October 23, 2009
Natural Foods and Supplements to Reduce Your Blood Sugar
Did you know that there are many natural foods and supplements that you can take that will help lower your blood sugar level naturally? Diabetic patients are usually made aware of the countless pharmaceutical products that are available…but what if you want to naturally lower your blood sugar level?
Let me just start out by saying that I am not against the use of pharmaceutical products to control diabetes. I myself am taking Metformin, also known as Glucophage, and Glipizide, also known as Glucotrol, to help regulate my blood glucose levels. Although I’ve stopped taking the Metformin because it gave me serious stomach cramps, gas and diahrea.
Right now taking these drugs is a must for me. If you knew me personally you would know that I’m not keen on taking medication. I’m always looking for a more natural approach to treating my diabetes.
What I have been finding is that there are foods and supplements that will naturally lower blood sugar levels. By incorporating these foods and supplements into your already diabetes friendly diet you are upping your chances of a longer healthier life.
Food And Supplements That Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon: Researchers are finding that cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels naturally when taken daily. If you absolutely love cinnamon you can sprinkle the recommended six grams of cinnamon on your food throughout the day to achieve the desired effect. If you are not that big a fan of cinnamon there is another alternative…cinnamon capsules. This gives you the recommended cinnamon dose all in one tidy capsule.
Chromium: To help your body’s cells respond properly to insulin you can use Chromium. There are studies that are finding that people with diabetes have lower Chromium levels that people without the disease. So how do you add Chromium to your diet? Well it is a trace mineral so the best bet it to take a Chromium Picolinate dietary supplement.
Zinc: The mineral Zinc plays a huge role in your body’s production and storage of insulin. It is now being brought to light that people with diabetes have a Zinc deficiency. You can go about increasing the Zinc in your diet by either taking a supplement or by eating foods that are high in Zinc. This would include lamb, oysters, pecans, almonds, chicken and sardines.
Salacia oblonga: Also something interesting I read about and also heard from someone on a podcast they were taking in Sri Lanka. Salacia oblonga is an herb that’s been used for centuries which is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka, binds to intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the body. Ohio State University, researchers saw insulin levels drop 23 percent and blood sugar levels drop 29 percent in patients who took a 1,000-mg dose of the herb. Amazing!
These are just a few of the natural foods and supplements that will lower your blood sugar level naturally. One thing that is very important is that you keep your health care provider up to date on any supplements that you will be utilizing as a natural way to lower your blood sugar. They will be able to help you safely figure out what does and does not work for you.
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- Caffeine Raises Blood Sugar Levels In Type 2 Diabetics
- Lower Your Blood Sugar With These 3 Daily Tips and Understanding the Glycemic Index
- Diabeties Diets – For Life Improvement
Hey Diabetics - Natural Foods and Supplements to Reduce Your Blood Sugar
August 26, 2007 at 11:57 pm
[...] products that are available…but what if you want to naturally lower your blood sugar level?read more | digg [...]
RADA
September 27, 2007 at 10:19 pm
THANKS FOR THE INFO ON USING CINNAMON TO LOWER BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS, WHEN I WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED WITH TYPE 2 DIABETIES 5 YEARS A GO MY SUGAR WAS AT 107 AND ITS BEEN THAT WAY NOT REACHING MORE THAN 170 AT TIMES, SO I ATE REGULAR FOODS, BUT TRIED TO EAT THINGS WITH LESS SUGAR OR SUBSTITUTES. I CHANGED TO DIET SODAS, WHICH I LOVE. FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS MY SUGAR LEVEL HAS BEEN UP 300 TO 350 AND I AM SCARED, I DONR KNOW WHAT TO EAT ANYMORE, I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE INSULIN SHOTS, I AM ON METFORMIN AND GLIMEPIRIZE RIGHT NOW. SO I AM LOOKING FOR ANY SAFE TEMEDIES TO ADD TO WHAT I AM ALREADY DOING, I HAVE SINCE CHANGED MY DIET TO INCLUDE MORE VEGGIES AND FRUITS, I WILL ADD A DAILY CINNAMON DOSE TO MY DIET,AMD I AM JOINING A EXERCISE CLASS, ITS TIME TO GET SERIOUS. I HAVE READ THAT ADDING 2 TBLS OF VINEGAR DAILY WILL LOWER BLOOD SUGARS ALSO. GOOD LUCK TO ALL GOING THROUGH THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL I RAY OF HOPE.
