Some more natural suggestions....

So sorry to hear about your mothers diabetes. Here is info. I copied sometime back from CureZone, if I remember right for a friend.... So apart from the excellent suggestions already posted,you may find something here that may help?

http://www.nhiondemand.com/industrysciencejournal/isjarticle.aspx?id=28&utm_s...


Cinnamon: Ancient spice proving its modern-life benefits.
Author: Janet Poveromo
Source: Vitamin Retailer Magazine

Native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), true cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, dates back in Chinese writings to 2800 B.C. Its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, meaning fragrant spice plant. Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years as a spice and medicine. It's mentioned in the Bible as an ingredient in the oils used to anoint Moses, and as a token of friendship.


In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was used as a medicine and an embalming agent, and at times it was even considered more precious than gold. It was also popular in China, and is mentioned in one of the earliest books on Chinese botanical medicine.


Today, it is used in ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes. The US Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, MD discovered the scientific evidence that demonstrates how cinnamon serves as an important antioxidant, and is beneficial in the prevention and control of glucose intolerance and diabetes.

How Cinnamon Works

Researchers have found that cinnamon triggers the ability of fat cells in diabetic individuals to respond to insulin, and it also enhances the removal of glucose.


Cinnamon contains a water-soluble polyphenol compound called MHCP (methylhydroxy chalcone polymer), which is partly responsible for its health benefits. In unpublished test tube experiments, researchers found that MHCP mimics insulin, activates its receptor and works synergistically with insulin in cells. When mice were given MHCP, their glucose levels fell dramatically.


Cinnamon also has natural antibacterial power. Microbiologists at Kansas State University found that adding small amounts of the spice to samples of apple juice contaminated with the E. coli bug killed off almost all the bacteria. Just one teaspoon of cinnamon killed 99.5 percent of the bacteria after three days at room temperature. It even has effect on Helicobacter pylori, responsible for stomach ulcer.

Cinnamon Science

Many studies have found that cinnamon improves insulin function and lowers risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For example, the healthful effects of cinnamon on mice with diabetes were researched in a joint project at University of California Santa Barbara and the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute. They suggested cinnamon may be "more than a spice"—it may have a medical application in preventing and combating diabetes. Cinnamon may help by playing the role of an insulin substitute in type 2 diabetes, according to the study.


A placebo-controlled, double-blind study published in 2006 (Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 25, pp. 144-150) reported that cinnamon and a cinnamon extract (Cinnulin PF™) could reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.


Furthermore, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (June 2007, Vol. 85, pp. 1552-1556) reported that cinnamon could lead to slower emptying of the stomach and reduce the rise in blood Sugar after eating.


However, a more recent study published January 8, 2008 stated that cinnamon does not appear to have any impact on blood Sugar or cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, according to Connecticut-based researchers in the journal Diabetes Care.


"The preponderance of evidence currently available does not suggest that cinnamon has the ability to decrease a person's risk of heart disease by helping them control their diabetes or lower their cholesterol," said Dr. Craig I. Coleman of Hartford Hospital, who was the principal investigator.


Coleman and colleagues noted in their report that several studies have looked at the impact of cinnamon on blood Sugar and lipids (fats) in patients with diabetes, but had only modest sample sizes and yielded mixed results.


This led them to perform a metaanalysis of five studies in which a total of 282 type 1 or type 2 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to receive cinnamon or a placebo and were followed for up to 16 weeks. All five studies used cinnamon cassia, "the same cinnamon most people have in their spice racks at home," Coleman noted. Doses ranged from 1-6g daily.


The use of cinnamon did not significantly alter hemoglobin A1C, a marker of blood sugar control. It also had no effect on fasting blood sugar levels or lipid parameters. Analyses by subgroup and sensitivity did not appreciably alter these results.


The meta-analysis challenges other studies that reported potential benefits of the spice, including the one by the US Department of Agriculture.


More recently, a Sino-American study looked at the effects of a patented cinnamon extract called CinSulin® from the Chinese company Tang An Medical to reduce glucose levels in people withinsulin resistance.


According to findings presented at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Annual Meeting in Anaheim, CA, hyperglycemic subjects receiving daily supplements of the cinnamon extract showed decreased fasting blood levels of glucose of 7.5 percent, compared with 1.6 percent in the placebo group.


