Can herbs or traditional medicine be used to treat diabetes?

Yes: Numerous herbs show evidence of benefit in diabetes. Those most widely used include gymnema sylvestre, cinnamon, bilberry, fenugreek seeds & momordica charantia. Aloe vera, ginseng, pterocarpus marsupium & coccina indica are also useful. Vitamins & minerals including Alpha lipoic acid, chromium & vandium are also beneficial. Holistic md's, nd's & herbalists can guide you. More info at http://care.Diabetesjournals.Org/content/26/4/1277.Full.

No: The question conflicts itself, so answer must be qualified with: you must monitor your blood sugars if you have diabetes. Even patients on Insulin must do this; it's not a "take it and look away" situation. If you try "alternative" or herbal treatments, you must check your sugar levels; if high then contact your physician for other treatments. Don't forget diet and exercise.