Non-medical diabetes treatments: do they really work?

Healthy cactus nopales, aloe vera and lemon drink smoothie and ingredients on gray background. Top view.

It’s common for someone to start a new round of medication when they are first diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Not all cases need medicine. For those who do, they should certainly use them!

You may have heard of other treatments that, in addition to medication, could help people manage diabetes. But do they work? And are they safe? Here are some details to consider.

First, follow your doctor’s instructions

Before trying any non-medical diabetes treatments, always follow your doctor’s instructions. Take your medications as prescribed. Follow their suggestions for what foods to eat and how much physical activity to get. This is the best way to manage your diabetes.

Once you have a handle on those directions, talk to your healthcare provider about the ideas below to see if they’re right for you.

Treatments that may help

Here is a list of non-medical treatment options with potential to help lower the risk of diabetes complications. Studies suggest these treatments might be helpful in a few specific ways. Keep in mind that more research is needed to prove that these treatments are effective—and safe for the long term. These treatments include:

  • Alpha-lipoic acid (or ALA)
    • May help prevent insulin resistance or diabetic neuropathy
  • Bitter melon (momordica charantia)
    • May lower blood sugar
  • Chromium
    • May help the body metabolize blood sugar
      • Note: Benefits may only pertain to those with specific body types or genetics—more research is needed to see if that’s true
      • Potential side effect: If the dosage is too high (more than 1,000 mg), chromium may cause kidney damage
  • Cinnamon
    • May decrease blood glucose uptake
  • Curcumin extract
    • May help prevent type 2 diabetes for those who have not yet been diagnosed with it
  • Fenugreek
    • May increase insulin in the body
    • May also reduce carb absorption in the body
  • Ginseng
    • May lower blood sugar
      • Potential side effects: May also cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), anxiety, insomnia, diarrhea and/or high blood pressure
  • Gymnema leaf
    • May encourage the body to create more insulin
    • May also reduce A1c levels and fasting blood glucose
      • Potential side effect: May affect someone’s ability to taste sweet flavors
  • Ivy gourd (coccinia indica)
    • May help lower fasting blood glucose levels
  • Magnesium
    • May help lower fasting blood glucose levels; may also help prevent type 2 diabetes in those who are not yet diagnosed with it
  • Prickly pear (opuntia streptacantha, or nopal in Spanish)
    • May help control blood sugar
  • Vanadium
    • May help lower fasting blood glucose levels

Treatments that are not yet found to work

Some other treatment options may be popular online or in your community. But more research needs to be done to prove if they work—and if they’re safe over the long term.

At this time, Teladoc Health, Inc., does not endorse any of the treatments below. These treatments have not been approved by the FDA. Their long-term safety and side effects have not been studied in clinical trials. So, do not try any of these treatments without the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider.

The following treatments have not yet been found to help manage diabetes:

  • Garlic
  • Aloe vera
  • Polyphenols (found in olive oil, dark chocolate and green tea)
  • Coenzyme Q10
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

Disclaimer

Some of these treatments above have been shown to produce negative side effects in some users. And for those that haven’t, users might still experience unplanned side effects if they try some of these treatments. You never know how your body will react to something new.

Treatments that are proven to help

There are a few simple things that science shows do help people manage their diabetes. These practices have been clinically studied over the long term and have shown great results in many people! These include:

  • Eating a balanced diet
    • Stick to a Balanced plate model to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients without too many treats.
  • Lowering carb and sugar intake
    • Follow your doctor’s instructions for how many grams of carbs and/or sugar you can eat or drink in a day. Aim for 30-45 grams or less per meal.
  • Getting plenty of activity
    • People are proven to help keep their blood sugar within a healthy range and prevent complications if they get a good amount of exercise. Aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-to-strenuous physical activity each week.
  • Managing stress
  • Getting good quality sleep
    • All bodies need recovery time! Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night, as often as possible.

Talk to your doctor about which of these treatments might be right for you and your body. You may find some that make a difference for you!

Not sure how to bring this up to your doctor? You could also try chatting with a coach. If you have access to coaching, our coaches can give you ideas for how to have that conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources:

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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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