Type 1 diabetes, like other autoimmune diseases, is associated with inflammation.

Foods and supplements that reduce inflammation can all help to reduce damage from the disease.

The diet of a person with Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes should be high in fresh vegetables (which contain vegetable fiber), include a few fruits, and contain no excess sugar (especially avoiding high fructose corn syrup).

Such a diet must also be low in high-glycemic foods such as white rice and potatoes, which rapidly raise blood sugar.

All artificial sweeteners should also be avoided, and purified water should be the drink of choice.

A number of natural products can improve insulin function. These include bitter melon, curcumin, quercetin, hesperidin, resveratrol, and alpha lipoic acid.

These nutrients can increase the effectiveness of insulin, thus making low levels work more efficiently.

Probiotics are also important to keep the immune systems of diabetics strong and to prevent yeast and bacterial overgrowth in the colon.

Vitamin D3 at a daily dose of 2,000 IU is also essential. Oat beta-glucan will help stabilize blood sugar and improve immune function.