Are there natural cures for type 1 diabetes? Many people seem to think so, judging by the number of products and books for sale. The fact is that there are herbs, botanicals, minerals and common vitamins that help the body naturally control blood sugar levels. Whether or not these products should be advertised as natural cures for type 1 diabetes is the subject of some debate.

Opponents of natural cures for type 1 diabetes and other diseases believe that manufacturers and authors target people suffering from chronic diseases, offering hope where there is none and sometimes causing the delay of conventional or proven treatments. Some proponents claim that the federal government, pharmaceutical companies and even the American Medical Association suppress information about natural remedies. Then, there are people like me.

As a compassionate health care professional, I was constantly overwhelmed by the suffering that I saw on a daily basis. As a patient, I was frustrated with the “there’s a pill for everything” approach. As a writer, I am committed to providing accurate understandable information, without the hype. Nothing written here is meant to take the place of your doctor’s advice. You should never discontinue a prescribed treatment, without first consulting your doctor.

That being said, it is possible and wise to take responsibility for you own health and well being. The problems that plague the medical community have much to do with the search for quick fixes and instant cures. It takes time to heal your body, sometimes, depending on the condition, a lot of time. It also takes effort.

Doctors typically suggest weight loss, healthy diet and physical activity, but when a person is plagued with fatigue and feels depressed, they may not be able to follow those suggestions. The factor that is most commonly overlooked is nutrition.

Guidelines for “adequate” nutrition are commonly quoted and major health organizations feel that “malnutrition” is rare in developed countries. Excellent nutrition, on the other hand, seems to prevent chronic diseases and definitely provides the energy that people need to make the effort to change their lifestyles. There are many documented cases concerning people who have lived years beyond their medical doctor’s expectations by using alternative treatment plans, changing their lifestyles and increasing intake of specific nutrients, depending on the condition from which they suffered.

There are specific nutrients that should be present in products advertised as natural cures for type 1 diabetes, but they are not always included. Read the label carefully. There are also specific herbal extracts and other supplements that, according to scientific studies, help control blood sugar levels and prevent complications that can accompany diabetes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and if you are taking prescription medications, check with your pharmacist or the supplement manufacturer concerning possible interactions.

Ingredients to look for include:

Chromium Nicotinate Chromium is an element required by the human body to metabolize glucose. There has been some concern about possible health risks associated with the dietary supplement chromium picolinate. Current information indicates that chromium nicotinate is a safer form.

Biotin Also known as vitamin B-7, scientists believe that biotin may be involved in the production and release of insulin. Most studies have involved people with type 2 diabetes, who often have low levels of biotin. Studies suggest that this vitamin may improve blood sugar control.

Inositol A component of rice bran, the human body uses inositol to create molecules that transmit signals among the cells. Of most importance in diabetes is the role of inositol in helping the cells to identify insulin and use blood glucose for energy.

Alpha Lipoic Acid This supplement plays many roles in the human body. Alpha Lipoic Acid is suggested in diabetes because laboratory studies have shown that it increases cellular uptake of blood sugar.

Many plants and herbs have been used throughout history in countries where they grow wild for the treatment of diabetes. Modern day research supports the use of all of the following: banaba extract, bitter melon extract, black cumin extract, green tea extract, gymnema sylvestre extract and milk thistle extract.