September 24, 2019

10 supplements that can help lower blood sugar levels

10 Supplements, die dabei helfen können, den Blutzucker zu senken

Scientists have tested many different supplements to see if they can help lower blood sugar. Such supplements can be beneficial not only for people who suffer from diabetes - especially type 2 diabetes - or who have prediabetes - a precursor to diabetes.

Over time, the use of such supplements in combination with diabetes medication can often mean that the dosage of diabetes medication can be reduced - under medical supervision - even though these supplements cannot usually replace medication completely.

People who want to lose weight can also benefit from lower blood sugar levels, as the highly elevated insulin levels associated with high blood sugar not only promote fat storage, but also inhibit the breakdown of body fat - not to mention wild fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which are one of the main reasons for food cravings.

Here are 10 supplements that can help lower blood sugar levels.

1. cinnamon

Cinnamon supplements are made from either cinnamon powder or an extract. Many studies suggest that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and improve diabetes control (1, 2).

When people with prediabetes - meaning a resting blood glucose level of 100 to 125 mg/dl - took 250 mg of cinnamon extract before breakfast and dinner, they experienced an 8.4% reduction in fasting blood glucose levels compared to the control group (3).

In another study, people with type 2 diabetes who took either 120 or 360 mg of cinnamon extract before breakfast experienced an 11 to 14% reduction in fasting blood glucose levels compared to the control group (2). In addition, their hemoglobin A1C levels - a marker of average blood glucose levels over the previous three months - decreased by 0.67% and 0.92%, respectively. All subjects were taking the same diabetes medication during the study (2).

How it works: Cinnamon may help your body's cells respond better to insulin. This allows sugar to enter the body's cells, resulting in lower blood sugar levels (4).

How it should be taken: The recommended dosage is 250 mg of cinnamon extract twice daily before meals. For regular cinnamon supplements (not extracts), 500 mg twice daily is probably best (2, 5).

Risks: The most common cassia variety of cinnamon contains more coumarin, a compound that could damage the liver in high doses. Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, is low in coumarin (6).

Summary: Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels by making cells more sensitive to insulin.

2 American ginseng

American ginseng - a variety that grows primarily in North America - has been shown to lower blood sugar levels by about 20% after a meal in both healthy people and diabetics (7).

When people with type 2 diabetes took 1 gram of American ginseng 40 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner over a 2-month period while continuing their regular regimen, they were able to lower their fasting blood sugar levels by 10% compared to the control group (7).

How it works: American ginseng may enhance the response of the body's cells to insulin and increase the body's insulin secretion (6, 8).

How it should be taken: Ginseng should be taken at a dosage of one gram up to 2 hours before each main meal. If taken earlier, it could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Daily doses of more than 3 grams do not appear to have any additional benefits (6).

Risks: Ginseng can reduce the effect of blood-thinning medications, so this combination should be avoided. It may also stimulate immune system function, which may reduce the effect of immune suppressing drugs (6).

Summary: Taking up to 3 grams of American ginseng per day may help lower blood sugar levels in fasting and post-meal states. However, ginseng may interact with blood-thinning drugs and other medications.

3. probiotics

Damage to the gut flora - such as that caused by taking antibiotics - is associated with an increased risk of several diseases including diabetes (9). Probiotic supplements, which contain beneficial bacteria or other microbes, offer numerous health benefits and can improve the way your body handles carbohydrates (10).

A review of several studies of subjects suffering from type 2 diabetes found that subjects who took probiotics for at least two months had 16 mg/dl lower fasting blood glucose levels and a 0.53% reduction in A1C levels compared to the control group (10).

People taking probiotics containing more than one species of bacteria showed an even greater reduction in fasting blood glucose levels of 35 mg/dl (9,10).

How it works: Studies conducted with animals suggest that probiotics can lower blood sugar levels by reducing inflammation and preventing the destruction of pancreatic cells that produce insulin. However, a number of other mechanisms could be involved (9, 10).

How it should be taken: Use a probiotic supplement with more than one species of beneficial bacteria, such as a combination of L. Acidophilus, B. Bifidum and L. Rhamnosus. It is not known if there is an ideal mix of bacteria to treat diabetes. Risks: Probiotics are very unlikely to cause any harm, but in certain rare circumstances they could lead to serious infections in people with severely compromised immune function (11).

