinks and confectioneries.

5. Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum)

This spice has been used for centuries in India and Arab countries as a treatment for diabetes.Seed were soaked in water as a food for diabetic patients. Overall, clinical studies have produced positive results relating to fenugreek as a blood sugar con

trolling agent. Usually taken as an extract, in pill form or can be added in small amount (it tends to be bitter) to food.

6. Guava (Psidium guajava)

Used in Chinese medic ine to treat diabetes for a very long time, and traditionally in Latin America and the Caribbean for the treatment of diarrhea and blood pressure.
Recent studies compliment its blood controlling proprieties. Prepared as a tea, 10-12 young leaves and 1 half ripe peeled fruit boiled in 16 ounces of water for 5 minutes.

7. Gymnema (Gymnema Sylvestre)

Avid and thorough Indian research is working hard to quantify and validate the sugar balancing properties of Gymnema. It is their belief that these findings will further prove the effectiveness of Gymnema in controlling blood sugar. Because of its ease in use, and promising results it is widely used and popularly accepted as a safe and effective treatment in diabetes.

8. Jambolan (Syzygium cumini)

the jambolan alkaloids have effects in influencing the glucose levels in the blood. It helps reduce fatty infiltration of the liver thus improving its function. Since liver health is also a contributitory factor in maintaining normal glucose levels this (glucosidal effect) enables treatment and control of diabetes.

9. Neem ( Melia azadirachta)
Neem leaf is a traditional herb for treating diabetes and has been scientifically proven effective in treating and preventing diabetes. Oral doses of neem leaf extract significantly reduced insulin requirements for non-insulin dependent diabetes.

10.Opuntia /Prickly pear (Opuntia phaeacantha)

Used by some to lower fats and cholesterol in the blood, and is becoming increasingly popular as a means to decrease blood sugar levels and control diabetes.