Shirley
October 4, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Very interesting thanks for the info
Then there is proof that 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar helps lower blood sugar when taken before a meal. Mix in a glass of water(6 oz)and drink or add to a light salad. Please visit my Low-Carb-Diabetic-Recipes blog for more tasty recipes.
Felix Tero
October 9, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Interesting info about cinammon.Good thing I love cinammon. It is also for a fact that html flax seed can actually help reduce blood sugar levels. Accordingly, the phytochemicals called html lignans in html flax seed oil cushions the harmful action of free radicals on the body cells. Moreover, the Omega 3 nutrient helps regulate the metabolic functions of the body, from which an irregular insulin level in the bloodstream can cause Type 2 diabetes.
liv
October 16, 2007 at 5:41 pm
RADA : What I found out is that diet soda (and in general sugar substitutes) push my blood sugar levels through the roof.
Tricki1
January 10, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Artificial sweeteners like Sweet’n'Low, Equal have SUGAR in them for texture and body. I didn’t know that either until I read Dr. Bernstein’s book “Diabetes Solution”. He only recommends Stevia if you want the little packets for tea. You can get it at Health food stores in the little packets or large containers with a scoop. If you can find the other sweeteners in TABLET form he says to crush them up and use them if you want. Diet soda shouldn’t cause blood sugars to rise if it is truly sugar free. Some are not.
Shari
November 7, 2007 at 8:13 am
One of the comments mentioned said that with blood sugar at 105 was Type-2 diabetic. That is interesting. I have a fasting blood glucose at 138, and my doctor said I’m fine. What does it take to be diagonised as diabetic? Glucose in Urini tests? I am confused.
carol
November 16, 2007 at 11:58 pm
I heard Diet Soft drinks can mess you up .
It might be an individual thing,but at a nursing home,
several diabetics stopped having diet sodas by Doc
orders.Best to skip artifical sweetners.
I’ve heard Stevia is a diabetic friend.
My levels stayed high and I drank more diet soda than water,so there must be something too it.
Flax might help , but may raise blood pressure in some people.
Monitor yourself.
fruit is fine to have , but it depends on what kind you eat and how much a day.
berries be relatively safe in reasonable amounts.
Waternmelon, bananas, grapes could be a problem.
certain vegetables like potatoes too.
Grass fed meat over grain fed is good.
carol
November 17, 2007 at 12:15 am
90 to 110 blood sugar are normal ranges and can go up after eating and drinking, which is normal enough,
but it must recover itself and go back down to the normal areas.
with Diabetes, it has problems doing that very thing.
Every meal becomes a challege to bounce back.
Fasting and being 138, Imagine it going up 200 after eating.
Eat fresh food , not much frozen,canned or box stuff.
usually has hidden sugars,too much salt and things you don’t need in there.
White rice,White bread, and potatoes can raise levels up.
If you eat a sweet potato , go easy on the butter and put cinnamon on it. don’t use margarine.
Use process foods sparingly.
easy on cheeses.
Read what’s on all food labels.
carol
November 17, 2007 at 12:24 am
use first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, but more on salads for dressings than cooking with. season to taste.
some say cooking it can alter it and could clog arteries, but , small amounts for a stir fry be fine.
best to cook with extra virgin coconut oil .
takes higher temperatures better.
RADA
November 20, 2007 at 9:18 pm
I COULDNT BEAT THE FIGHT WITH LOWERING MY BLOOD SUGAR, WITH MY PILLS AND DIET. AS OF YESTERDAY(11/19/07_ MY DOCTOR ORDERED ME ON INSULIN SHOTS. BUT I DID LOSE 5 POUNDS, AND LOWERED MY CHOLESTROL AND MY LIVER IS GOOD, ACCORDING TO MY RECENT TEST. I HAVENT FILLED THE PRESCRIPTION YET, I DECIDED TO TAKE MY PILLS TODAY, BUT TOMMORROW I WILL START MY SHOTS, SOMETHING I AM DREADING, MY DOCTOR ALSO TOLD ME TO LOWER MY DIET SODA INTAKE, I AM SO ADDICTED TO THEM… THIS WILL BE HARD, BUT I WILL TRY,I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DRINK OR EAT ANYMORE, I AM SO FRUSTRATED… HELPPPPPP!!!!!
