Key takeaways
- Lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, can positively influence blood sugar levels and overall health for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Certain herbs and supplements, such as aloe vera, cinnamon, and magnesium, may help manage blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Their effectiveness and safety require further research and should be discussed with a healthcare professional due to potential interactions with medications.
- Relaxation techniques like aromatherapy, meditation, acupuncture, and acupressure may help reduce stress and improve circulation, offering potential benefits for people with diabetes when used as complementary therapies.
Maintaining blood sugar levels is part of managing diabetes. Doctors often prescribe traditional treatments, like insulin injections, to keep blood sugar levels normal.
Some people with diabetes also use complementary and alternative therapies (CAM). These therapies aim to treat the body and the mind.
Alternative treatments for diabetes include:
- herbs
- supplements
- diet
- exercise
- relaxation techniques
There’s little evidence that some CAM therapies work. Supplements may be considered “all natural, ” but that doesn’t mean they won’t interfere with traditional medications. In fact, there’s no legal definition of “all natural.”
Most of us don’t think of diet and exercise as “alternative therapies.” But they do fall under this category. Diet and exercise are important in treating diabetes. What you eat and how active you are affect your blood sugar level and health. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying active have a positive effect on diabetes.
A moderate diet for people with type 2 diabetes could include foods such as:
- legumes
- vegetables
- whole grains
- fruits
This can help lower cholesterol, maintain blood sugar levels, and promote a moderate weight. All these factors can help a person with type 2 diabetes.
An exercise regimen is a standard recommendation for people with diabetes. Specialists recommend resistance exercises twice weekly for people without activity restrictions.
Examples could be lifting free weights or using resistance bands. Those with type 2 diabetes should also aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity every week.
Exercise can reduce blood pressure, improve glucose tolerance, and reduce blood sugar levels that are above your target levels.
Herbs and supplements are popular CAM therapies for people with diabetes. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t consider these therapies “medications.” They aren’t regulated. There are also no definitive studies that support treating diabetes with supplements.
Most support for these substances comes by word of mouth. Always speak with your doctor before you start taking any new supplements. Some supplements can interact with the medications you’re taking.
Some of the most popular supplements used for diabetes include:
- Aloe vera: A 2023 study indicates that people with type 2 diabetes in the experimental group showed a significant difference in their blood glucose scores after drinking aloe vera juice.
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): ALA is an antioxidant found in foods like spinach or broccoli. Some people claim ALA might reduce nerve damage related to diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). A
2024 study concluded, however, that alpha-lipoic acid may have little or no effect on neuropathy symptoms. - Chromium: People with diabetes lose more chromium in their urine than the general population, which may affect insulin resistance. A
2022 review of studies found that while chromium supplements may reduce the glycosylated hemoglobin in people with type 2 diabetes to a certain extent, they cannot effectively improve fasting blood glucose and blood lipid levels. - Cinnamon: A
2024 study revealed that cinnamon may effectively lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes but did not change levels of insulin. The researchers concluded that cinnamon may be used as a complementary therapy for treating type 2 diabetes. - Garlic: Garlic may be a useful complementary therapy for diabetes. A 2023 review of studies suggested that while garlic can be prescribed as a complementary treatment for treating type 2 diabetes, more research is necessary to find out what components in garlic have certain effects, whether neuroprotective or against diabetes.
- Magnesium: This mineral is present in many foods, including whole grains, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. A
2021 review of studies found that supplementing with magnesium may improve glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes and may improve insulin sensitivity in people at high risk of diabetes. - Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “good fats.” They’re found in foods like salmon, walnuts, or soybeans. A
2022 study indicated that supplementing with omega-3 may have protective effects in people with diabetes.
Cautions about using supplements
Researchers rarely study supplements and aren’t required to prove any claims. The safety and efficacy of supplements are generally unknown. Supplements may not contain what the label says, and they may have unknown side effects.
Supplements can negatively affect a person’s medications. They can also make a person feel nauseous and ill. A person should always use caution and talk with a doctor before starting to take any supplements.
Supplements are not a treatment for diabetes, and you should always ask your doctor or specialist for advice if you want to try any alternative or complementary practices. They can advise on whether these are safe or useful for you specifically.
Other complementary therapies useful for people with type 2 diabetes may include some of the following:
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is another alternative therapy used to reduce stress. It involves smelling essential oils to promote relaxation. A
Other relaxation techniques
While meditation may not burn calories, it can help relieve stress. Meditation can be mantra-based, like repeating an uplifting thought or statement.
Meditation can also involve breathing techniques. Examples of meditation techniques include Vipassana, Transcendental, and Zen meditation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice that involves inserting small needles into strategic points in the skin. It’s thought to redirect energy flow and restore harmony to the body. Acupuncture may help reduce pain. This may benefit those with diabetic neuropathies.
The practice is generally considered safe. But it’s possible a person could experience injuries like infection or nerve damage. These risks are greatly reduced if you find a licensed acupuncturist.
Acupressure
Acupressure involves placing pressure on strategic points in the body. It’s meant to produce similar effects to acupuncture. Massage therapy also involves applying pressure to relieve muscle tension.
Massage may help improve circulation, relieve stress, and improve joint mobility. These effects can all help a person with diabetes, but they won’t treat the condition.
These techniques do not aim to cure diabetes, but instead help your body function better. You should still pursue traditional treatments while trying alternative ones. Always talk with your doctor before starting a new treatment.