# 319
Last week, a young woman came to my office after her diabetes doctor scolded her for taking an herb. That’s a huge problem with conventional doctors today. They see herbs as hyped up myths used by poor, ignorant folk who need protection from their own misguided beliefs.
The opposite is closer to the truth. The use of drugs only to treat high blood sugar and diabetes is more the result of an ignorant misguided belief.
Today, I’ll share an herb I use first after using nutrients in food, before resorting to drugs for diabetes and blood sugar problems. You’ll see it’s effective, safe and backed by modern science.
Prescription Side Effects are Avoidable
Given the choice, most doctors will give their diabetic patients prescription drugs. Few doctors would consider an herb as an option. But the science is there.
An herb called Fenugreek is a great example. It lowers your blood sugar and improves your body’s response to insulin.
You could take a prescription drug that might do the same thing. But you’d risk liver damage in the process. Aside from liver toxicity, there are dozens of other side effects from diabetic drugs like:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Slurred Speech
- Unusual Tiredness or Weakness
- Difficulty Sleeping and Concentrating
Tested and Proven
Aside from its ability to help diabetics, fenugreek is heart healthy too. Recent studies show that one gram of fenugreek a day helped to lower blood sugar and improve sensitivity to insulin. It also lowered triglyceride levels and boosted HDL (good cholesterol).[1]
My own experience with my patients confirms this.
Herbs are powerful disease fighters. But don’t forget the basics. Diet and exercise have a profound effect on the treatment of diabetes.
To get a feel for my alternative to cardio, check out my PACE® program. (See Health Alert 58.) For some diet advice, check out Health Alerts 25, 120 and 158.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
P.S. – My usual recommendation is to start with 500 mg of fenugreek twice a day. If you are currently taking anti-diabetic medications, ask your doctor for assistance.
[1] Gupta A, Gupta R, et al. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Assoc Physicians India. 2001;49:1057-1061.