Kaye
November 27, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Caffenine can be a factor in raising your levels, too. Even diet pop can contribute to that. I used to drink unsweetened ice tea, but the doc suggested I stop because of the caffenine in it.
So, I started drinking water, the best beverage for all of us, diabetic or not. If you are not a water drinker, you can start with squeezing the juice of fresh lemon, lime or orange in it.
But, believe me, once you become accustomed to drinking water, your body will CRAVE it. Diet sodas will be a thing of the past.
Scott
November 29, 2007 at 9:22 am
This is all awesome info. I want to add about diet soda. Aspartame has some known side affects also. One is mimmicking diabetes. So, if you are diabetic and using something that causes diabetic type episodes, not a good thing. I stopped drinking diet soda for a year. My sugars started getting in control. I think 207 was my highest sugar level in that timeframe. Now I have a job where pop is free. Not good. I usually have 3 or 4 glasses a day and now my sugar levels hit 300 on a regular basis. I am going to stop drinking diet pop again for a few weeks but keep my diet the same. I will report back and let everyone know what happened.
Bobbi Catterton
November 29, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Wow…this is something. I didn’t know a place existed where you could exchange info regarding diabetes. I guess you could really call me computer illiterate. I know just enough to be dangerous!
I was “officially” diagnosed as a Type II diabetic following a head-on collision in 1992. I religiously followed the regimen set up for me….food, drugs, exercise (well not so much the exercise). I did really well for about two years and then it became very tiresome. I guess it sounds self destructive, but I stopped taking the drugs and just kind of winged it for almost a decade. Right after 9/11 I took a bad fall on a wet cement floor and shattered my kneecap and severed a tendon. It landed me in the hospital, surgery, rehab, and back on meds for diabetes (I was a captive patient, literally!) Since that time I have wavered in and out of compliance. However, I’m at a point where I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I weigh 230 pounds and I feel like a beached whale. NOthing fits, I always look to see if I am the “biggest” girl in the room and I usually am. Of course, I have the pretty face…and great personality. I’m getting older and I really want to see my little grandkids grow up. I’m back on meds, testing regularly, but can’t seem to get the glucose reading below 170. HELP! PLEASE HELP ME!!!
Tricki1
January 10, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I know, I know, but read Dr. Bernstein’s “Diabetes Solution”. He will give you all the tools you need to make it.
Scott
November 30, 2007 at 11:09 am
This is what I am trying to see if it can help control my sugars.
1) NO diet pop EVER. No pop at all. I use lemons and limes in my water so it feels soda like. True Lemon and True Lime are also good if you can not use the real thing.
2) 1000mg cinnamon a day. It is supposed to help lower your sugars. Be careful if it works and you are on meds also. Don’t want your sugars too low.
3) Minimal refined sugars. High fructose corn syrup is a product of evil. I believe that this concentrated sugar is responsible for a lot of Type II diabetes. I say that because the one constant I had in my life was sugar pop. Also table sugar, brown sugar, etc. All bad. I don’t care what television says.
I also do not use artificial sweetners since Aspartame is being scrutinized by everyone. Makes you wonder how the hell it got on the market in the first place, huh Mr Rumsfeld?
Hope this may also help others a little.
Bobbi
November 30, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Scott I think you are really onto something with the diet soda. Of course living in the desert everyone always carries a bottle of water EVERYWHERE! I have learned to love just plain water, but of course, got to have my ice!
I am trying to find ways to put cinnamon in more dishes. I love it and it sure adds to the flavor of many things.
Thanks for your response.
Irene Long
December 3, 2007 at 10:10 am
Thanks a billion I was told that my blood sugar was high and to come back this week after I have fasted for 8to12hours.So I will keep you all updated thanks for the great information on how to do it naturally. Irene
Ken
January 10, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Irene, who told you your blood sugar was high. What was the reading?
If a doctor said to come back after fasting then that should be a reading between 90-120. If higher you could have some risk. I’ve gone in and done this and been over 240. I’m a type 2 diabetic.
