>National Diabetes Awareness Week - Self Management

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The First week of November is National Diabetes Awareness Week.

CNN has reported that:

• More than 23 million Americans have diabetes; 1.6 million new cases last year
• Annual new case rate up from 5 per 1,000 in mid-1990s to 9 per 1,000 in mid-2000s
• Highest rates in the South; lowest rates in Minnesota, Hawaii and Wyoming

I have found that implementing effective educational strategies and self-management activities are particularly important for those with diabetes. It is to that point that I write this.

Mother and my sister are diabetics. So I am speaking those who have the disease. I encourage you to become empowered and begin to self-manage.

Living with and managing diabetes can lead to dealing with social and emotional issues. As those who are familiar with my work knows that I always address the person as a whole. There is connection in what happens on the emotional plane with what happens in the physical body. Diabetes can sometimes be a signal that we are longing for what might have been. We may have great need to control. There is some deep sorrow that needs to be address and you may feel as if there is no sweetness left. If such is the case please affirm to yourself on a daily basis that you now experience the sweetness of live today.

Furthermore, how you feel can often affect you decision to self-management, become empowered in your care. Discover your own innate ability to gain mastery over their diabetes. Realize that you are:

• Responsible for and in control of the daily self-management of diabetes;
• Become educated promote informed decision;
• Set goals so that you can make changes to your treatment adherence of your own choosing;
• Become an expert on your disease;
• Determine with your physican the approach to diabetes self-management that will works for you
• Reach out to others who are diabetic for social support

The Use Herbal Remedies and Supplements for Natural Treatment of Diabetes

The use of natural herbs for diabetes treatment is an important step in the overall management of the disease. It is important that good overall diabetes education and constant monitoring of blood glucose levels accompany the use of herbal supplements for diabetes. It is essential that any changes in supplements or medication be discussed with a medical professional.

Herbal treatment for diabetes has been a part of traditional medicine for thousands of years. The natural herbs for diabetes treatment focus on lowering blood sugar and reducing the damaging effects of the disease.

Herbal supplements for diabetes should be a part of a holistic approach to treatment that addresses proper nutrition, a good exercise program, and continued monitoring of blood glucose levels. It is important to visit a medical professional for proper diagnosis of diabetes and follow up treatment for the disease. After a diagnosis of diabetes it is important to continue follow up care and education to ensure the best treatment possible.

Natural Herbs Used For Diabetes Treatment

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Cinnamon has begun to find favor with modern science as an herbal treatment for diabetes. The active ingredient, methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP), has been shown to increase the body’s cells’ sensitivity to insulin. This helps improve the efficiency of insulin and increase the conversion of glucose to energy. It has even been claimed that cinnamon may triple insulin’s efficiency, whether natural or injected. It also has anti-oxidant properties that help to reduce the damaging effects of diabetes.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Bitter melon has been used extensively in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Its blood sugar lowering capabilities has attracted diabetics to this herbal supplements for centuries. Charantin, one of the active ingredients in Bitter melon, has been shown to be a potent hypoglycemic agent. It has similar effects to many hypoglycemic drugs used in diabetes treatment. Momordica, another active ingredient, has insulin-like effects, further decreasing blood glucose levels. Due to the potent hypoglycemic effect this supplement should be taken with care when using medications to control diabetes.

Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja)
Gymnema sylvestre has been called the “sugar killer” due to its ability to reduce sweet cravings. Gymnema helps the pancreas with insulin production in type 2 diabetics, and increases the sensitivity to insulin in type 1 diabetics. Some type 2 diabetics have been able to discontinue their use, or reduce their dosage, of oral diabetic medications with use of this supplement (although this is not recommended without consultation with a medical professional.)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenugreek has strong anti-diabetic properties, as well as triglyceride and LDL cholesterol lowering effects. It has also been shown to support HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Defatted fenugreek seed powder has been shown in studies to increase glucose tolerance and decrease fasting blood glucose levels after as few as 7 days.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal has strong hypoglycemic properties and insulin supporting effects, as well. Although not as rapid as bitter melon, the blood sugar lowering effects of this supplement make it a good pre-meal supplement to increase glucose tolerance. Its insulin support also increases the glucose lowering effect.

Panax Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Panax ginseng has many health boosting properties in all individuals. Those with diabetes may benefit from direct blood sugar control, increased insulin secretion and the number of insulin receptors, and an increase in energy. Panax ginseng has also been shown to support cardiovascular function and support blood vessel health and tone, a common problem for those with diabetes.

For a detailed and personalized protocol please consult with an herbalist. www.sacredvibeshealing.com