Diabetes and natural remedies

The obvious treatment for type 2 diabetes remains a healthy diet and an appropriate, consistent exercise routine. Some type 2 and all type 1 diabetics need to also use insulin to keep their blood glucose stable. However, some herbs may also be able to help control blood sugar levels, when balanced out by conventional treatment.
Diet is a crucial factor for diabetes patients, and all diabetics should be on a healthy diet incorporating helpful foods such as vegetables, fibre and whole grains. Diabetics should avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine and also stay away from junk food. Exercise will help to retain good health and to combat the negative complications of diabetes. Inactive people with higher body fat run a greatly increased risk of developing diabetes and are also more likely to suffer complications related to diabetes.
Some herbal remedies are recognised in diabetes treatment, particularly in other countries whose healthcare systems are more grounded in ancient, traditional medicine. Some of these are available in pharmacies and health shops, and in some cases may be able to help in the maintenance of diabetes. These herbs include prickly pear cactus, bitter melon, garlic, ginseng, psyllium, fenugreek, bilberry, dandelion and burdock.