Scott
December 4, 2007 at 8:13 am
My only problem is making sure I stick to the things I need to. i.e. no pop, etc. The other thing is, if you are type II diabetic, more than likely you are overweight. Well, if it is not in control that is. I am a big man. Carry myself very well and no one ever believes me when I tell them how much I weigh. I lost 135 pounds, approximately, and gained 70 back. My blood sugars were in check and doing well as I lost the weight. Now that it is back, they are out of control again. I am just like everyone else here. Struggle with my weight, my food choices because of convenience. One thing I have noticed is I see some diet plans for diabetics saying something like 40 – 50% of your caloric intake to be carbs. I am trying to incorporate water, no milk, veggies, no pop, more protein, less saturated fats, less carbs. Also, keep as close to natural as possible. Little or no refined foods, no processed foods. If you look back into history, it seems Type II became out of control with these things I am trying to stay away from. The fat free fad of the 80’s, fast food, convenience foods. Think of this, how many times have we been told eggs are bad, no wait they are good in moderation, eggs are bad, no wait etc. I rambled so I will stop for now.
Roni Burns
December 17, 2007 at 12:48 am
My husband is a heart and diabetes patient. We just came back from Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN and they suggested strongly their website: http://www.mayoclinic.com and then in the search area … search Dash Diet.
Information and also look for the recipe area. If your going out to eat at night, then at noon eat a salad or something to compensate. Like we would in any diet I guess. For a snack we are making our own hummus which is easy and using veggies or rye crisps w/low sodium. I add a little low sodium hot sauce, cumin, seasonings and its tasty.
mike barber
January 21, 2008 at 10:53 am
i was also on metiformin i gave me some serious headaches. the doctor said it was triggering “cluster” headaches which lie dormant in everyone and are triggered by certain things im very interseted in the cinnamon idea i will start trying that today last time i went to the doctor my a1c was 8.3 needs to be lower i guess around 7 is what my doctor said my blood sugar has been hovering around 150’s lately with meds and trying to watch what i eat its starting to worry me i will not take insulin unless they make a way to get it into my body without needles maybe sprinkle some on a cheeseburger(lol) if anyone has anymore suggestions that could help me get my type 2 under control pls email me bigkollosal@yahoo.com
Debbie-Reno
January 25, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I have type 2 diabetes, copd on 02 24-7, i have a pacemaker with Afib and Brady cartia (from taking sulfa drug) i had 2 hernia repairs (from exercising) I currently cant walk more than a few minutes. My blood sugar is high around 200. I lost my insurance so i cant afford the dr or the insuline shots (4 per day). I get ssd so i make too much for medicaid and have another year togo before i can get medicare. Does any one have info on what i can take to lower my diabetes that doesnt cost very much. I get ssi but dont get enough to actually live on.
i am willing to try almost anything at this point.
I have started drinking the carbonated water. It says, no calories, no caffine no salt …
are these bad for you too?
Ken
January 26, 2008 at 1:43 am
Hi Debbie, exactly what kind of carbonated water is it. I can look it up for you.
Lower Your Blood Sugar With These 3 Daily Tips and Understanding the Glycemic Index
July 1, 2008 at 1:21 am
[...] but it is a good indication that something is not quite right with your blood sugar control system. Natural Foods is a great way to keep this number low for you in the morning. For more info on diet, exercise [...]
piya
July 2, 2008 at 8:07 pm
hi, i would like to know if i could use cinnamon during pregnancy to reduce sugar level, will it affect my baby plz advise
dezaree
July 11, 2008 at 8:50 pm
hi,i am an eleven year old girl.i just wanted to let every one know that my blood sugar has been high and i dont drink very much diet but i do have alot of artificial sweeteners.so my mom said that i should stop drinking them.so i have decided to exercise more,that has brought my numbers down a little bit.so thanks for letting me know that drinking diet drinks is not so good for me.
Thank you
Gina
July 13, 2008 at 9:26 am
My husband is diabetic and was getting extreamly high blood sugar readings, like 289. We were told of others using The Schwartzbein Principle, and got the book. read it and started living by it strictly. You cut out all sugar, processed foods, limit salt, no artificial sweeteners, and use only health non damaged fats. Basicly no fake food. The biggest difference is learning to eat food in the right combinations. Eating Protien and healthy fats with carbohydrates kept them in your stomach long enough to not send your blood sugar soring up and accually helps keep it very level. After eating this method for 6 weeks, my husband had great improvements. His blood sugar average was 134, his blood pressure was 108/60, he had lost 21 pounds, and he had energy to walk faster than me for the first time. You add exercise as you are able. If he doesn’t follow this diet, his blood sugar peaks too high, but since he has been living right for 2 1/2 months now it doesn’t go as high even if he cheats a little.
