Prognosis
- Studies have shown that only about 25% of diabetic patients on oral diabetic medicine are able to achieve good (not perfect) control of their blood sugar levels. However, many patients who are treated with naturopathic approaches involving diet, supplements, herbs, and exercise are able to maintain good sugar control while off pharmaceutical medicines for diabetes type II.
- Blood sugar can begin to decrease within 2 weeks, but it may take 6 weeks before some people notice a change. Approximately 88% of people are able to lower their blood sugar levels within 3 months of continued use, based on clinical research of herbal combinations containing jambul and devil’s club.
- Patients with excessive insulin can expect about a 30% decrease in 3 months. After 2 months of daily use, most people will notice a decrease in blood sugar.
- As with pharmaceutical hypoglycemic agents, there are always some individuals who do not seem to respond.
- Fasting blood sugar should go down within 8 weeks and HBA1c value within 3 months.
Side Effects: There are no reported adverse side effects from use of diabetic herbs and nutrients.
Drug Interactions: The herbs used in DM Type II are blood sugar balancers, so there is little possibility of blood sugar going too low when pharmaceuticals are used.
Weaning Off Drugs: Once people start noticing a significant decrease in blood sugar, they might consider starting to wean themselves off any prescription drugs they may be taking for their condition. Some people may be able to start weaning after 2 weeks of being on natural medicines, while others may be able to start after 8 weeks. It is not recommended for patients to stop their prescription drugs when their blood sugars are consistently over 150 mg/dL.
Side Benefits: Diabetic herbs such as jambul and devil’s club can help eliminate free radicals, which are largely responsible for the secondary complications of diabetes. Secondary complications of diabetes might get better. Vision and kidney function may improve.
