Do you ever feel like you know just enough about diabetes to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from diabetes experts.
Diabetic Supplement Ask Yourself These Five Critical Questions
Type 2 diabetics are some of the biggest consumers of over - the - counter, non - prescription alternative health supplements in the United States. And the most common remedies they seek are to help them lower their weight or reduce their blood sugar levels.
Buying these products is often an impulse purchase - they've just been diagnosed with a potentially fatal disease and their reaching out for anything promising fast and easy results ( most doctors don't help the situation by consoling their patients with bland, general advice to 'diet and exercise', leaving most to Type 2s to fend for themselves ).
Before buying a supplement, diabetics are urged to ask five questions:
? 1 Is the products claim too good to be true? Go on the Internet and Google 'Diabetes Supplements'. You'll be bombarded with thousands of remedies guaranteed to lower your blood sugar level in days and help you lose 40 pounds in a week. The U. S. FDA, responsible for monitoring alternative health supplements notes that if a manufacturer offers a 'quick fix' run fast and far.
? 2 Is the product compatible with your current diabetes ( or other ) prescribed medication? Before taking anything, including vitamin tablets, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor. Minor changes in diet, exercise and supplementation can have a negative effect on prescription drugs. Always check with your physician first.
? 3 Are the product claims supported by clinical testing? Any one can and does make claims about products. Some even claim to have tested and substantiated their claims.
Is everything making sense so far? If not, I'm sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.
But the greatest assurance you can have is independent clinical testing of the product, by a reputable, well - known or recognized medical institution. Also, patents give added substance to the manufacturer's claims, indicating a degree of substantiated product uniqueness.
? 4 Does the product contain the correct purity, dosage and proper manufacturing of ingredients to ensure that it works effectively and safely? One of the biggest ploys supplement manufacturers use to bilk unsuspecting customers is to use a documented beneficial ingredient. But they'll use it is smaller doses than is effective, minimizing or negating its benefits. It saves them money. It wastes your money and possibly health. Check dosage. Also, some suppliers water down ingredients with yeasts, fillers and other worthless ingredients. Check for a USP or NF seal of verification that the product is what it says it is and contains what is says it contains.
? 5 Is the product made in a country with high standards of quality manufacturing? News reports over the last few years highlight the fact that not every country is concerned with quality manufacturing practices or sanitary control. Molds, heavy metals, bacterial spores and poisonous filler ingredients have been found in products that lack the strength of US FDA enforcement. Consider the source, as the saying goes, before buying.
If you still have doubt about your purchase, go to the US FDA site at www. cfsanfda. gov. They provide valuable information, guidelines and the latest warnings and recalls about alternative health supplements.
The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about diabetes.
Diabetic Supplement Ask Yourself These Five Critical Questions
Type 2 diabetics are some of the biggest consumers of over - the - counter, non - prescription alternative health supplements in the United States. And the most common remedies they seek are to help them lower their weight or reduce their blood sugar levels.
Buying these products is often an impulse purchase - they've just been diagnosed with a potentially fatal disease and their reaching out for anything promising fast and easy results ( most doctors don't help the situation by consoling their patients with bland, general advice to 'diet and exercise', leaving most to Type 2s to fend for themselves ).
Before buying a supplement, diabetics are urged to ask five questions:
? 1 Is the products claim too good to be true? Go on the Internet and Google 'Diabetes Supplements'. You'll be bombarded with thousands of remedies guaranteed to lower your blood sugar level in days and help you lose 40 pounds in a week. The U. S. FDA, responsible for monitoring alternative health supplements notes that if a manufacturer offers a 'quick fix' run fast and far.
? 2 Is the product compatible with your current diabetes ( or other ) prescribed medication? Before taking anything, including vitamin tablets, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor. Minor changes in diet, exercise and supplementation can have a negative effect on prescription drugs. Always check with your physician first.
? 3 Are the product claims supported by clinical testing? Any one can and does make claims about products. Some even claim to have tested and substantiated their claims.
Is everything making sense so far? If not, I'm sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.
But the greatest assurance you can have is independent clinical testing of the product, by a reputable, well - known or recognized medical institution. Also, patents give added substance to the manufacturer's claims, indicating a degree of substantiated product uniqueness.
? 4 Does the product contain the correct purity, dosage and proper manufacturing of ingredients to ensure that it works effectively and safely? One of the biggest ploys supplement manufacturers use to bilk unsuspecting customers is to use a documented beneficial ingredient. But they'll use it is smaller doses than is effective, minimizing or negating its benefits. It saves them money. It wastes your money and possibly health. Check dosage. Also, some suppliers water down ingredients with yeasts, fillers and other worthless ingredients. Check for a USP or NF seal of verification that the product is what it says it is and contains what is says it contains.
? 5 Is the product made in a country with high standards of quality manufacturing? News reports over the last few years highlight the fact that not every country is concerned with quality manufacturing practices or sanitary control. Molds, heavy metals, bacterial spores and poisonous filler ingredients have been found in products that lack the strength of US FDA enforcement. Consider the source, as the saying goes, before buying.
If you still have doubt about your purchase, go to the US FDA site at www. cfsanfda. gov. They provide valuable information, guidelines and the latest warnings and recalls about alternative health supplements.
The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about diabetes.
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