"This clinical trial adds to the growing evidence that aqueous cinnamon extract may be beneficial for insulin resistant populations," said Senior Researcher Dr. Barbara Stoecker from Oklahoma State University.


The study, funded by the USDA-ARS, Tang-An Medical and Oklahoma State, adds to the research supporting the evidence that active compounds in cinnamon may improve parameters associated with diabetes.

A Notable Concern

There have been toxicity concerns over consistent consumption or high doses of whole cinnamon or fat-soluble extracts.


Two federal institutes in Germany recently called for cinnamon dietary supplements carrying health claims to reduce blood sugar and help control type 2 diabetes should be classed as "medicinal products," and regulated as such.


The joint announcement from the Federal Institute for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (BfArM) and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) stated their opinion that products marketed with a diabetes health claim should be classified as medicinal products and required to seek marketing authorization.


The concerns came about from differing coumarin levels in some products, said to cause liver damage and inflammation when sensitive individuals take higher doses over a longer period.


A rough distinction can be made between two types of cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon only contains low levels of coumarin. By contrast, cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin and large amounts of this cinnamon should not, therefore, be eaten. Much commercial ground cinnamon is actually cassia or a combination of cinnamon and cassia. This practice is permitted with no restriction by most countries, including the United States.


As for Germany, the BfR stated, "given the high levels of coumarin measured, the Institute advises consumers to only eat moderate amounts of cinnamon-containing foods, particularly in the run-up to Christmas."

(NaturalNews) Fig leaves are best known for treating diabetes, but there are many other uses for the fig leaves. There are many homemade remedies from treating diabetes to treating bronchitis, genital warts, liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure, skin problems and ulcers. Fig leaves are not used as much as they should be. Most of the remedies for the fig leaves use the sap or the milk of the sacred tree. Fig tinctures or poultices should be used immediately and fresh batches made daily.

The big news with the use of fig leaves is that they have anti-diabetic properties. The diabetic needs less insulin when on a treatment of using the fig leaf extract. The diabetic should take the extract with breakfast, first thing in the morning. An additional remedy is to boil the leaves of the fig in some freshly filtered waster and drink this as a tea.

Figs and Health:

According to the USDA, figs are one of the highest sources of fiber and calcium. Figs have antioxidants and a laxative effect on the body. Figs contain fiber, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium and vitamins A,B,C and K. Besides these vitamins, the figs also contain folic acid, sodium and zinc.

Benefits of the figs:

- Figs are rich in potassium and fiber, helping to stabilize the blood pressure of the body. The figs contain anti-diabetic and anti-tumor properties. They have calcium, potassium, and soluble fiber, which aids in the reduction of cholesterol.

- Figs promote good sleeping habits and protect the person against insomnia. They increase your energy, promote stronger bones, and are helpful in treating constipation, due to their laxative effect. If the leaves are mashed, they can be used as a skin cleanser for Acne and pimples.

- Figs lessen the acids in the stomach and therefore are great for pregnant women. Figs also increase sexua| desire and promote overall longevity and good health.

There are many varieties of figs and here are a few available in the market:

The Calimyrna Fig has a nut like flavor and a golden skin. The Mission fig is dark purple and eventually will turn black when sun dried. The Kadota fig is the American type fig, which is nearly seedless and most often dried and canned. The Brown Turkey fig is seen most of the time in the fresh markets. This fig is copper colored in color with small streaks of purple and a white flesh.

Home Remedies using fig leaves:

- Bronchitis - Place two to three fig leaves in a half liter of water with some piloncillo and bring to boil. Let the water boil for 15 minutes and then remove the leaves and drink the tea.

What is Piloncillo?

http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/mexicanfoodglossary/g/piloncillo.htm


- Cardiovascular and Cancer patients: Try drinking some freshly made fig leaf tea. Also, eat some fresh figs daily.

- Genital warts - Take one of the fig leaves and apply the milk or sap from the leaf to the affected areas.

- Hemorrhoid - Place two or three of the leaves in one liter of water and bring to boil. Boil for at least 15 minutes. Remove from the fire and let the pot cool. Remove the leaves from the tea and use as a sitz bath or apply to the affected areas.

