Sally and Penny's research on common supplements used in the treatment and care of diabetes

Sally and Penny are not only great friends of Gorb's but moderate a diabetic pets board on iVillage!  In her very few spare moments, Sally researches health matters and has pulled together the info below on common supplements in the treatment of diabetes.  Sally's included links to additional info for those that are interested in digging deeper :)

Please note that we want to make it clear that is is merely a research document, not a recommendation to try these supplements.  Before making any changes to your sugarcat's treatment protocol, discuss fully with your vet.

to download this file as a .pdf, click here

Supplements that are safe (so far):

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestra): Studies have shown that GS stimulates regeneration of the beta-cells in the pancreas, thereby reducing insulin requirements & fasting BG levels.

Cucumbers contain a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.

 

The leaf of the olive tree (Olea europaea): Italian researchers found it beneficial for lowering blood sugar and  uric acid levels in animals, indicating its potential in cases of heart disease and diabetes.  The hypoglycemic activity of olive leaf was studied. Maximum hypoglycemic activity was obtained from samples collected in the winter months, especially in February. One of the compounds responsible for this activity was oleuropeoside, which showed activity at a dose of 16 mg/kg. This compound also demonstrated antidiabetic activity in animals with alloxan-induced diabetes. The hypoglycemic activity of this compound may result from two mechanisms: (a) potentiation of  glucose-induced insulin release, and (b) increased  peripheral uptake of glucose.

Sources: Gonzalez M, Zarzuelo A, Gamez MJ, Utrilla MP, Jimenez J, Osuna I. Departamento de  Farmacologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada,  Spain.

 

String beans (green beans): pods contain certain hormonal substances closely related to insulin. One cup of string bean tea is equal to one unit of insulin.

Stevia rebaudiana: Is a sweetener, 300xs as sweet as sugar.  Has no carbs, calories or fat Stimulates insulin secretion via a direct action on beta cells.

Vitamin E in humans has been shown to help diabetics cut way back on their need for insulin.

 

Chromium: Chromium is necessary for pancreatic beta cell sensitivity, insulin binding, insulin receptor enzymes, and insulin receptor sites. It appears that insulin uses chromium as a cofactor to allow glucose to pass through the cell membrane and enter the cell. Chromium's most important function is to help regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. Chromium supplementation can be helpful in treating diabetes, both type I and type II. Calcium carbonate supplements may interfere with the absorption of chromium.

Copyright © 2001 by Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M. All rights reserved. Excerpt from The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, Prima Publishing, Roseville, CA.

http://www.ivillage.com/pets/vet/articles/0,12329,261228_272305,00.html

In normal dogs, it seems to potentiate the effects of insulin (ie the insulin becomes stronger). This effect has not been found in diabetic dogs, however.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_insulin_alternatives.html

Use with caution:

Selenium: Supplements containing selenium can be dangerous for cats. A 10-lb. cat should consume at least 10-25 micrograms (commercial foods contain trace amounts), but no more than 60-120 micrograms (0.06-0.12 mg) of selenium daily. Dogs: Toxic in large doses, there is a fairly fine line between normal and toxic doses.

Vanadium: has insulin-like properties. In small studies in cats, the use of vanadium did improve clinical signs and reduce blood glucose levels with minimal signs of toxicity. Vanadium may have direct insulin-like activity and may increase tissue sensitivity to insulin.

Avoid:

There are 2 herbs that raise blood sugars and should be avoided:

 

Noni juice: no proof it works, no info on side effects.

 http://www.quackwatch.com/04ConsumerEducation/News/noni.html

Aloe products: There is no data on the safety of aloe use in cats (or dogs). The aloe plant (a member of the lily family) is mildly toxic to pets. Chewing or ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite or muscle tremors.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), also known as thioctic acid. Chronic administration of alpha lipoic acid in animals has interfered with the actions of the vitamin biotin. Biotin deficiency can lead to dry, scaly skin, pruritus and skin ulcers. Long term use of oral antibiotics can induce a deficiency.

Garlic: dogs & cats: can cause methemoglobinemia, Heinz body anemia, and hepatic necrosis.

 

Glucosamine may interfere with insulin and should be used with caution in diabetic animals.

Other:

Glandulars, gland extracts: Taken orally glandulars will be digested just like any other protein, this is why insulin needs to be injected - the digestive process would inactivate it.

 

Eugenia jambolana leaf:  In the animal experiments, we tested the effect of increasing doses of the crude extract prepared from leaves of S. cumini administrated for 2 weeks, on the post-prandial blood glucose level of normal rats and rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. The treatment did not produce any antihyperglycernic effect in both models. These results do not rule out hypoglycemic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but strongly suggest that, for a while, the jambolan can not be recommended as an antihyperglycemic treatment.

 Teixeira CC, Rava CA, Mallman da Silva P, Melchior R, Argenta R, Anselmi F, Almeida CR, Fuchs FD.

Supplements that I couldn't find reliable dose & side effects info on for cats & dogs:

 

CoQ10: CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance with a structure similar to Vitamin K. In diabetes it is theorized that using CoQ10 may stimulate insulin secretion.

Nopal (Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire), also known as prickly pear, is a member of the cactus family. It contains fiber and pectin components that are thought to have hypoglycemic activity. High in vitamin C, calcium and phosphorous

Fenugreek (seeds): have been shown to posess hypoglycemic properties in both animals and humans. It is thought to delay gastric emptying, slow carbohydrate absorption, and inhibit glucose transport. Products that do not provide seed fibers may not be beneficial in diabetes control.

Ginseng: There is no reliable data concerning ginseng and cats (or dogs). In humans: contains anti-diabetic substances, which lower blood sugar levels. It may work by decreasing the rate of carbohydrate absorption into the portal hepatic circulation and possibly increasing glucose transport and uptake. It may also regulate insulin secretion.

 

Azadiracta Indica - Neem: Aqueous extracts of the neem leaf reduced blood sugar in dogs and other animals. No info on dose or side effects.

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter gourd, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, karolla, and karela. Studies in humans suggest it mimics insulin action. Effects were strongest after 3rd week of use. From one study on mice: ...These results suggest that the antidiabetic effect of MC is derived, at least in part, from a decrease in insulin resistance because of the increase of GLUT4 protein content in the plasma membrane of the muscle.

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2001 Oct;47(5):340-4

 

back to Gorb's homepage