6 Vitamins and Supplements to Lower Blood Sugar – Forbes Health

While some studies support the positive impact of supplements on blood sugar levels, our experts agree that supplements should be used in addition to medications, diet, and exercise. “It may be helpful to consider supplements as part of your toolkit, but you shouldn’t necessarily rely on them as your sole treatment,” Dr. Kumar points out.

Additionally, we always recommend consulting your doctor before incorporating any supplements into your daily routine.

cinnamon

“Cinnamon is a spice extracted from the bark of the Cinnamomum genus tree. cinnamon “This is a classic symptom of diabetes,” says Amy Benney, M.D., a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist at Nutrition Insights, a specialty nutrition clinic in Lockport, New York.

Strong Points:
“Cinnamon is thought to increase insulin sensitivity (how well your body responds to insulin),” says Benney.

Dr. Kumar cites a 2019 meta-analysis and meta-regression study. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Practice Cinnamon significantly reduced fasting glucose levels and HOMA-IR scores (a measure of insulin resistance) in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes compared to a placebo, but the researchers noted that more research is needed.

prevention:
“Some people may be allergic to cinnamon,” says Bennie. “Reactions may include skin irritation or hives, difficulty breathing, or a swollen throat.” Consuming cinnamon can cause side effects like gas and indigestion. Taking too much cinnamon can also cause or worsen liver disease.

aloe

Though it doesn’t have much to do with managing blood sugar levels, “aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries,” says Benny. “Aloe vera supplements come in tablet or capsule form and contain concentrated aloe vera extract or gel.”

Strong Points:
2022 Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy Research The study looked at the effects of aloe vera in patients with diabetes and prediabetes. The study found that aloe vera may lower fasting blood glucose levels, and the effect was more pronounced in male participants and those with a BMI below 30. However, the results were highly variable, and no dose-response relationship could be identified. In other words, the study found no clear association between the amount of aloe vera supplement consumed and the degree of effect. Further studies with standardized aloe vera preparations and rigorous designs are needed.

prevention:
“Consuming too much of a low-quality aloe vera product can have adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal upset and electrolyte imbalances,” says Benny. “Aloe vera may also interact with some medications, including those for diabetes.” Because of this potential interaction, it’s important to talk to your doctor before adding aloe vera to your diabetes treatment.

Vitamin D

“Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally produced in the body in response to direct sunlight,” explains Jana Davis, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist at Carolina Green Living, a nutritional clinic in South Carolina. “It’s also found in foods and supplements.” Interestingly, several recent studies have linked low vitamin D levels to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Researchers believe this link is due to vitamin D’s ability to reduce inflammation, as increased inflammation increases the likelihood of insulin resistance.

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According to Kumar and Davis, vitamin D supplementation may be effective in reducing fasting glucose levels, HbA1c (average blood glucose levels over a three-month period), and HOMA-IR scores (a measure of insulin resistance) in patients with type 2 diabetes and vitamin D deficiency. They cite a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis in BMC. Endocrine disorders These benefits were particularly evident when high doses of vitamin D were administered for a short period of time.

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Vitamin D supplements may interact with some medications, such as statins, and taking too much can increase blood calcium levels, which can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and kidney stones.

magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in more than 300 reactions in the body, Davis explained, adding that adequate magnesium is needed to metabolize vitamin D.

Strong Points:
“Magnesium supplements can help improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or at risk of diabetes,” Dr. Kumar said, pointing to a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis. NutrientsThe study also showed that magnesium supplementation improved insulin sensitivity. The researchers noted that larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to verify these findings.

prevention:
Taking magnesium supplements on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. To minimize this, Davis recommends taking magnesium with a meal. Magnesium supplements may also interact with some medications, such as antibiotics.

Berberine

“Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in several plant species, including: “Barberry and Coptis” “It has a long history of use in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammation and infections,” says Benny.

Strong Points:
A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis found that Oxidative medicine and cell longevityBerberine has been shown to have several positive effects in patients with type 2 diabetes. When comparing control groups with groups treated with berberine alone or in combination with standard diabetes treatment, patients taking berberine experienced a significant reduction in HbA1c levels. Berberine also had a positive effect on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammation. There are several limitations to this review that limit the generalizability of these findings to a wider population.

prevention:
Berberine supplements can cause gastrointestinal side effects, which are best taken with a meal to minimize, says Bennie. He adds that it may also interact with medications to manage diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Additionally, berberine may interact with metformin and increase bleeding risk. Because berberine can interact with many diabetes medications, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking the supplement.

chromium

“Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a role in insulin action and glucose metabolism,” says Bennie. Chromium is found in many foods, including meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables, and is also available in supplement form such as chromium picsinolate and chromium polynicotate, he says.

Strong Points:
2020 Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Pharmacology Research The effects of chromium supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes were evaluated. The results showed a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR levels. However, a 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that Biological Trace Element Research In a study of patients with type 2 diabetes, chromium supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c but did not improve fasting plasma glucose or blood lipid levels.

prevention:
The long-term safety of chromium supplements hasn’t been studied extensively, Benney says. Individual case reports have shown that chromium supplements can cause side effects, including weight loss, anemia, and liver failure. Chromium supplements may interact with some medications, including levothyroxine (used to treat hypothyroidism) and diabetes medications.

Because supplements don’t undergo the same rigorous testing as medicines, Benny recommends consulting your doctor before taking any supplement and choosing a brand that complies with the Food and Drug Administration’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and if you experience any side effects, discontinue use and consult a doctor.