Posted by Robin Harrison on October 14, 1997 at 09:53:46:
In Reply to: Gymnema sylvestre posted by Mark Walker on October 13, 1997 at 20:51:43:
Dear Mark,
Welcome to the 'club' as it were, or is. I'm sure we can all vouch that diabetes is a difficult diagnosis to live with.
I'm going to hazard a guess from your context that you're facing a Type II diagnosis and address my comments as such. If you are indeed a Type II, your beta cells work just fine, but your body is not properly absorbing the insulin you produce. Type I diabetes is generally characterized by absence of insulin production by the pancreas.
I visited several sites that tout regeneration of beta cells using this herbal tea concoction, and quite frankly, it sounds an awful lot like snake oil to me. It's easy to boast of fixing something that ain't broke in the first place, and as a rule, Type II beta cells ain't broke! (see the Quackwatch link below).
Everyone has got to find their own way with this damned disease, but please consider spending a few of your pesos on a Registered Dietitian (RD). He or she can help you to set up a diet plan tailored to your own needs, likes and dislikes. Staggering your food consumption across the day in 5 or 6 mini meals as opposed to the traditional 3 squares will go a long way in leveling your glucose levels. Low fat (less than 20%) often helps cut back on insulin resistance, and regular exercise (even walking) will help your body use the insulin you're producing more efficiently. (Still bearing in mind that these are general Type II recommendations not Type I.)
I wish there was a magic pill or herb for diabetes, but I've yet to see one. Many of the Type IIs I've known have experimented with natural remedies and supplements like this with varying results, but they'd likely tell you that diabetes requires a multi-tiered approach, with the diet and exercise components at the top.
I'm just a fellow diabetic traveler, so my comments are not particularly authoritive or the 'final word.' Talk this over with your medical team, get clear about which type of diabetes you have, and keep researching!
Oh, and don't forget to come back and let us know how you're doing! :)
Blessings,
Robin