Diabetes and Acne: How Lowering Your Blood Sugar Could Clear Your Skin

While diabetes is a condition that people are predisposed to genetically, it is very possible to develop this disease due to poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. And, if you are already at risk for diabetes, you may notice that you have breakouts that you can't seem to get rid of-no matter how many acne products you've tried. While most dermatologists are now saying that diet does not have much to do with whether or not people develop acne, there seems to be a clear connection between acne (particularly adult acne) and abnormal blood sugar levels. If you've been tested and found out that you don't have diabetes, but need to watch your blood sugar, these herbs and dietary changes could help to save your skin-and your health.

One of the best minerals for lowering blood sugar is chromium. Many naturopathic doctors will recommend this mineral for those that are looking to clear up their acne as well. Chromium should be taken after meals in order to help the body regulate the amount of insulin that is being excreted to process food, and will help those whose bodies do not properly recognize insulin by improving the function of the liver and kidneys. When the liver is cleansed, this gives the skin a healthy glow, and will unclog the pores, which keeps acne under control. You can find chromium at your local nutrition or health food store, and chances are you won't spend more than $10.

Fenugreek is another effective herb to take when it comes to lowering your blood sugar. This herb is ideal for people that are dealing with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and has even been used for helping patients to lose weight at a health rate. Fenugreek should be taken once or twice a day after meals to balance the levels of blood sugar in the body, and to help the body to get rid of excess sugars quickly. Sugar rids the body of oxygen, ad this clogs the pores significantly, which is why you may feel that you are experiencing breakouts that are impossible to get rid of-fenugreek restores the amount of oxygen in your skin, and can even help to reduce the look large pores. Fenugreek is also recommended for mothers that are nursing, since it aids in the secretion of milk, and in some cases, women that are not lactating will take the herb in order to enhance the breasts. Since fenugreek helps the body to get rid of the excess sugar that can cause weight gain, you may find that your waistline is particularly shapely after taking the herb in addition to maintaining a healthy diet.

In addition to these supplements, you may also want to include the ayurvedic herb Neem in your regimen. This herb has been used in India for centuries to lower blood sugar, and the oil and leaves from Neem can be applied to the skin to get rid of acne blemishes rather quickly-many people have seen an improvement in their skin and diabetes-like symptoms in as little as a few weeks. Neem should be taken two or three times a day with meals, and will help to restore and get rid of the joint pain and inflammation that is associated with diabetes.

If you want to find these herbs to add to your diabetes treatment regimen, you can visit stores like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market-you may also want to check out www.gnc.com or www.vitaminshoppe.com for ordering information and discounts on these herbs and supplements.