- Alternative treatments for diabetes vary from dietary changes to acupuncture. When seeking an alternative treatment, it is important to establish parameters regarding what you consider acceptable risk. If you are resistant to the idea of someone sticking needles into you, for instance, do not allow yourself to be talked into acupuncture. Try to find an alternative treatment that does not place undue stress upon you and in the process hinder whatever good the treatment might do.
- Regardless of which alternative treatment you choose, exercise should be a key component. The caveat here is that exercising with Type 1 diabetes can lower your lower your glucose level, so be sure to eat a high-carb snack before you begin. Those with Type 2 diabetes should be careful about exercising with weights as doing so can raise blood pressure.
- The use of acupuncture as a treatment for diabetes focuses on the stimulation of certain points within the body. The needle placement on these points is intended to have the effect of relieving pain, but also improving the efficiency of your body's immune system. Always make sure you are using a licensed acupuncturist.
- Herbal therapy may help diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels and helping maintain the vascular system. Blueberries and cayenne pepper are two herbal therapies used for these purposes. Some herbs lower blood cholesterol levels and facilitate blood flow. Ginkgo biloba is often used to treat diabetics suffering from deteriorating vision because it helps maintain the flow of blood to the retina.
- Vitamin supplements can help many diabetics. Chromium helps lower blood glucose levels and insulin levels. Diabetics can make up for their low blood levels by taking supplements of vitamin C, which also helps maintain good cholesterol levels. Vitamin E can help guard against vascular damage while also helping improve cholesterol levels. Manganese is an essential vitamin for diabetics because of the way it helps metabolize glucose.