Summary: Probiotic supplements - especially products that include more than one species of beneficial bacteria - may help lower fasting blood glucose and A1C levels.

4. aloe vera

Aloe vera may also help people who are trying to lower their blood sugar levels. Supplements or juice made from the leaves of this cactus-like plant may help lower fasting blood sugar levels in people who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (6).

A review of 9 studies conducted with type 2 diabetics found that supplementing with aloe vera for 4 to 14 weeks lowered fasting blood glucose levels by 46.6 mg/dl and A1C by 1.05% (12). People who had a fasting blood glucose of more than 200 mg/dl before the study experienced even greater benefits (12).

How it works: Studies conducted with mice suggest that aloe may stimulate insulin production in the pancreas, but this has not yet been confirmed. Several other mechanisms may be involved (6, 13).

How it should be taken: The best dosage and dosage form are not known. Doses that have been investigated in studies are 1,000 mg daily in capsule form or 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of aloe vera juice divided into several single doses (13, 14).

Risks: Aloe can interact with various medications, which is why its use should be discussed in advance with the treating physician. Aloe vera should never be taken together with the heart medication digoxin (15).

Summary: Capsules or juice made from aloe vera leaves may help lower fasting blood glucose and A1C levels in type 2 diabetics and people suffering from prediabetes. However, aloe vera may interact with several medications including digoxin.

5 Berberine

Berberine is a bitter-tasting compound extracted from the roots and stems of certain plants including turmeric and philodendron (16).

A review of 27 studies conducted with type 2 diabetics concluded that berberine, in combination with diet and lifestyle changes, can reduce fasting blood glucose levels by 15.5 mg/dl and A1C by 0.71% compared to a placebo or lifestyle changes alone (16). This review also noted that berberine supplements in combination with diabetes medications helped lower blood sugar levels more than with medications alone (16).

How it works: Berberine may improve insulin sensitivity and increase sugar uptake from the blood into the muscles, which helps lower blood sugar (17).

How it should be taken: A typical dosage is 300 to 500 mg two to three times daily with main meals (17).

Risks: Berberine can cause digestive disturbances such as constipation, diarrhea and bloating, which are less severe at lower doses (300 mg). Berberine can interact with various medications, which is why its use should be discussed in advance with the attending physician (17).

Summary: Berberine may help lower fasting blood glucose and A1C levels. Side effects include indigestion, which decreases at lower doses.

6 Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is considered a potential risk factor for type 2 diabetes (19). In one study, 72% of subjects with type 2 diabetes were vitamin D deficient. After two months of taking 4,500 IU of vitamin D daily, both fasting blood glucose levels and A1C levels improved. 48% of subjects had A1C levels indicating good glycemic control, compared to only 32% of subjects before the study began (20).

How it works: Vitamin D may improve the function of pancreatic cells that produce insulin and also increase the body's sensitivity to insulin (21, 22).

How it should be taken: Before taking a vitamin D supplement, a blood test should be performed to determine the optimal dosage. The active form of vitamin D is vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol, which should be reflected on the label (23).

Risks: Vitamin D can cause mild to moderate reactions when combined with several medications, so use should be discussed with the treating physician or a pharmacist (23).

Summary: Vitamin D deficiency is widespread among diabetics. Supplementation with vitamin D can improve blood glucose control. However, vitamin D can interact with various medications.

7 Gymnema

Gymnema Sylvestre is a plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The Hindu name of the plant - Gurmar - means "sugar destroyer" (6).

In one study, subjects with type 2 diabetes who took 400 mg of a Gymnema leaf extract daily for 18 to 20 months experienced a 29% reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. The A1C value dropped from 11.9% at the beginning of the study to 8.4% (24).

Further research suggests that this plant may also help reduce fasting blood glucose levels and A1C in type 1 diabetics who are dependent on insulin. In addition, Gymnema may reduce cravings for sweet foods (25, 26).

How it works: Gymnema Sylvestre appears to reduce sugar absorption in the digestive tract and promote the uptake of sugar from the blood by the body's cells. Due to its effects in type 1 diabetics, it is speculated that Gymnema may also support the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (6, 26).

How it should be taken: The recommended dosage is 200 mg of Gymnema Sylvestre leaf extract twice daily with meals (24).

Risks: Gymnema Sylvestre may enhance the blood sugar-lowering effects of insulin, so its use by people who inject insulin must be discussed with the treating physician. Gymnema may also affect the levels of certain medications and there are also reports of a case of liver damage (27).