- Liver cirrhosis - Take 4 leaves, wash them thoroughly and pound them with any type of sugar candy. Fill a medium glass with water and drink this twice a day.

- Lower blood pressure - Place 3 fig leaves in half liter of water. Boil for 15 minutes and drink daily.

- Ringworm - Cut open a leaf and take the milk or sap. Rub on the ringworm. This procedure works immediately.

- Scalp fungal infections, warts and boils - Follow the above directions.

- Shingles: Place three to four fig leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil for a few minutes, let cool and remove the leaves. Take a wash cloth and dip in the water and apply to the affected area.

- Ulcers - Every day chew two fig leaves and swallow the whole leaf. People with advanced ulcers should do this in the morning on an empty stomach.

Http://www.earthclinic.com


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fig_leaf



(NaturalNews) Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which blood-sugar (glucose) levels are above normal "either the body doesn`t produce enough of the hormone insulin, which breaks down sugar in the blood, or it cannot utilize its own insulin properly. Diabetes can cause serious health complications including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and even limb loss. The good news is that if you are one of the 20.8 million Americans struggling with diabetes (type 1 and type 2 combined) there are natural approaches to help avoid these life-threatening conditions.

As in almost all areas of health, exercise and proper diet can help tremendously for diabetes. That does not mean a heavy exercise regimen nor does it mean a radical weight loss. Moderate exercise and a weight loss of only 5% or slightly more can make a substantial difference (and that holds true for those considered significantly overweight as well as those carrying a few pesky extra pounds. To achieve a 5% or more weight loss may require no more than cutting out soft drinks and taking regular walks for example. At any rate, losing 5% is easily achievable with modest exercise and a sensible diet that includes plenty of vegetables, especially raw and lightly steamed vegetables, some fruits (though little or no fruit juice because of its high sugar content), fermented whole grains, and getting rid of dangerous trans fats.

Iodine and Diabetes:

Iodine is a key element in fighting diabetes because it helps regulate the thyroid and is essential for a healthy liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleens and more. While it is well known that diet, obesity, food allergies , viral infections, and stress are all contributing factors for diabetes, it is less widely recognized that these factors are often either a cause of or caused by a weak liver, spleen, and pancreas.

For example, obesity is the result of poor diet and/or a sluggish liver which causes a sluggish metabolism. A sluggish liver is often associated with Gallstones because the liver and gallbladder are interconnected. And Gallstones are formed because of "bile stasis" due to a sluggish gallbladder. Fatty liver (a common complication of diabetes) is also an indicator of liver weakness, and chronic diarrhea (yet another common diabetes symptom) is caused by a weak spleen according to Chinese medicine.

It is well known that diet, obesity, food allergies , viral infections, and stress are all contributing factors for diabetes, but my understanding is that these factors either cause or are caused by a weak liver, spleen, and pancreas. For example, obesity is the result of poor diet and/or a sluggish liver which causes a sluggish metabolism. A sluggish liver is often associated with Gallstones because the liver and gallbladdder are interconnected. And gallstones are formed because of "bile stasis" due to a sluggish gallbladder. Fatty liver (a common complication of diabetes) is also an indicator of liver weakness, and chronic diarrhea (yet another common diabetes symptom) is caused by a weak spleen according to Chinese medicine.

In women, iodine`s ability to revive hormonal sensitivity back to normal significantly improves Insulin sensitivity and other hormones.

For diabetes, take at least 50 mg per day of Iodine (a combination of both elemental and potassium iodine) and selenium must also be taken in order for Iodine to work properly.

Natural Remedies for Diabetes:

In addition to sensible dieting and physical activities, the following have all shown the ability to help with diabetes:

GTF Chromium (Glucose Transport Factor Chromium) - The primary role of insulin is glucose transport is the primary role of insulin, chromium`s main function is increasing insulin`s efficiency in regulating blood sugar levels. In one study of 180 men and women with Type II diabetes, researchers divided the subjects into three groups, each receiving twice daily doses of either 200 mcg or 500 mcg of chromium or a placebo. The patients were allowed to continue with their usual diet and medications. At the end of two months, those who took 1,000 mcg of chromium daily showed significant improvement in insulin response, the number if insulin receptors, and levels of blood lipids (fats and cholesterol)0. It took four months the group taking 400 mcg chromium daily to improve as much as the higher dosage group. However, all the patients taking chromium showed measurable improvement in their diabetes-related symptoms

