With over 200 million people suffering from diabetes worldwide, and counting, it’s fast becoming the #1 epidemic of modern times. A major cause of end-stage renal disease, preventable amputations and blindness, the efficacy of many alternative medicine treatments in managing diabetes has been explored.

While conventional medicine has prescriptions of endocrine disorder drugs for diabetes, alternative therapeutic approaches to its management include herbs, plant extracts and more.

The following are some naturals and alternative therapeutics that seem promising to scientists studying their effect on diabetes.

1. Fenugreek: This herb is commonly used for appetite loss, and to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women. And a handful of studies have discovered that fenugreek may help in bringing down blood sugar levels in diabetes sufferers, that’s according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines (NCCAM).

Some time back, the Diabetes UK referred to several herbs being studied, including momordica cymbalaria, gymnema sylvestre and swertia chirayita.

2. Momordica Cymbalaria Roots:This a cucumber-like vegetable was assessed by scientists for its effect on Type 2 diabetes control and their tests on diabetic rats showed an improved glucose tolerance.

3. Gymnema Sylvestre Herb: Originating from the Indian tropical forests, this herb when tested for its effects on the body’s ability to produce insulin, seemed to have a direct impact on the pancreatic insulin producing cells.

4. Swertia Chirayita Bark: Laboratory studies on the bark have found that some compounds separated from it appear to set off insulin production, in addition to enhancing its action.

5. Berberine: Chemically classified as a salt and found in the roots and barks of many plants, it has been documented in Chinese literature for having glucose lowering properties. According to Research Australia, the compound is indeed able to help lower blood sugar levels in animal models of diabetes.

6. Tai Chi Exercises: This isn’t quite a herb, nonetheless, according to the April 2008 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, Tai Chi exercises can improve the management of type 2 diabetes via improving blood glucose levels.

Despite appearing promising, experts believe that a lot more research is needed to definitively establish some of these alternative medicines‘ degree of efficacy.

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Three: there are in fact three types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, sometimes called juvenile diabetes because this is usually when the symptoms are first seen, is the body’s inability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when the body produces insulin but cannot make proper use of it. Gestational diabetes is a temporary illness developed during pregnancy, with type 2 diabetes symptoms.

18 Million: the number of Americans who suffer from diabetes symptoms in the US. The numbers of people diagnosed with diabetes is rising year upon year in this country, and around the world. Diabetes is a genetic disease and is not caused by bad diet or lifestyle habits. However the wrong diet can lead to obesity, which is a major cause of type 2 diabetes. Stress also does not cause diabetes, but it may aggravate diabetes symptoms in sufferers.

Two Hundred: If after fasting for eight hours your blood sugar level is 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more then it is consistent with either type 1 or 2 diabetes. Normal blood sugar levels should be around 100mg/dL, whereas 125mg/dL or higher is defined as pre-diabetes and should be a source of concern. Once diagnosed, patients should begin diabetes treatment immediately to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Forty-five: is the percentage of kidney failures caused by diabetes. Having elevated blood sugar levels puts extra strain on the kidneys, whose job it is to filter the blood, and often lead to kidney disease or failure. This is why diabetes treatment to control blood sugar levels is so crucial.

92 billion: the number of dollars spent in the US on direct diabetes treatment and control in 2002. In 1997 the figure was $44 billion. People who suffer from diabetes spend on average 2.4 times as much on their healthcare than non-diabetics.

Fifteen: People who suffer from type 1 diabetes live, on average, 15 years less than non-diabetics. Besides the diabetes symptoms themselves, diabetics can suffer from a number of kidney and heart related diseases, and are also at risk from diabetic retinopathy (leading to blindness). Combined with the risk of hyperglycemia, a potentially fatal condition, it is little wonder that life-expectancy is lower. For people suffering from type 2 diabetes, life-expectancy is between 5 and 10 years less than non-diabetics. Proper diabetes treatment can help increase life-span for diabetics considerably.

1/2: Fifty percent of children born from ethnic minorities will develop diabetes at some point in their lives. This is lower than the national average. Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians are all at greater risk of developing diabetes symptoms than their white counterparts.

Zero: The amount that diabetes need affect your life. Diabetes treatment does not necessarily have to include medication or insulin shots. With natural vitamins and minerals, along with a balanced diet, blood sugar levels can be controlled effectively and diabetes symptoms are minimized. Control your diabetes; don’t let your diabetes control you.