There are many products on the market that claim they can treat or cure diabetes. The question you may want to ask is whether these claims are valid. The simple answer is: only treatments that are approved by the FDA are ensured to be both effective and safe.
Every day people who suffer from diabetes are hounded with advertisements that claim teas, supplements, spices, and other products will cure diabetes. Sometimes the information comes from friends or families with good intentions. You may also come across this information on websites, lacking support by scientific research or other medical evidence.
In this post, we look at some common types of fraudulent diabetic treatment claims, as well as signs that may indicate that a given product is not what it appears.
Are Dietary Supplements Effective?
The manufacturers of dietary supplements are required to tell you that the FDA has not evaluated any claims, and a given product is not manufactured to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Many dietary supplements on the market have made false claims that tempt diabetics with an easy cure.
In September 2021, the FDA notified ten companies they were illegally selling dietary supplements under the guise that they would treat, cure, or prevent diabetes. When they were unable to produce any evidence to support these claims, a cease and desist order was issued.
Some of the companies involved manufactured products such as the following:
- Weight loss shakes
- Support formula for diabetes
- Beverages intending to stabilize the blood sugar
Many of the companies made their claims on popular websites such as Facebook, Instagram, or Amazon.
Can Spices Help Lower Blood Sugar?
If you are a diabetic, you have probably come across sources indicating that some teas and spices have been “clinically proven” to help with diabetes. Some of the more popular claims concern the following:
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Certain teas
- Cinnamon
While these foods are healthy, you don’t want to confuse them with legitimate treatments for diabetes. At the present time, we do not have any scientific evidence to justify the use of these spices and teas as a cure for diabetes. While adding any of these spices or teas to your diet is not a problem in and of itself, it would be problematic if you used them as an replacement for legitimate diabetes treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Extreme Diets and Chemicals: Do They Work?
Probably the most disturbing false claims concern chemicals, which can be quite toxic, or extreme diets that make claims or quick weight loss without any lifestyle changes. None of these products – including dietary supplements, hydrogen peroxide, over the counter substances, and metals – have the ability to treat diabetes.
Extreme diets are also a bad idea as many of these want you to consume as few as 500 calories a day. While this may help you lose weight at first, it will be quite difficult to maintain that loss once you return to consuming a healthy caloric intake.
The Danger of Unproven or False Claims
The FDA has a very stringent approval process for any diabetes medication. It requires clinical research that shows the treatment is safe and effective. All of the treatments and so-called cures we have mentioned previously lack enough evidence to show how they provide help to those suffering from diabetes.
Some of these “cures” can have a detrimental effect on people with diabetes because they can interfere with their normal treatment regimen. These “cures” also encourage diabetics to consume chemicals that are unsafe or engage in diets that have low caloric intakes. These false advertising claims might tempt you to forego your proven treatment for your diabetes, causing further disruption of your established routine.
Another danger you might notice with these false “cures” is that many seem deceptively simple. All of us know it is not easy to manage diabetes; it cannot be fixed with a single vitamin or cup of tea.
Identifying False Claims
Even though the FDA is continuously on the lookout for companies that make scientifically unproven claims, it often falls on you to separate fact from fiction. A few of the red flags you’ll want to watch for when reading about various diabetes treatments are:
- You should live by the adage that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. A product that promises “instant pain relief,” “quick weight loss,” or guarantees to provide stabilization of your blood sugar is more than likely advertising hype and not supported by any scientific evidence.
- Any product that requires any type of monetary output or to purchase a subscription to get more information is probably a scam.
- Avoid any products that are contrary to the advice of your healthcare provider or that encourage you to stop taking your prescription medication.
Summary
Treating diabetes is difficult: there is no easy way to control your blood sugar except with diet, exercise, and FDA-approved treatments. There is no “cure” for the disease, although with proper management, you could go into remission. The most important thing to remember is to follow the advice of your healthcare providers and not listen to the advertising hype about quick weight loss or taking dietary supplements to reduce your blood sugar.
You need to be aware of false advertising claims and never allow your frustration with the disease to affect your good judgement. Remember, you are not to blame for your disease. Even if you are a normal weight and eat healthy, you can still get diabetes. Instead of seeking a miracle cure, consider seeking out a diabetes support group to find an understanding and helpful community. In addition to making new friends, you may find recommendations of resources and products – from books to diabetic-friendly apparel – that will not cure your condition but can provide some guidance and relief.
