ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Doctors and diabetics know -- keeping diabetes under control can be the difference between a good life and one full of complications.

"I have had problems with my eyes and I have had problems with retaining fluids and finally I lost my kidney function," says diabetic David Newbauer.

"People would come in, my husband, and find me passed out on the floor," says fellow diabetic Pam Dallmann.

Recent medical breakthroughs have made staying healthy easier than ever for diabetics. But research shows they can do even better by adding in some drug-free diabetes care.

"Whatever you can do naturally for me is better," diabetic Jerry Silva says.

How about some vinegar? Recent research showed two tablespoons of vinegar before meals cut the sudden spike in blood sugar after meals. For diabetics, blood sugar was 25 percent lower. Those at risk for diabetes did even better with a 50-percent drop in blood sugar levels.
 

Try the nice spice cinnamon! Animal studies suggest it flushes out the excess glucose in type 2 diabetics thanks to a substance called MHCP. Researchers recommend a quarter teaspoon to a full teaspoon of cinnamon each day. Eating more fiber could also help.

"This does wonders for having the full feeling if you will and so we don't overeat," says Samuel Crocket, M.D., endocrinologist at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Fla.

"It is extremely important for people to make the understanding gap that it is what they do today that affects their tomorrows," Dr. Crocket says.

And exercising today is key. Twenty minutes of vigorous or 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day does the trick. It worked for Silva -- he's lost 20 pounds since his type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

"My outlook is, 'Okay, I will live healthy now, I probably will live healthier now, I probably will live a little longer," Silva says.

None of these tips are a substitute for the treatment regimen your doctor recommends, but they may help keep glucose levels in check. When blood glucose levels stay too high, cardiovascular systems are damaged, which is why heart disease and stroke are common problems for diabetics and it may even lead to early dementia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Cassandra Lafser
Media Relations, Florida Hospital
601 East Rollins Street
Orlando, Florida 32803
(407) 303-8214
Cassandra.Lafser@flhosp.org