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How Effective Are Dietary Supplements In Managing Diabetes?

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Posted on Wed, 19 Aug 2015
Question: Have been on diabetic and cholesterol lowering drugs for eight years. I believe it has several side effects, like impaired functioning of liver . I read recently that western medications are treating symptoms, root cause remains unattended.
How effective are dietary supplements, is improper diet causing diabetes and coronary heart disease?.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Diet has limited role / Drugs often necessary

Detailed Answer:
Hi friend
Welcome to Health Care Magic

It is good that you are under appropriate drugs. One needs excellent control of sugar and cholesterol - not only as treatment but also as preventive measure… Diabetes by itself is a risk factor for heart disease.

There is nothing in the world – drugs included – that has no side effects. It is not Western but also Eastern medications that have the character. Crossing a city road is statistically more hazardous than bypass surgery! … If there will be an effect, there can be side effects. Your doctor will be able to identify any and take appropriate action, if in need.
It is a question of risk versus benefit and millions of patients have proved the benefit.

It is not feasible to tackle the cause – because it is mostly inherited (genetic)

Life style changes – diet, exercise, avoiding alcohol and tobacco – form the base and must / drugs are added on. Diet has a limited role and cannot control higher levels. Some drugs like statin (for cholesterol) have good effects beyond cholesterol – like plaque stabilisation, anti-oxidant etc… Hence, many people are taking it with normal cholesterol level and as primary prophylaxis….

It is wiser to be safe than sorry

Good luck
God bless you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (6 hours later)
Dear Doctor,
Thanks for your answer.

I would like to draw your attention to many naturopathic doctors in USA who hold the view that basic problem is with the toxicity of the food that we consume, GMO seeds and chemical fertilizer added crops, fruits, meat from hormone injected animals is the root cause and one should try to avoid such food and concentrate on organically produced food to prevent disease. Dr. Mercola, Dr.Axe, Dr. XXXXXXX Gray etc. talk about some what different line of approach, do you think they have a point or trying to mislead laymen like me?.

Regards,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
They help for sure

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Organically produced food do help. They do have a strong point and certainly have a place… they contribute to reduce but not eliminate the basis problem, which in most people is genetically determined. They are life style changes and need supplementation by drugs in most people… rarely can they supplant. We have no control over inherited factors / these approaches prevent adding fuel to the fire

Regards
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Anantharamakrishnan

Cardiologist

Practicing since :1966

Answered : 4505 Questions

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How Effective Are Dietary Supplements In Managing Diabetes?

Brief Answer: Diet has limited role / Drugs often necessary Detailed Answer: Hi friend Welcome to Health Care Magic It is good that you are under appropriate drugs. One needs excellent control of sugar and cholesterol - not only as treatment but also as preventive measure… Diabetes by itself is a risk factor for heart disease. There is nothing in the world – drugs included – that has no side effects. It is not Western but also Eastern medications that have the character. Crossing a city road is statistically more hazardous than bypass surgery! … If there will be an effect, there can be side effects. Your doctor will be able to identify any and take appropriate action, if in need. It is a question of risk versus benefit and millions of patients have proved the benefit. It is not feasible to tackle the cause – because it is mostly inherited (genetic) Life style changes – diet, exercise, avoiding alcohol and tobacco – form the base and must / drugs are added on. Diet has a limited role and cannot control higher levels. Some drugs like statin (for cholesterol) have good effects beyond cholesterol – like plaque stabilisation, anti-oxidant etc… Hence, many people are taking it with normal cholesterol level and as primary prophylaxis…. It is wiser to be safe than sorry Good luck God bless you