Some people believe that the most important thing that diabetics can do is to lower their glucose at all costs. This stance certainly benefits the pharmaceutical companies that make glucose-lowering drugs, but is it really in the best interest of the patients?
A study carried out by researchers from Cardiff University that looked at data for more than 300,000 individuals found that the lower levels of glycated hemoglobin that are typically thought of as being a hallmark of sound diabetes control are actually linked with a higher risk of mortality compared to moderate levels, particularly in conjunction with treatments that can cause hypoglycemia.
Sadly, many doctors are quick to dismiss safety concerns about glucose-lowering drugs, as the researchers in this study pointed out.
Professor Craig Currie of Cardiff University School of Medicine said: "Serious questions remain about the safety of some glucose lowering drugs, with scientific evidence and opposing opinions being largely ignored."
He added that current treatment guidelines typically push for a certain level of glucose control with the aim of reducing stroke and coronary artery disease, but their findings show a strong association between good glucose control and a higher mortality risk.
It’s a shame that so many doctors and drug companies are placing profits over people’s health. However, it is refreshing to see an expert admit that this occurs. Perhaps if more professionals were willing to speak out about strong scientific evidence pointing to a drug's dangers being ignored, people could be spared the devastating outcomes that these drugs can sometimes bring.
Take the example of diabetes drug Metformin, which is considered the preferred first-line treatment for those with diabetes. Studies have found that combining it with insulin– as many patients do – can significantly raise a person’s risk of death.
Perhaps even worse, patients are taking on a higher risk without gaining any benefits as studies have shown that taking insulin with Metformin does not provide any improved treatment outcomes.
At least one third of diabetic patients do not take their medication because they are so concerned about the side effects. One study found that 23 percent of patients prescribed Gliclazide and 20 percent of those prescribed Pioglitazone are not taking the doses they had been prescribed. Patients often complain that drugs like Metformin bring about gastrointestinal issues like gas and diarrhea.
Treating diabetes naturally
There is some good news for diabetics, however, as researchers are starting to prove that some natural remedies can be used in place of toxic diabetes drugs. For example, the sulforaphane found in broccoli sprout extract has been shown to help the body repair the effects of diabetes. Ginseng can improve blood sugar control, while chromium supplements have been found to improve people’s insulin sensitivity.
Of course, it’s a good idea to consult a qualified naturopath rather than trying to treat diabetes on your own. If that’s not an option, it never hurts to get a second or third opinion if your doctor is trying to convince you to take diabetes drugs that you’re uncomfortable with. Improving your diet and exercising regularly can also help reduce your need for diabetes drugs and can even help prevent you from developing the disease in the first place.
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