Fighting Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Herbs and Nutrients 1.

Gymnema Sylvestre Main use: Lowering blood sugar Typical dosage: 200 to 250 milligrams twice daily. This plants Hindi name translates as sugar destroyer, and the plant is said to reduce the ability to detect sweetness. Its regarded as one of the most powerful herbs for blood-sugar control. It may work by boosting the activity of enzymes that help cells use glucose or by stimulating the production of insulin. Though it hasnt been studied extensively, its not known to cause serious side effects. 2. Bitter Melon Main use: Lowering blood sugar Typical dosage: 50 to 100 milliliters (approximately 3 to 6 tablespoons) of the juice daily. The aptly named bitter melon is thought to help cells use glucose more effectively and block sugar absorption in the intestine. When Philippine researchers had men and women take bitter melon in capsule form for three months, they had slight, but consistently, lower blood sugar than those taking a placebo. Gastrointestinal problems are possible side effects. 3. Magnesium Main use: Lowering blood sugar Typical dosage: 250 to 350 milligrams once a day. Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in people with diabetes, and it can worsen high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Some studies suggest that supplementing with magnesium may improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels, but other studies have shown no benefit. Have your doctor check you for deficiency before supplementing with magnesium. Magnesium assists in the maintenance of normal healthy blood glucose metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity. 4. Prickly Pear Cactus Main use: Lowering blood sugar Typical dosage: If you eat it as a food, aim for 12 cup of cooked cactus fruit a day. Otherwise, follow label directions. The ripe fruit of this cactus has been shown in some small studies to lower blood sugar levels. You may be able to find the fruit in your grocery store, but if not, look for it as a juice or powder at health food stores. Researchers speculate that the fruit may possibly lower blood sugar because it contains components that work similarly to insulin. The fruit is also high in fiber. 5. Gamma-Linolenic Acid Main use: Easing nerve pain Typical dosage: 270 to 540 milligrams once a day. Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a fatty acid found in evening primrose oil. Some research suggests that people with diabetes have lower than optimal levels of GLA, and studies have found that the

supplement can reduce and prevent nerve pain associated with diabetes. 6. Chromium Main use: Lowering blood sugar Typical dosage: 200 micrograms once daily. This trace mineral is thought to enhance the action of insulin as well as being involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Some research shows that it helps normalize blood sugar but only in people who are deficient in chromium. Chromium is linked with glucose tolerance factor (GTF) and increases the number of insulin receptors, enhances insulin binding at the receptor site and potentiates the action of insulin. 7. Billberry Main use: Protecting the eyes and nerves Typical dosage: 80 to 120 milligrams two times per day of standardized bilberry extract. This relative of the blueberry contains powerful antioxidants in its fruit and leaves. These antioxidants, called anthocyanidins, seem to help prevent damage to tiny blood vessels that can result in nerve pain and retinopathy (damage to the eyes retina). Animal studies have also suggested that bilberry may lower blood sugar. 8. Alpha-Lipoic Acid Main uses: Easing nerve pain, lowering blood sugar Typical dosage: 600 to 800 milligrams a day. Called ALA for short, this vitamin-like substance improves insulin sensitivity by improving glucose metabolism and transport of blood glucose into cells. It neutralizes many types of free radicals. A build-up of free radicals, caused in part by high blood sugar, can lead to nerve damage and other problems. ALA may also help muscle cells take up blood sugar. In a German study, a team of scientists had 40 adults take either an ALA supplement or a placebo. At the end of the four-week study, the ALA group had improved their insulin sensitivity 27 percent. The placebo group showed no improvement. Other studies have shown a decrease in nerve pain, numbness, and burning. 9. Fenugreek Main use: Lowering blood sugar Typical dosage: 5 to 30 grams with each meal or 15 to 90 grams with one meal per day. These seeds, used in Indian cooking, have been found to lower blood sugar by reducing the rate of glucose absorption from the digestive tract into the bloodstream, increase insulin sensitivity, enhance glucose utilization, and reduce high cholesterol, according to several animal and human studies. The effect may be partly due to the seeds high fiber content. The seeds also contain an amino acid that appears to boost the release of insulin. In one of the largest studies on fenugreek, 60 people who took 25 grams daily showed significant improvements in blood sugar control and post-meal spikes. 10. Ginseng Main use: Lowering blood sugar Typical dosage: 1 to 3 grams a day in capsule or tablet form, or 3 to 5

milliliters of tincture three times a day. This Chinese herb has several positive diabetes studies behind it. Researchers have found that ginseng slows carbohydrate absorption; increases cells ability to use glucose; increases insulin secretion from the pancreas; and increases insulin sensitivity. A team from the University of Toronto has repeatedly demonstrated that ginseng capsules lower blood glucose 15 to 20 percent compared to placebo pills. Other Options Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) stimulate fat burning and insulin sensitivity through improving cell membrane function and structure Vitamin B3 (niacin) is a component of GTF so helps regulate blood sugar levels Resveratrol may improve blood sugar levels as a calorie restriction mimetic Vitamin D is vital for normal insulin secretion with vitamin D receptors found in pancreatic beta-cells Zinc required for normal functioning of the insulin signaling pathway St Marys Thistle and other liver supporting herbs help clear inflammatory mediators and hormones that interfere with insulin signaling Cinnamon helps potentiate the action of insulin. Hawthorn normalizes blood sugar levels and supports healthy cardiovascular function. Ginger may help increase insulin sensitivity and ppears to inhibit the action of the enzymes aglucosidase and a-amylase, which can contribute to diabetes. It is also an anti-inflamatory. Turmeric normalizes blood sugar levels, supports bile production (for better absorption of fats), and aids in inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) implicated in cataract formation, nephropathy and neuropathy in diabetes. Stevia helps to both improve insulin sensitivity and increase the production of insulin.