Ken
July 13, 2008 at 10:19 am
Dezaree: are you a diabetic and are you taking medication for it? Have you seen a difference in drinking something else rather than diet drinks with artificial sweetener?
Ken
July 13, 2008 at 10:23 am
Hi Gina, that great news about your husband using the Schwartzbein Principle. I haven’t heard of it until you mentioned it and looked it up this morning. I’m sure your food bill is higher for it now but probably worth every dime for your husband’s health.
Is he seeing an endocrinologist also and what type of medication is he on?
thx for sharing.
Nancy
July 21, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Not even sure how I stumbled on this thread but maybe it was to give you this info!!! My husband and I both were type 2 with high fasting sugars and we had been pretty strict for quite some time. But even though we had lost some weight and normalized blood pressure there seemed to be a missing piece of the puzzle. Then I read Dr. Gundry’s Diet Evolution and WOW what a difference and now in 6 weeks he has lost 27 lbs. and I have lost 15!!! AND blood sugars are normal now
This book will explain everything that has been discussed above. Check it out you will be glad you did I promise
http://drgundry.com/
Nancy
July 21, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Oh and p.s. this explains the program pretty well- I encourage you all to read the book it is different and works amazingly I promise!
http://drgundry.com/press/March_15_08.htm
Ken
July 21, 2008 at 5:01 pm
thx Nancy I’m looking at the site now.
dezaree
July 26, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Hi Ken,yes i am a diabetic.And i havent noticed anything yet because i have been using the sweeteners.Because i dont really like plan drinks.
Deborah
August 8, 2008 at 9:30 am
I know a lot of people avoid potatoes if they are diabetic, but I found out by accident that meatloaf and mashed potatoes, even with brown gravy, lowers my blood sugar drastically every single time. The day I found out I was diabetic, my blood sugar was 400. The doctor told me to go eat lunch and then come back for more testing. About the only semi healthy meal available in the hospital cafeteria was a meat loaf with brow gravy and I got mashed potatoes instead of all the fried stuff they had. When I got back to the doctor about a half hour later they took my blood sugar again and it was 180. It wasn’t normal, but it had gone done that much in just less than an hour. At first I when I went home, I still avoided carbs as much as possible including potatoes and my blood sugar wouldn’t go down for anything and I took my Metformin religiously, just like I was suppose to and it stayed really high in the high 200’s, 300’s, and 400’s for almost a month. I was really frustrated. Then I suddenly remembered the day I was diagnosed and I decided to have meatloaf and mashed potatoes again and again it lowered my blood sugar drastically. I can’t eat the same thing every day, but I promise you, every time I eat meatloaf and mashed potatoes or even a baked potatoe, my blood sugar drops more than with any other meal I eat. I don’t think it’a a fluke and I honestly wish I could get more input from other diabetics to see if it works in everyone or just with me. It doesn’t work with rice or pasta, but with mashed potatoes and for some reason meatloaf it’s a drastic reduction. Try it and see if it doesn’t work for you as well.
Also I have noticed over the 7 years I’ve been diabetic that if your blood sugars levels rise and won’t go down, you probably have some kind of infection somewhere. Even a sinus infection raises mine and it won’t go down until I get rid of the infection. So it isn’t just your diet that can raise your blood sugar.
Deborah
August 8, 2008 at 9:43 am
To answer the question about cinnamon and being pregnant, unless you’re allergic to cinnamon, I have serious doubts that it would hurt your baby. It’s a natural food spice and I’ve actually found that it also helps eliminate indigestion which is usually a big problem in pregnancy. I have no idea why it helps indigestion, but it does. A surprising and pleasant result.