Source: "Chromium in the Prevention and Control of Diabetes" by Richard A. Anderson, PhD, "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" 1998

Pycnogenol Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant derived from French maritime pine tree bark and the subject of more than 180 studies over 35 years which has been shown to reduce high blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose without affecting insulin levels. Of particular note is its ability to reduce leakage into the retina by repairing capillaries in the eyes. While still largely unknown to American doctors, Pycnogenol is the leading prescription for diabetic retinopathy in France.

"Oleander Extract" - A carefully prepared aqueous extract of the Oleander plant made according to the directions in the book "Cancer`s Natural Enemy" by Tony M. Isaacs or available in essentially the same form as Sutherlandia OPC herbal cancer cure (which also contains 20% Sutherlandia frutescens, the famed "South Africa Cancer Bush") online at http://www.sutherlandia.opc
. Diabetics who have used this remedy report being able to either reduce or eliminate medications altogether, often being able to control their diabetes with diet alone. Note: Oleander is highly toxic in raw form, but safe when boiled and strained according to the directions in the book.

Bitter Guord - Make a watery juice of a small Bitter Guord (remove seeds) and drink every morning. Bitter Guord also helps to clear pimples and maintain a good skin, and is good for de-worming the intestines.

Blackseed Oil (Nigella Sativa) Also called black cumin seed (be sure that it is Nigella sativa regardless of what it is referred to as). Blackseed oil is legendary for its medicinal properties and has been used for thousands of years (Click here for more information). Preliminary research in animal trials has shown that that an extract from Nigella sativa seeds can reduce elevated blood sugar levels and the antioxidant activity of the extract may prevent the complications associated with uncontrolled type II diabetes.

Fenugreek seed - Soak fenugreek seeds in about one teaspoon in water at night, drink that water in the morning and chew and eat the soaked seeds. Helps reduce blood sugar.

Green plaintain peels - Wash a green plantain and peel it, then put the peel in a jar and cover with water. Let sit overnight, and then drink this water three times a day. Lowers your blood sugar level. Keep drinking as needed and change the peel every other day and refill the jar with water.

Mullaca - Mullaca is employed in herbal medicine systems today in both Peru and Brazil. In Peruvian herbal medicine the plant is called mullaca or bolsa mullaca. To treat diabetes, the roots of three mullaca plants are sliced and macerated in 1/4 liter of rum for seven days. Honey is added, and 1/2 glass of this medicine is taken twice daily for 60 days. In addition, an infusion of the leaves is recommended as a good diuretic, and an infusion of the roots is used to treat hepatitis. For asthma and malaria, the dosage is 1 cup of tea made from the aerial parts of the plant. In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed for chronic rheumatism, for skin diseases and dermatitis, as a sedative and diuretic, for fever and vomiting, and for many types of kidney, liver, and gallbladder problems.

Agaricus Blazei Murrill (ABM) Mushroom - referred to in it`s native Brazil as "The Mushroom of the Gods" with good reason due to it`s amazing immune boosting and disease fighting properties. Available in health food stores and online at various sites.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - In Germany, alpha-lipoic acid is an approved medical treatment for peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. It speeds the removal of glucose from the bloodstream, at least partly by enhancing insulin function, and it reduces insulin resistance, an underpinning of many cases of coronary heart disease and obesity. The therapeutic dose for lipoic acid is 600 mg/day. In the United States, it is sold as a dietary supplement, usually as 50 mg tablets. (The richest food source of alpha-lipoic acid is red meat " but to insure proper health, use lean cuts of organic beef that has not been subject to Antibiotics or feed lot practices).

Cat`s Claw "Used by indigenous tribes in Peru and South America to treat diabetes. Available at health food stores.

Cinnamon - Cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood glucose levels and several studies indicate that it may be helpful against diabetes, particularly type II diabetes.

Other Good Foods and Supplements - Almonds, apples, oranges, and substances high in omega three oils (olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, borage oil).

Sources included:

http://www.energytimes.com/archive/headtotoe.asp

http://www.rain-tree.com/