If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you don’t have to resign yourself to taking medication. Consider using a more natural approach.

Saponins, polysaccharide glactomanan, fenugreek, alpha Lipoic acid and volatile oils — no, these are the not the components of a mad scientist’s test tube. Rather, they are vitamin supplements and herbs that can aid in managing (and even reversing) the effects of diabetes. Nutrition has long played an important part in the life of a diabetic, but thanks to many studies—especially by those in the field of holistic medicine–diabetics are turning to vitamin supplements to treat their diabetes. “So what vitamin supplements and herbs should be a part of my diabetes nutrition?” you ask. Read on to learn more.

The Top 5 Vitamin Supplements for Diabetes Nutrition:

• Cinnamon - Recent studies show that as little as a 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon a day is all it takes to regulate and even normalize your blood sugar levels. You can take it in capsule form, or use it in your cooking as a flavor enhancement for savory items like squash, sweet potatoes, and in Indian or Thai cuisine.
• Chromium - Available in vitamin stores all across the country, as well as mail order catalogs and on the Internet, chromium is a vitamin supplement that has been shown to improve glucose levels because it increases your sensitivity to insulin. It is recommended that you take between 400 and 600 mcg (micrograms) per day.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - For many years, people have cited the importance of vinegar for maintaining good health. In regards to diabetes nutrition, apple cider vinegar is used to bring down blood sugar levels. You can purchase it in capsule form or take a tablespoon of it daily. In addition, an extra benefit of apple cider vinegar (as well as vinegars like red or white vinegar, balsamic, white wine vinegar, or even lemon juice) is that vinegar significantly lessons a food’s affect on your blood sugar. So, by simply adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to your coleslaw, potato salad, greens and many other dishes, you will not only add a new level of taste to your dish, but you will be reducing your blood sugar as well.
• Fenugreek - Research shows that the components of this sweet maple-scented herb will help regulate your blood glucose. It is composed of polysaccharide glactomanan, saponins, mucilage, volatile oils, and alkaloids, which all help to lower blood sugar and increase insulin protection. To be effective, it is recommended that you take 2.5 grams of fenugreek 2 times a day with meals.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) – This is one of the most important vitamin supplements you can take as part of your holistic diabetes nutrition plan; however, it has been known to lower blood sugar too much, so be careful and only use the amount recommended by your physician. Studies by Eberhard-Karls University in Germany on ALA have shown this vitamin supplement to normalize blood sugar and cure insulin resistance by as much as 51 percent in just 10 days. As for dosage, it is recommended that diabetics and non-diabetics over the age of 40 take at least 200 milligrams a day.

So, talk to your doctor about diabetes nutrition and vitamin supplements. With just a few simple changes, you may soon be on your way to a diabetes treatment-free way of living.

Tags: diabetes nutrition, diabetes supplements, manage diabetes, managing diabetes, nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements