Certain supplements, including cinnamon and aloe vera, may help lower blood sugar.
Some supplements may have a beneficial effect on blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. However, research into supplement efficacy in managing the condition is often mixed.
Here are 10 supplements that may help lower blood sugar.
Cinnamon supplements are either made from whole cinnamon powder or an extract. Many studies suggest it helps lower blood sugar and improves diabetes control.
How it works
Cinnamon may help your body’s cells better respond to insulin. In turn, this allows sugar into your cells,
Precautions
The common Cassia variety of cinnamon contains more coumarin, which may harm your liver in high amounts.
American ginseng, a variety grown primarily in North America, has decreased post-meal blood sugar by
How it works
American ginseng may improve your cells’ response to and
Precautions
Ginseng can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin, a blood thinner, so avoid this combination. It may also stimulate your immune system, which could interfere with immunosuppressant drugs.
Damage to your gut bacteria — such as from taking antibiotics — is associated with an increased risk of several diseases, including diabetes.
Probiotic supplements, which contain beneficial bacteria or other microbes, offer numerous health benefits and
How it works
Animal studies suggest that probiotics may decrease blood sugar by reducing inflammation and preventing the destruction of pancreatic cells that make insulin. Several other mechanisms may be involved as well.
Precautions
Probiotics are unlikely to cause harm, but in certain rare circumstances, they could lead to infections in people with significantly impaired immune systems.
Aloe vera may also help those trying to lower their blood sugar.
Supplements or juice made from the leaves of this cactus-like plant
How it works
Mouse studies indicate that aloe
In a review of nine studies in people with type 2 diabetes, supplementing with aloe for
Precautions
Aloe can interact with several medications, so check with your doctor before using it. It should never be taken with the heart medication digoxin.
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Berberine isn’t a specific herb but rather a bitter-tasting compound taken from the roots and stems of certain plants, including goldenseal and Phellodendron.
A review of 27 studies in people with type 2 diabetes observed that taking berberine in combination with diet and lifestyle changes reduced fasting blood sugar by 15.5 mg/dl and A1C
How it works
Berberine may improve insulin sensitivity and enhance sugar uptake from your blood into your muscles, which helps lower blood sugar.
Precautions
Berberine may cause digestive disturbances, such as constipation, diarrhea, or gas. Berberine may interact with several medications, so check with your doctor before taking this supplement.
Vitamin D deficiency is considered a potential
In one study, 72% of participants with type 2 diabetes were deficient in vitamin D at the start of the study. After two months of taking a
How it works
Vitamin D may improve the function of pancreatic cells that make insulin and increase your body’s responsiveness to insulin.
Precautions
Vitamin D may trigger mild to moderate reactions with several types of medications, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Gymnema Sylvestre is an herb used as a diabetes treatment in the Ayurvedic tradition of India.
How it works
Gymnema Sylvestre
Precautions
This herbcan enhance the blood sugar effects of insulin, so use it only with a doctor’s guidance if you take insulin injections.
Low blood levels of magnesium are common in people with type 2 diabetes and are more common in those who don’t have their blood sugar under good control.
How it works
Magnesium is involved in normal
Precautions
Avoid magnesium oxide, which can
Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, is a vitamin-like compound and powerful antioxidant produced in your liver and found in some foods, such as spinach, broccoli, and red meat.
Taking ALA alongside prescription diabetes treatment may help decrease fasting blood sugar and A1C.
How it works
ALA may improve insulin sensitivity and your cells’ sugar uptake from your blood, though it may take a few months to experience these effects. It may also protect against oxidative damage caused by high blood sugar.
Precautions
ALA may interfere with therapies for hyperthyroid or hypothyroid disease. Avoid very large doses of ALA if you have vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency or live with an alcohol use disorder.
Chromium deficiency
How it works
Chromium
Precautions
Certain drugs — such as antacids and others prescribed for heartburn — can reduce chromium absorption.
Many supplements — including cinnamon, ginseng, other herbs, vitamin D, magnesium, probiotics, and plant compounds like berberine — may help lower blood sugar.
Remember that you may experience different results than what studies have found based on factors such as duration, supplement quality, and your individual diabetes status.
Discuss supplements with your doctor, especially if you’re taking medication or insulin for diabetes, as some of the above supplements may interact with medications and raise the risk of blood sugar dropping too low.
Sometimes, your doctor may need to decrease your diabetes medication dose at some point.
Try only one new supplement at a time and check your blood sugar regularly to follow any changes over several months. Doing so will help you and your doctor determine the impact.
