Without discussing the pandemic of COVID —there are two epidemics - obesity and diabetes. Many patients gained weight during the quarantine. There were a percentage of patients who ate better as they had time to prepare and cook food.
Changes in glycemic status can lead to pre-diabetes, which left untreated can lead to diabetes. Conventional or allopathic doctors do believe in behavioral dietary changes , diet lifestyle change, and medications. The pharmaceutical market for diabetic medications is overwhelming. These are oral medications I am not discussing insulin. I believe the most effective treatment for pre-diabetes includes behavioral changes including a healthy diet, regular aerobic exercise, and appropriate nutraceuticals/ herbs.
A recent study was published in Phytotherapy Research on Yerba matte and white mulberry. It was reprinted in the American Botanical Council, Herbalgram. If you are NOT a member- join the American Botanical Council today.
Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis, Aquifoliaceae) has been shown to positively affect glucose absorption as well as have hypocholesterolemic and anti-inflammatory effects. White mulberry (Morus alba, Moraceae) had been used to decrease weight and adiposity, improve insulin resistance, increase glucose uptake, GlUT4 translocation and adiponectin, inhibit a-glucosidase activity, and improve endothelial function. Studies have shown that chromium picolinate may be beneficial in glucose and lipid control
More studies need to be done on plants and glucose metabolism. There are many herbs as bitter melon, cinammon and gymnema to help diabetes as well as nutraceuticals as chromium, vanadium, and alpha lipoic acid.