Deborah
August 8, 2008 at 9:52 am
Also a note on taking insulin shots. They don’t hurt. You should get your needles from Walgreens and not Walmart (for some reason Walmart needles feel dull and do hurt at least from what I’ve experienced) but Walgreens has Walgreen’s Super Thin II 31 gauge 1.0 Syringes and honestly, it’s very rare that I feel it at all when I give myself a shot and I do it in my arms. At times since I have Fibromyalgia as well, my arms get super sensitive and I’ve found out that if you pinch a spot on your stomach and give yourself a shot there, that it never hurts there either. Don’t pinch hard but just enough to raise the skin a bit and you don’t feel it at all. Just give it a try. I don’t know why the Walgreen’s syringes feel more comfortable, but I tried the Walmart syringes once and couldn’t even finish using that box full. I went back to using the Walgreen’s syringes and won’t use anything else from now on. I use Lantus daily and it isn’t a problem at all…honestly. Try it if you have to take insulin in any form.
Deborah
August 8, 2008 at 10:05 am
To Debbie-Reno, I get Social Security Disability also only I got Medicare as soon as my disability payments began. I decided in 2006 to get the supplemental medicare insurance (I chose Secure Horizon’s Advantage Plan backed by AARP which is available in my area) and they don’t charge monthly premiums and cover way better than just Medicare and they cover prescriptions (part D coverage) with low copays. I could barely afford my prescriptions at all before I got the supplemental coverage. But I don’t understand why you didn’t get medicare as soon as you got Social Security Disability. I was only 46 when I got my SS Disability payments started. At least at that time (and I still get it) if you got disability payments, you also qualified for medicare insurance coverage.
deb-reno
August 14, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Sorry I have been sick and this is first time i
could reply since January:
i use Sams clear American black cherry sparkling
water beverage. it states caffeine free, zero calories,sodium free. it does have aspartame in it.
and natural flavors…
I am now taking 75 units of levemir at night,
3 25 units of novalog during the day and 1 1000mg
of metformin twice per day (along with other meds)
but my levels are over 200 still when i wake up weirther
or not i have snack at night or not it is still high.
guess it is something i just have to live with huh?
thanks for your help
deb=-reno
deb-reno
August 14, 2008 at 3:46 pm
i have been on social security disability since march
2007. I was told everyone getting disability has
to wait the 2 year period. I know if you have certain
health issues that you will die b4 then you can get
it right then but i have to wait it out. I only have
until march next year… i plan on getting aarp suppliment
insurance to go with it but have to wait until i
get medicare first.
I dont know how you got yours so fast but i have rechecked
several times. Currently the county is paying for
my dr. visits and medicine but i have to get reevaluated
every 3 months. So at least this will help until my
medicare would kick in.
thanks for your help. if you find out something
different with medicare let me know.
thanks
deb-reno
deb-reno
August 14, 2008 at 4:00 pm
i have it now… I was approved very quickly for
social security disability. i had to wait 5 months before
my first check would come. I didnt have to appeal
or anything. Some people get turned down 1,2, or 3
times before they get approved and they dont have
to wait as they have already waited that 2 years
out. But since i was approved immediately or within the firs month of filing i had to wait it all out.
I was only taking my diabetic meds when the dr. had
samples.. if he was out so was I. Then i found out
the county could help me as i only had my ss check.
they pay over 1300 per month on meds and o2. and my
visits to their dr. and diabetic nurse etc.
thanks
deb-reno
David
August 18, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I keep reading comments about diet soda being for your blood sugar because of the artificial sweeteners, but what about products like Crystal Light that you add to water? It’s sugar free but doesn’t taste like it. Do these products have artificial sweeteners that are bad for you as well?
Scott C
August 19, 2008 at 2:05 am
Yes. Anything artificial or refined is terrible for a diabetic. From table sugar to sucralose to Aspartame. Some sugars that hit a diabetic hard are: sucrose, glucose, dextrose, evaporated cane juice, maltodextrin, galactose, corn syrup, dextrin, beet sugar, raw sugar, brown sugar, white sugar, concentrated fruit juice, syrup, sorghum, honey, maple syrup, rapadura and high fructose corn syrup. For the record I have found information against sucralose (sold as Splenda) calcifying kidneys. I used to use Splenda in everything from cooking to no dye Kool Aid to home made lemon-aid. After 6 months of use, my doctor came back and said my kidney function was dropping. She then proceeded to cram medications to “protect” my kidneys at me. I told her, and I kid you not, “why, so you can get another spiff from keeping me sick?” Needless to say I never took the meds. I stopped using Splenda completely and the next time my kidneys were tested all was good. Rule of thumb, if it is not natural, it is not good. Table sugar? Refined. Aspartame and Sucralose? Artificial. I have been adding good and taking out bad from my diet and am feeling better. I am gradually getting rid of my medications and am feeling better. More energetic. I do NOT recommend just anyone stop taking their meds. I’m doing it because I would rather die in 5 years happy and full of energy then in 10 years missing limbs and blind. Do the research. Even the ADA American Diabetes Association is not telling the truth. Id you have any questions let me know. I will answer all I can. I am not a doctor, I am not an “expert”, I am doing what I feel is best for myself.
