Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

Aside from diabetes, the many other causes of high blood sugar include just eating more sugar (or food) than usual, the presence of an infection or another illness, an injury and the stress of surgery. High blood sugar may produce few or no symptoms. When there are symptoms, they may be dry mouth, thirst, frequent urination, urination during the night, blurry vision, fatigue or drowsiness, weight loss, or increased appetite.

Bitter Melon contains several phytochemicals that appear to act in ways similar to sulfonyurea drugs, without the side effects. Fresh burdock roots contain phytochemcials called polyacetylenes, which have shown in labortory studies to reduce blood sugar in rats. While it would be imprudent to suggest burdocks use based solely on this evidence, the herb has proven effects as a blood purifier, and can be added to your health routine safely. ² Research shows that cinnamon can aid in regulating the activity of insulin, cinnamon does not stimulate the release of insulin, but it helps insulin work more effectively. In both laboratory studies on animals and clinical research involving people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, fenugreek has significantly lowered blood sugar, thanks to some six different phytochemical compounds. Gymnema holds it true medicinal value for those who shouldn't be consuming sugar in the first place. It might be one of the best herbal therapies for people with diabetes.² Most of the therapeutic ability of Mallow comes from the large concentration of mucilage and pectin. Pectin is a soluble fiber that keeps the gastrointestinal system running smoothly and helps tame blood sugar. Stevia is a nautural sweet herb can replace both sugar and harsh, chemical sugar substitutes in your diet. Not only is it a zero calorie alternative, but in a small study conducted on stevioside, the active component of Stevia, markedly lowered blood sugar levels in 16 healthy adults, suggesting a possible therapeutic use for diabetes.² I like to add the cut and sifted leaf to herbal teas, it is also available in liquid or powder extracts.

In addition to lowering cholesterol, Kidney bean's high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good meal choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. You may want to try Comfrey cream or allantoin skin creams for diabetic sores.