Ginseng has been specifically singled out as a glucose-lowering substance. So, use of herbs, minerals, and dietary supplements have not been proven to work, and should also not be practiced unless your doctor's confirms that your medications will not interact badly with them.

More and more people are turning to complementary and alternative medicine as a way to help treat and cure diabetes. These substances have been rumored to lower glucose levels as well benefit overall health. The most commonly used substances are Coccinia indica, aloe vera, American ginseng, Gymemna sylvestre, Momordica charantia, and nopal. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any of the holistic practices used to treat diabetes. Diabetes Care magazine has also stated that it lowers A l c levels, which are long-term measurements of blood glucose.

That being said, many diabetics have reported a positive change in health after the integration of holistic methods. Many plants and herbs that have been used as a treatment for diabetes are currently being tested by doctors. Such practices include, but are not limited to meditation, hypnosis, and biofeedback.

Magnesium has also been associated with treatment of diabetes.