Karen
August 22, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I have read all your good comments. I have been having a lot of trouble controlling my sugar levels. Yesterday it spiked to 410, I took a Glipizide and within an hour it dropped to 89. Today I cannot get it under 200. So, I am going to order the cinnamon capsules, stop drinking my one can of Diet Dr. Pepper each day and try Sam’s American Black Cherry Sparkling. I am scared! I don’t want any type of kidney damage and need to lowerl my A1C level – it’s at 8.2. I have been very neglectful of properly eating and taking my meds. I hope I have not damaged my health and need some support. HELP!!
Scott C
August 26, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Sadly, once you are diabetic, you have damaged your body. I neglected myself for a long time saying “who cares” etc. I was diagnosed last week with diabetic retinopothy. I have had it mild for some time now. Thankfully I found a doctor who recognized it and we are taking steps to correct it. I am now working out 5 days a week. I am implementing the Atkins diet too after all of the research I have done and found. Apparently low fat isn’t working or we would all diabetes free. I hope in a year I can come back here and state I am free of the effect of this disease. I recommend taking out all refined sugars, all artificial sweetners and eat healthy. Also implement some exercise. A little more than what you did yesterday is a step in the right direction. Don’t let it get you down if you don’t see immediate results. I have taken some extreme measures too. I am stopping a lot of my meds since my doctor seems to be more interested in loading me up on pills. I used to take wellbutrin, adderall, byatta. Stopped em. Byatta was my doctors way of getting a better “score” from the clinic I go to. I found out the lower the A1C the better she looks. BUT we need to remember too low can kill us. I have a new doctor now.
Giuliano
August 27, 2008 at 7:27 am
Hi all. I am a type 2 diabetic, like many on this thread, and am in serious need of help. I’ve been neglecting my health for sometime now and have reached the breaking point. I’m 5′10″ 245 lbs. and my number this morning was 347. I woke up this morning with all intentions of going to dunkin donuts for a coffee breakfast sandwich and hash browns like I do on a regular. I know, self destruction. I see that now. I run a family business and have little to no time to exercise much less cook for myself. Read a good bit of the thread and see some great advice. I need to make a change and today is the day. Anyone that can help, iI would greatly appreciate it. Oh and my doc has me on Januvia 50/500.
Scott C
August 28, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I slip from time to time but am trying not to. I downgraded my meds, see my last post for explanation. I have had numbers like 124 and 111. I was in the 300’s, I have diabetic retinopothy and am controlling my sugars mych better. I eat almost no carbs, well green veggies is all. Like broccoli. I make myself exercise now. 5 nights a week. It is keeping me from sleeping what I need at night BUT I have never been able to sleep well. This is a typical workout:
Start with a 15 minute carb warm-up. 3 sets of 10 each -Bicep curls, tricep pull-down, forearm curls, reverse forearm curls, hammer curls, tricep extension. I do those fast enough to keep my heart rate up. Then I do 15 more minutes of cardio. The last 15 should be fat burning if you circuit train the weights. I do that Monday and Thursday. I do the same thing Tuesday and Thursday except I train doing shrugs, lat pull down, seated row, reverse chest fly, side arm raises, front arm raises. Wednesdays my weights are leg curls, leg extensions and a ton of core exercises. I make time. I have things I would rather be doing trust me. My motivation is saving my eye sight. I also want to live long enough to see my kids, 3,5, and 8, grow up.
