10 herbs and supplements that may help control diabetes

Talk to your doctor before adding any new pill to your regimen, especially if it has the potential to lower your blood sugar. If you don't see results after a month or two, stop wasting your money.

Use: Lowering blood sugar

Typical dosage: 200 to 250 milligrams twice daily.

This plant's Hindi name translates as "sugar destroyer." It's regarded as one of the most powerful herbs for blood-sugar control. It may work by boosting the activity of enzymes that help cells use glucose or by stimulating the production of insulin.

Use: Lowering blood sugar

Typical dosage: 50 to 100 millilitres (approximately three to six tablespoons) of the juice daily.

Bitter melon is thought to help cells use glucose more effectively and block sugar absorption in the intestine. Gastrointestinal problems are possible side effects.

Use: Lowering blood sugar

Typical dosage: 250 to 350 milligrams once a day.

Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in people with diabetes, and it can worsen high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Have your doctor check you for deficiency first.

Use: Lowering blood sugar

Typical dosage: If you eat it as a food, aim for 125 grams (1⁄2 cup) of cooked cactus fruit a day. Otherwise, follow label directions.

The ripe fruit of this cactus has been shown in some small studies to lower blood sugar levels. You may be able to find the fruit in your grocery store, but if not, look for it as a juice or powder at health food stores. The fruit is also high in fibre.

Use: Easing nerve pain

Typical dosage: 270 to 540 milligrams once a day.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a fatty acid found in evening primrose oil. Some research suggests that people with diabetes have lower than optimal levels of GLA, and this supplement may reduce and prevent nerve pain associated with diabetes.

Use: Lowering blood sugar

Typical dosage: 200 micrograms once daily.

This trace mineral is thought to enhance the action of insulin as well as being involved in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Some research shows that it helps normalize blood sugar — but only in people who are deficient in chromium.

Use: Protecting the eyes and nerves

Typical dosage: 80 to 120 milligrams twice a day of standardized bilberry extract.T

his relative of the blueberry contains powerful antioxidants in its fruit and leaves. These antioxidants, called anthocyanidins, seem to help prevent damage to tiny blood vessels that can result in nerve pain and retinopathy (damage to the eye's retina).

Uses: Easing nerve pain, lowering blood sugar

Typical dosage: 600 to 800 milligrams a day.

Called ALA for short, this vitamin-like substance neutralizes many types of free radicals. A buildup of free radicals, caused in part by high blood sugar, can lead to nerve damage and other problems. ALA may also help muscle cells take up blood sugar.

Use: Lowering blood sugar

Typical dosage: Five to 30 grams with each meal or 15 to 90 grams with one meal daily.

These seeds, used in Indian cooking, have been found to lower blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce high cholesterol. The effect may be partly due to the seeds' high fibre content. The seeds also contain an amino acid that appears to boost the release of insulin.

Main use: Lowering blood sugar

Typical dosage: One to three grams a day in capsule or tablet form, or three to five millilitres of tincture three times a day.

Known for its immune-boosting and disease-fighting benefits, this Chinese herb may slow carbohydrate absorption, increase cells' ability to use glucose and increase insulin secretion from the pancreas.

While you should always check with your doctor before taking any herb or supplement, these alternative medicines may be able to help you control the symptoms of diabetes.