There are a lot of things that traditional medical science can do about diabetes and it is extremely important to get the basic treatment from regular working doctors. But there are great additional treatments to be found via the alternative

treatment forms. For instance in chronic diabetes occurring pain at the feet, the so called diabetic neuropathy, can be treated with certain forms of

e that can be used as pain relief treatment, and with certain supplements nutrition can be improved to fight diabetes and help keeping a more balanced diet.

Patients with DM type I are always treated with insulin, patients with type II will first get the so called oral anti diabetics medicines and will need to adhere to a good diet to see if the blood sugar level can be regulated properly via nutrition. This is where the supplements and food additives can play a role in helping diabetics.

Advisable supplements* for DM

In general the following supplements, based on scientific argumentation* are advised; these supplements* are often mentioned in retrospective articles.

Alpha lipoic acid

This substance has a proven benefit based on different big studies and alpha lipoic acid* is acknowledged and prescribed in Germany as medication for diabetic neuropathy. The substance also supports the sugar metabolism.

· Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR)

ALCAR has a clear effect on over all tiredness. From a recent study (2005) it appeared that there are also positive effects on the pain in diabetic neuropathy; the recommended dosage here is 1000 mg/day.

· Coenzyme Q10

The enzyme q10* works like an antioxidant and is named by several experts as an important possibility to protect the insides of blood vessels during DM. Next to that q10 lowers the blood pressure a little and improves the blood metabolism. The addition of q10 to a treatment of DM appeared to be a safe addition and didn't give any disruption to patients.

· Omega-3 fatty acids* *

Good for controlling cholesterol and fatty acids in the blood and are therefore a good supplement for the fight against storing unhealthy fat in the body and over weight (an effect that becomes more pronounced in diabetics and can also increase the chance of contracting the disease in the first place).

Other supplements

• Chromium picolinate 200-1000 μ/day

A study amongst 50 DM type II patients showed that the patients had a lower chromium level in their blood compared to healthy people. Suppletion with 400 μg chromium (as chromium picolinate during 12 weeks) gave a significant improvement of the chromium level in the blood and the glucose level reduced. Also the HbA1C dosage stayed constant, although that level rose from 7,2% to 7,9% in the placebo group. HbA1C gives the average blood sugar level over a period of 3 months. The long-term safety of chrome salts like these is not known. There have been nasty side effects.

• Magnesium

Suppletion with magnesium (during 12-16 weeks orally 250-600 mg per day) appears to improve the insulin sensitivity and the metabolic regulation in DM, and also the lipids profile. In general experts advise against routinely giving magnesium to every DM patient.