One of the biggest complaints we hear from recently diagnosed Type 2 diabetics is that they don't want to take prescription drugs recommended by their doctors.

They've heard about potentially toxic side effects from drugs like Avandia and they're looking for natural solutions and treatments for high blood sugar levels and obesity.

Here are five natural solutions that can help diabetics control their Type 2 condition.

#1 Share Your Feelings

Being diagnosed with this dreaded disease can be a frightening experience. It can also heighten hypertension, which will raise your blood pressure, which can turn into serious health problems. One of the best ways to reduce tension and lower blood pressure is to share your feelings with others - particularly those suffering from diabetes. If this sounds too "Oprahesque" for you, consider that a conversation with other Type 2s will convince you that this isn't an 'incurable' disease, but one that can be controlled, even cured. Contact your local American Diabetic Association for support group meetings.

#2 Manage Your Stress Levels

Tied in with sharing your feelings, is a need to get your mind off of your condition. Constant focus on your medical problems won't make it better. Studies show that stress has an impact on blood glucose levels. To keep them in check, many health care practitioners recommend yoga, meditation, even volunteer work to lower control stress and improve your overall sense of well-being

#3 Moderate Exercise, 5 Times A Week

You've been told to exercise so many times it makes you want to scream. But for stress reduction and weight reduction, this is not something you can buy in a pill. You have to turn off the TV, get off the couch and get moving. But most medical experts agree, take it easy! Strenuous exercise isn't necessary. Moderate, brisk walking works well. Do it five times a week for best results.

#4 Avoid Sugar and Sugar Substitutes

Most people think that if they lower their sugar intake, their blood sugar level will go down. Reduced sugar intake always helps. But did you know that sugar substitutes can be worse than the real thing? High fructose corn syrup is a common sugar substitute in sodas and other food and beverages. It's an ingredient that's found in most processed products. Unfortunately, it's more calorie dense than sugar. It also has a tendency to drain your body of the trace mineral chromium - a critical regulator of blood sugar levels. Avoid, at all cost, high fructose corn syrup laced products. Because of the prevalence of this ingredient, it's also recommended that you take a chromium supplement to restore lost chromium.

#5 Take Your Vitamins

In addition to chromium, it's recommended that you add antioxidants to your diet. Diabetes has been described as a 'free radical' disease, meaning diabetics require a higher level of anti-oxidants to stay healthy. The top anti-oxidant supplements are Vitamins C, E and the most powerful of all, Alpha Lipoic Acid. Check with your doctor before taking these, but generally most studies show 250-1,000 mg. of C, 100-400 IU of E and 100-600 mg. of Alpha Lipoic Acid work best.

As always, it's best to talk over any dietary and exercise regimens you decide to undertake. But, by following these natural approaches you'll be able to better control and/or even reverse you Type 2 diabetic condition.

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