Bitter Melon Tea/Suppliments for Diabetes

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  captobvious on 13/09/2016 - 20:51

  Chinatown or sunnybank next time you are in bris

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    bigpallooka on 14/09/2016 - 11:08

    If I don't find a source before then I'll check when I am down for the Day/Night Test in December. Thanks

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  StewBalls on 13/09/2016 - 21:12

  You should try Metformin, it will quite literally help you live longer & healthier. I'd wager that your doctor told you the same thing…

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    bigpallooka on 14/09/2016 - 11:07

    LOL. I'm waaaaay past just Metformin. I take 3 different pills and two different injections. My blood glucose levels are fine but I have read that (anecdotally at least) some people have had some success in getting off some meds by using Bitter Melon in a variety of ways. Just thought I would give it a try but didn't want to waste my time with fakery.

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      StewBalls on 14/09/2016 - 19:00

      Thanks, good to hear that despite the severity it sounds like you're being properly medically managed.

      I wish I had better news, but sadly; IME anyway; most alternative remedies end up being quackery at best.

      I hope it goes well for you! :)

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  c64 on 14/09/2016 - 11:56

  i'd be wary of supplements, especially chinese ones. you literally have no idea what you are consuming. a quick check of wedmd suggests that there is inconclusive evidence for the efficacy of bitter melon for type 2 diabetes. i thinks you are wasting your money.

  apple cider vinegar with your meals supposedly reduces postprandial glucose levels. but it is very acidic - use diluted and watch your teeth.

  and check with your doctor if anything you are contemplating taking is going to interfere with your medications.

  other than that, exercise, fasting, a healthy diet and lose weight, but i'm sure you've heard that many times before :)

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    bigpallooka on 14/09/2016 - 13:13

    Yes, I am wary (hence the post). I checked WebMD and many other sources before I posted my question. Yes I have heard all of that before. Yes this was actually a recommendation from an(Indian) Physician who actually gave me one of the melons. Unfortunately they taste like crap which is why I asked for recommendations on brand/supplier for supplements/tea so I can experiment with a less vile version.

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  [Deactivated] on 15/09/2016 - 09:27

  +1

  There is no treatment for Diabetes Type II, there's only management.

  People who start looking into natural remedies usually also start restricting their diet and exercising, something that a physician would have advised in the very first place. Cut off refined sugars, lower your carbs and do some exercise.

  The alternative is kidney failure and possibly further loss of pancreatic function.

  If you don't believe your medications are managing your symptoms well (regardless of your lifestyle), seek professional advice. If your list of medications are growing and you're still being managed by a GP, a specialist referral to an endocrinologist may be in order.

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    bigpallooka on 15/09/2016 - 11:06

    Thanks for the advice. I don't know if you read my other replies but it was a Physician who suggested trying the "natural remedy". I already see an endocrinologist and my blood glucose is managed. I'm not looking for a cure just wanted to try an experiment with something I have done the research on and been advised by a physician won't hurt and might help me reduce my dependence on prescription medications. The anecdotal evidence is that bitter melon has some properties that can assist some people (I'll let you do the research on why if you care to). I'm not traveling to Uruguay for pineapple treatment for cancer or seeing a faith healer for a brain tumour. I'm just looking for some advice on a quality source for the supplement/tea. I have all the medical advice I need from my doctors.

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      [Deactivated] on 15/09/2016 - 12:47

      I have. Most research papers on bitter melon were conducted in India and peer review comments (and my own reading) have concluded that existing research (<2013) have too small a sample group, too short a study period and generally methodically flawed.

      There's clearly some degree of hypoglycaemic effect on the body, but hardly compares to medication such as Metformin and very little to determine the exact action.

      On top of that, most (if not all) primary studies were published in less reputable papers.

      All the best in your search for a supplier. Just watch out for people selling chalk or heavily preserved abstracts.

      Tea, on the other hand, is a great supplementary diuretic and is a matured market. Less to go wrong.