Herbal Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

In this study, 60 people between the ages of 30 and 70 who had type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups. One group took conventional blood sugar-lowering medications plus 6 tablets a day of cogent db for three months, while the other group took only the conventional medications (control group). The combination of nine traditional Indian herbs in cogent db has been reported anecdotally by physicians in India to help control diabetes. Measurements of blood sugar (both fasting and after a meal), insulin, total cholesterol, kidney and liver function, and long-term blood sugar control (hemoglobin A1c) were taken initially and at the conclusion of the study.

After three months of treatment, those taking cogent db had significantly lower fasting blood sugar and post-meal blood sugar and insulin levels than those taking conventional medications only. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and long-term blood sugar markers were also improved in this group. None of the people taking cogent db had completely normal blood sugar levels at the conclusion of the study, but the severity of diabetes had improved substantially and participants reported feeling better. No adverse side effects were seen in those taking cogent db.

Uncontrolled diabetes is a serious health problem that can lead to several complications, such as heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and kidney failure. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, smoking, consuming excess alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle. While eating a diet low in simple carbohydrates and exercising regularly can help prevent and possibly reverse type 2 diabetes, adding cogent db to conventional medical treatment may help improve blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetic complications.

Because some nutritional supplements and herbal remedies can interact with diabetes medications, potentially resulting in dangerously low blood sugar levels, persons taking such medications should consult a doctor knowledgeable in natural medicine before taking any supplements or herbs.

Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.

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