It’s a silent killer; it strikes when you least expect it to, and though you may not take it seriously, diabetes is a disease that leads to a range of complications. From heart disease to hypertension, you’re likely to suffer from them all if you’re a diabetic. Diabetes is the result of a combination of genes and lifestyle – if your parents or their parents were diabetics, you can bet your last dollar that you’re at risk too. And if you lead a sedentary lifestyle characterized by too much rich food, too little exercise, a lot of stress, and smoking and drinking, you’re likely to be struck by the disease.

Medicines can control diabetes to a certain extent, but they often come with their own side effects. Doctors prescribe a sensible diet loaded with vegetables, fruits with low sugar content, and food with a low glycemic index along with regular exercise for those who have diabetes. Besides this, there are some herbs that serve to lower your blood sugar naturally and without the side effects of allopathic medicines.

•    Ginseng / Ren Shen: Chinese ginseng has properties that lower blood sugar levels; besides this, it also boosts the release of insulin from the pancreas.
•    Bitter Melon: Also known as bitter gourd in some parts of the world, this wonder vegetable is known to lower blood sugar levels. It can be taken in a powdered form or cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Besides this, bitter melon also has antibacterial and antiviral properties and helps boost the immune system.
•    Fenugreek: The fenugreek seed, commonly used as a spice in various forms of cooking, is known to have properties that help lower blood sugar in diabetics.
•    Gymnema Slyvestre: This herb, available in a powdered form, helps diabetics by reducing resistance to insulin. A study conducted at the Harvard University found that it was helpful in controlling both Type I and Type II diabetes.
•    Garlic: Along with onion, this bulb helps lower blood sugar levels by boosting the production of insulin. Besides this, garlic and onion are good for your heart because they lower lipid levels and reduce blood pressure, both of which are dangerous to diabetics.

A word of warning: While some doctors claim that herbs and alternative treatments are efficient in controlling diabetes, there are dangers when you take supplements whose ingredients you’re not sure of. Consult your doctor before you switch medications to avoid adverse reactions. The best way to control diabetes is to eat a low sugar diet, eat regular, but small meals, and maintain a regular exercise routine. Monitor your blood sugar at regular intervals to check that it is within normal levels.

By our guess blogger Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of medical coding online training.