TOMMY C
September 30, 2008 at 6:44 pm
MY BLOOD SUGAR GOT UP TO 410 TODAY WHAT IS GOOD TO BRING IT BACK DOWN I TAKE MEDS AND THAT DOSEN’T SEEM TO HELP MUCH
Dave S
October 2, 2008 at 12:50 am
Hi, all.
I just stumbled on this site and read the comments. With a family history of diabetes, I seemed to be the one who lucked out – until about a week ago.
It’s funny how certain words can act as a wake up call. The word “emphysema” enabled me to stop smoking “cold turkey” and “diabetic” jump-started me into finally losing the 350 lbs I’ve been carrying around for some time (but “always meant to do something about it”).
My contribution to this forum is this: if you aren’t already doing so, look seriously into practicioners of alternative medicine (many disguise themselves as chiropractors). I’ve been going to one for about 6 months for the emphysema I’d developed.
I was diagnosed 3 years ago by the local VA Clinic. I was told, “here’s a prescription for oxygen and some breathing treatments. You’ll be on these the rest of your life. There is no cure, and it will progressively get worse. Sorry.”
The first thing I did after that was throw the oxygen and breathing treatments away. I’ve looked into the eyes of many people on oxygen and I’ve never seen anything but depression and a resignation to the fate that awaits them.
I vowed that this would never happen to me.
Since I’ve found alternative medicine, my breathing has improved so much that, at times, I would swear that the emphysema is completely gone. I talked to him today about my diabetes. He prescribed the following to get my blood sugar under control:
1) Glycemic Foundation
2) Gluco-Factors
3) Magnesium Lactate
PLUS, he strongly reccommended the Page Diet (can easily be found on the web).
I hope my contribution has been helpful for someone.
Dave S
October 2, 2008 at 12:54 am
PS:
Sweet Potatoes are an excellent source for lowering blood sugar.
Don W
October 15, 2008 at 11:12 am
After being admitted to the hospital with a glucose level of 588 two years ago.. I went on a series of doctor recommended meds.. finally..six months ago…I decided a life change was necessary… I planted a large garden..ate fresh..exercised.. lost 70 pounds and naturally controlled my blood sugar.. I test daily at about 105 now… I control my diet.. really control my diet… I read articles on the web about controlling blood sugar to the point of stopping medication ..so I tried it… my doctor dropped me as a patient because I wanted to naturally control diabetes.. (he talked me into taking byetta..which I took for a year)…I find it difficult to understand why a doctor wouldn’t advise a patient on ways to reduce or remove medications for a disorder or give hope that if you do these following things..you have a chance of beating diabetes.. Oh well.. I am the winner…natural is better than prescriptions..any day (and everyday!!)
Ken
October 15, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Don I completely agree with you. If it’s insane how it’s easier for the medical industry to throw some medication at something than fix the root of the problem.
Most Type 2 diabetics and that’s get in shape and loose weight. Don I would love to hear more about how you went about your own personal transformation on your own.
Was is just the eating better part that got you started or did Byetta help you from that 588 mark?
Don W
October 15, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I lost the weight by re-thinking eating… I cook everything from scratch.. I avoid all flour foods..potatoes and rice… I substitute whole grains.. use steamed cauliflower (in food processor) for rice.. I add apples,pears,almonds,oats,fat free yogurt,cinnamon,tomatoes and salads to my diet EVERYDAY. I measure and plan every meal of every day. Splenda doesn’t bother me.. I use sugar free honey to sweeten yogurt. Food tastes better now and I really savor fruits of the season. I first used Avandamet for a year.. became concerned about heart news.. then switched to Byetta..I stopped using Byetta in June… then reduced the Metformin to one pill a day..then none…this had no affect on my glucose level… I simply never.. ever.. eat food with cane sugar ..I really have no appetite for sweets…but I drool for yogurt with almonds and a drizzle of sugar free honey over the top.
Nick J
October 16, 2008 at 8:12 pm
i just turned 30 in september..i went for a routine physical for a job and BAM found out i had diabeties…i just found out last week my blood sugar has been steady between 250 and 300 and my a1c levels were tested at 12.3…im glad i came across this site and im going to try alot of these suggestions…the soda thing doesnt bother me cause ive been drinking nothing but water for the last couple of years…hopefully i can come off the metaformin and not have to go to insulin thank you for the info…this is been pretty hard to accept at first but its sinking in real quick…wish me luck!…ps sorry so long