| Type II diabetes specific supplements include those | | | | Taking green tea supplements to prevent diabetes |
| that everyone needs everyday for overall good | | | | type II may be beneficial in several ways. In animal |
| health. In addition, manufacturers have designed | | | | studies, green tea extracts have been shown to |
| some specialty supplements to prevent diabetes | | | | enhance glucose tolerance. |
| type II. The natural supplements mentioned here | | | | Chronically high blood glucose levels eventually |
| have a history of use in the treatment of high blood | | | | damage the kidneys and other organs of the human |
| sugar levels and they have clinical or laboratory | | | | body. In animal studies, green tea extract appears to |
| evidence to support their effectiveness. | | | | reduce glucose toxicity and reduce kidney damage. |
| Banaba | | | | Numerous complications are related to diabetes. One |
| Like many conditions, being overweight or obese | | | | complication is cardiac dysfunction or heart disease. |
| increases the risk of developing adult onset, maturity | | | | The exact cause of these complications is unclear, |
| onset or type II diabetes. Researchers have been | | | | but one theory is that high blood sugar causes |
| excited about Banaba extract because it not only | | | | oxidative stress in the heart and aorta. |
| lowers blood glucose levels, but also seems to lead | | | | The results of a study published in 2006 indicate that |
| to weight loss. Thus, Banaba is an ingredient in some | | | | green tea stops the oxidative stress, thus protecting |
| of the better diabetes specific supplements. | | | | the heart from damage. The researchers concluded |
| Prescription drugs designed to control blood glucose | | | | that green tea may prove to be a useful option for |
| levels typically lead to weight gain and other side | | | | preventing and reversing the oxidative stress |
| effects. Consumers looking for natural supplements | | | | associated with diabetes. |
| to prevent diabetes should look for products that will | | | | Another study, published in 2006, showed that green |
| not lead to water retention or lower metabolism. | | | | tea improved glucose metabolism and enhanced |
| This supplement alone may not improve insulin | | | | glucose tolerance. Again, this was an animal study, so |
| activity or lower blood glucose levels, but when | | | | most health care organizations will not rely on or |
| combined with the other ingredients mentioned | | | | validate the results. But, when it comes to diabetes |
| below, manufacturers believe that consumers will see | | | | specific supplements and other health supplements, |
| positive results. Some of the newest products even | | | | clinical research is almost never conducted. |
| have a no-risk guarantee. | | | | Research costs money and is typically funded by |
| Banaba has a history of use for diabetes control in | | | | drug companies, who cannot patent a naturally |
| countries in southern Asia. Laboratory research | | | | occurring substance, and so have no interest in |
| supports the effectiveness of Banaba extract as one | | | | conducting the research. Often, when evaluating the |
| of the diabetes specific supplements. Scientists have | | | | effectiveness of a natural remedy, critics will say that |
| found that it stimulates glucose transport and has an | | | | there are no long-term or large clinical studies to |
| "anti-obesity effect". | | | | support the use of supplements to prevent diabetes |
| Bitter Melon | | | | or other conditions. |
| Over 30 published studies support the use of bitter | | | | While this may be true, there are often no long-term |
| melon supplements to prevent diabetes type II. In | | | | or clinical studies to support the safety of |
| the Philippines, bitter melon tea, along with other | | | | prescription drugs. Many are recalled after being |
| natural extracts, is used for controlling blood sugar | | | | approved for use, because of dangerous side effects |
| levels, particularly among the poor. | | | | and even deaths. Botanicals, herbs and plant foods |
| In India, bitter melon is commonly referred to as | | | | have a long history of safety and effectiveness, |
| "plant insulin". Scientific evaluation has shown that the | | | | except in those who are allergic to a particular |
| plant contains a protein similar to bovine insulin. The | | | | substance. |
| purified extract has been used in small studies to | | | | A newly published "small" clinical trial supports the |
| sustain patients with type I or insulin dependent | | | | effectiveness of green tea supplements to prevent |
| diabetes. | | | | diabetes. The study consisted of 60 men and women |
| Scientific evaluation has shown that bitter melon | | | | whose blood sugar levels were higher than normal |
| extract may reduce the risk of complications | | | | and classified as "borderline diabetic". After two |
| associated with diabetes by its antioxidant activity. In | | | | months, measured levels of A1c hemoglobin (used to |
| animal studies, researchers have shown a significant | | | | identify plasma glucose concentration over prolonged |
| decrease in fasting blood glucose levels after 30 days | | | | periods of time) were lower and, as an additional |
| of use. | | | | benefit, blood pressure levels were lower, as well. |
| Green Tea | | | | Other Supplements to Prevent Diabetes Type II |
| With a history of use in numerous countries to | | | | Other type II diabetes specific supplements include |
| relieve, prevent or treat a variety of health | | | | Black Cumin Extract, Gymnema Sylvestre Extract, |
| conditions including high blood sugar levels, health | | | | and Myricetin, Piperine, Quercetin, Rutin, Milk Thistle |
| claims concerning green tea often seem too good to | | | | Extract, Indian Valerian Extract and omega 3 fatty |
| be true. But, published research concerning diabetes | | | | acids. This is by no means a complete list, as many |
| specific supplements continues to support its | | | | supplements may be helpful. To learn more about |
| effectiveness. | | | | them, please visit the Diabetes Type Two Info |
| Health care professionals debate the active | | | | Guide. |
| component of green tea. Some say it is merely the | | | | People who have been diagnosed with borderline |
| caffeine. Others believe it is the catechins, | | | | diabetes will likely benefit the most from type II |
| polyphenols or antioxidants. Scientists often strive to | | | | diabetes specific supplements, since they may |
| find the active component in plants, when it is likely | | | | improve insulin sensitivity, naturally lower blood sugar |
| that health benefits are derived from all of the | | | | levels and prevent the development of full-blown |
| components or their interaction with other | | | | diabetes and the complications that can accompany it. |
| compounds within the human body. | | | | |