Summary: Gymnema Sylvestre appears to lower fasting blood glucose and A1C levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics, although further research is needed. If you require insulin injections, it is important to consult your doctor before using Gymnema supplements.

8. magnesium

Low blood levels of magnesium have been found in 25 to 38% of people with type 2 diabetes and these deficiencies are more common in people who do not have good blood sugar control (28).

In a systematic review, 12 studies indicated that the administration of a magnesium supplement for a duration of 6 to 24 weeks in healthy people, type 2 diabetics and people with prediabetes may help lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to a placebo (29).

In addition, each 50mg increase in magnesium intake produced a 3% reduction in blood glucose levels in subjects who had low magnesium levels at the start of the study (29).

How it works: Magnesium is involved in normal insulin secretion and normal insulin action in body tissues (29).

How it should be taken: Dosages given to people with diabetes are typically in the range of 250 to 350 mg per day. Magnesium should be taken with a meal to improve absorption (29, 30).

Risks: Avoid magnesium oxide, which can increase the risk of diarrhea. Magnesium supplements can interact with various medications including diuretics and antibiotics, so taking them should be discussed with your doctor or a pharmacist (31).

Summary: Magnesium deficiency is common in type 2 diabetics. Studies suggest that magnesium supplements may help to lower fasting blood glucose levels.

9. alpha lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid - ALA for short - is a vitamin-like compound and a powerful antioxidant produced in the liver and also found in some foods such as spinach, broccoli and red meat (32).

When people with type 2 diabetes took 300, 600, 900 or 1200 mg of alpha lipoic acid in combination with their usual diabetes medication over a 6-month period, fasting blood glucose levels and A1C levels decreased more with increasing dosages (32).

How it works: Alpha-lipoic acid may improve insulin sensitivity and increase the absorption of sugar from the blood, although it may take a few months for these effects to be felt. Alpha-lipoic acid may also protect against oxidative damage caused by high blood sugar levels (32).

How it should be taken: Dosages used are generally 600 to 1200 mg divided into several single doses taken before meals (32).

Risks: Alpha-lipoic acid may interfere with therapies used to treat hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Very high doses of alpha-lipoic acid should be avoided in cases of vitamin B1 deficiency and by alcoholics (33, 34).

Summary: Alpha-lipoic acid may help to gradually lower fasting blood glucose and A1C levels, with stronger effects observed at daily doses of up to 1200 mg per day. Alpha-lipoic acid also has antioxidant effects that may reduce damage from high blood sugar levels. However, alpha-lipoic acid may interfere with therapies for thyroid disorders.

10. chromium

Chromium deficiency reduces the body's ability to use carbohydrates for energy and increases insulin levels (35).

A review of 25 studies concluded that chromium supplements can reduce A1C levels in type 2 diabetics by about 0.6% compared to a placebo, while the average reduction in fasting blood glucose levels compared to a placebo was 21 mg/dl (37). There is also some evidence that chromium may also help lower blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetics (37).

How it works: Chromium appears to increase the effects of insulin or the activity of the cells that produce insulin (6).

How it should be taken: A typical dosage is 200 mcg per day. Doses of up to 1,000 mcg have also been tested in diabetics and may be more effective in this group of people. The chromium picolinate form is probably best absorbed by the body (6, 36, 38).

Risks: Certain medications such as gastric acid blockers, which are prescribed for hyperacidity of the stomach, may reduce chromium absorption (35).

Summary: Chromium can improve insulin action in the body and lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics - and possibly also in type 1 diabetics.

Conclusion

Many supplements including cinnamon, ginseng, other botanicals, vitamin D, magnesium, probiotics and plant compounds such as berberine may help lower blood sugar levels. You should keep in mind that depending on factors such as duration of use, supplement quality and individual factors, you may experience different results than those documented in studies.

The use of these supplements should always be discussed with a doctor, especially if you are using medication or insulin, as some of the supplements described above can interact with medication and increase the risk of excessive drops in blood sugar levels. In some cases, it may be necessary for the treating physician to reduce a diabetes medication at some point.

It is best to try only one new supplement at a time and monitor your blood glucose levels regularly to observe any changes. This can help you determine the effect of these supplements.

References:

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/blood-sugar-supplements

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