Suffering succotash - do you believe the nerve of these scientists professing the antithesis of insulin-dependent diabetes!! Scientist have proven that supplementation of Gymnema sylvestre appears to enhance endogenous insulin production by regeneration of the residual beta cells in insulin-dependent diabetes. Wouldn't this study imply that insulin-dependent diabetes is curable??

GS4, a water-soluble extract of the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, was given to 27 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes on insulin therapy. They received 400 mg per day. Their insulin requirements came down together, along with their fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and glycosylated plasma protein levels. Patients in the study receiving insulin therapy only (without Gymnema sylvestre supplementation) showed no significant reduction in serum lipids, HbA1c or glycosylated plasma proteins when followed up after 10-12 months.

There you have it, folks. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacologyin October 1990 says - there are possible ways to regenerate beta cells in insulin-dependent diabetics, previously believed to be nonexistent and gone forever. Never say never, right Dr. Faustman?

Those of us who don't have a metabolism like Sea biscuit might fall for the too good to be true ads every time. This time the object of my curiosity is Diamaxol. The product was formerly called Diabeticine, but the FDA didn't like the hint of medicine in the name, so the manufacturers changed it.

The product supposedly reduces blood sugar levels, eliminates (strong word) insulin resistance, and normalizes insulin production. A partial list of Diamaxol ingredients include: Banaba, Guggle (Guggul), Bitter Melon, Licorice extract, Cinnamon herb powder, Gymnema Sylvestre, Yarrow, Cayenne, Juniper Berries, Huckleberry, and Vanadyl Sulfate How exactly does Diamaxol claim to work it's magic? It's not magic - it's simply science. The magic behind the formula is actually the miraculous human body doing its job. Diamaxol is more like the stage crew for David Copperfield, rather than the show itself.

Diamaxol interferes with glucose absorption and prevents the stimulation of glucose from the liver. This effectively reduces blood sugar levels. It also eliminates insulin resistance by repairing cell receptors to better handle insulin. Scientists agree, insulin resistance is one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes. The normalization of insulin production is restored (in type 2) and replaced (in type 1) by an organic compound. Curiously enough, banaba is at the top of the list of ingredients. Banaba contains corosolic acid, which activates the transport of glucose across cell membranes, resulting in blood sugar reductions. It has been used in the Philippines for years to treat diabetes. Because the FDA has approved Diamaxol as a supplement, at least we know that it can't hurt. Sounds interesting, perhaps worth looking into - but is it worth the $75 to $100 a bottle?