Natural Options for Treating High Blood Sugar

Q. I saw an article about a person taking a combination of cinnamon, alpha-lipoic acid and chromium picolinate in place of Avandia for controlling type 2 diabetes.
I have read that Avandia can increase the risk for heart attacks. Are there any safer drugs or natural options available for diabetes?
A. Avandia (rosiglitazone) has become one of the most controversial drugs at the FDA. The agency is considering halting a study of its safety because of mounting fears about complications such as heart attacks, heart failure and bone loss.
In our book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy (online at www.peoplespharmacy.com), we discuss pros and cons about diabetes drugs such as Actos and metformin as well as nondrug approaches including cinnamon, stevia, vinegar, bitter melon, chromium and Gymnema sylvestre.
Although natural approaches such as supplements and spices may be helpful, diabetes requires medical supervision. You should also monitor your blood sugar regularly to see how well your program of diet, exercise and treatment is working.