Dr. Ahmed
Best Supplements for Diabetics to lower blood sugar naturally, provide key vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and boost energy at the same time are mentioned here.
It is important to continue antidiabetic medications at the same time, the dose of the medicines may need to be adjusted though. In addition overdosing may result in toxicity and lead to side effects and should be avoided.
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Best Supplements for Diabetics to lower blood sugar naturally
It is always preferable to get your vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat. However, different sorts of medications and medicinal or herbal supplements are becoming quite common.
As a matter of fact, diabetics are more likely to consume supplements than people without diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. [Ref]
Supplements shouldn’t be used as an alternative to conventional diabetes therapy. You are putting your health at risk in this case.
Before utilizing any supplements, it’s necessary to see your doctor. Some of these items may conflict or interact with other drugs and therapies. The mere fact that a product is natural does not guarantee its safety.
There are a ton of diabetic supplements that are commonly in use and are proven to be effective; some of them are listed below.
1. Chromium is one of the Best Supplements for Diabetics:
A crucial trace element is Chromium. It helps in the breakdown of carbs. Research on the use of chromium for the treatment of diabetes is contradictory.
Nevertheless, most people can safely take chromium in low amounts as research suggests that chromium can help diabetics lower their blood sugar levels. [Ref]
But there is a chance that it could cause dangerously low blood sugar levels. Additionally, high doses have the potential to harm the kidneys.
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How to take Chromium supplements for Diabetes:
- Chromium Picolinate in a dose of 200 mcg to 1000 mcg per day has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and improve blood glucose.
- It is available in doses of 200 mcg, 800 mcg, and 1000 mcg pills
- It is also available in a dose of 52 mcg in Centrum Silver for women 50 +. In plain Centrum, it is available in a dose of 35 mcg.
- Broccoli, Liver, and Brewers yeast are good sources of Chromium. 100 gm of Broccoli contains 15 mcg of Chromium which is equivalent to almost half the recommended RDA of Chromium.
- The RDA (recommended daily allowance) of Chromium is 25 gm for women and 35 gm for men aged 19 to 50 years.
2. Thiamine (Vitamin B1):
According to research, Type 2 diabetics with kidney disease may benefit from taking good amounts of vitamin B1 (thiamine).
Research at the University of Warwick, financed by Diabetes UK, revealed in 2007 that patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes had levels of vitamin B1 that are almost 75% lower than those of healthy individuals. [Ref]
Thiamine dissolves in water. It has trouble entering the cells where it is required. Benfotiamine, a supplemental form of thiamine, on the other hand, is lipid-soluble. Cell membranes are more easily penetrated by it.
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How to take Thiamine supplements?
- The average RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of thiamine for adult men is 1.2 mg and for women is 1.1 mg daily.
- Fish, legumes, and flax seeds are rich in thiamine. 100 gm of thiamine contains about 1.6 mg of flax seeds.
- Thiamine is available as 100 mg, 120 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg supplements.
- As a part of multivitamin ingredients, Neurobion tablets and injections contain 100 mg of thiamine that is administered once daily.
- In one study, thiamine supplements for a month reduce blood glucose levels and boost leptin levels.
3. Green Tea – an all-time favorite for diabetics and heart diseases:
Antioxidants called polyphenols are found in green tea. Epigallocatechin gallate is the name of the primary antioxidant found in green tea (EGCG).
Laboratory research has revealed that EGCG may have a variety of health advantages that include reduced risk of cardiovascular illness, type 2 diabetes prevention, improved glucose management, and increased insulin function
Green tea has been chosen as a safe supplement for diabetics as it can enhance glycemic control and lower insulin resistance. [Ref]
How do we take green tea to prevent diabetes and improve blood glucose?
- 4 to 6 cups of green tea per day have been shown to prevent diabetes by 33% compared to less than 1 cup per week [Ref].
- Green tea can be taken as a replacement for other drinks and beverages that are high in calories.
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4. Cinnamon is another one of the best supplements for Diabetics:
The spice cinnamon, which is derived from tree bark, is frequently praised for having possible therapeutic benefits.
Cinnamon has been used to combat microorganisms, cut cholesterol, and reduce inflammation. Researchers have been examining whether it can benefit those with diabetes for more than ten years.
Chinese medicine has also indulged in the possible therapeutic effects that cinnamon holds.
A small study investigated the effects of cinnamon on glucose levels and lipid levels of people with type 2 diabetes. The conclusion showed that after 40 days of use, cinnamon could lower both glucose and lipid levels in diabetics. [Ref]
Other studies have shown no overall benefit of Cinnamon on blood glucose or lipid profile.
How to take Cinnamon?
- About 1 to 2 tsp per day equivalent to 1 – 6 gm per day can lower blood glucose levels.
- Although cinnamon is available in 1000 mg (1 gm) tablets, it is generally recommended by most experts to use Cinnamon as a spice.
- One can add Cinnamon to oatmeal or have Cinnamon tea.
5. Alpha Lipoic Acid:
A powerful antioxidant is alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). Some research implies that it could
- Cut down on oxidative stress
- Cut down on insulin resistance
- Lower levels of fasting blood sugar
However, additional study is required. Furthermore, ALA should be used with caution since it has the potential to dangerously reduce blood sugar levels.
Alpha-lipoic acid enhances the action of insulin and because of its antioxidant properties, it is especially utilized in the treatment of diabetes-related complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and diabetic foot ulcers.
How to take Alpha-lipoic acid?
- Alpha-lipoic acid levels in the body can be increased by eating green vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, etc.
- Alpha-lipoic acid supplements are available in doses of 250 mg, 300mg, and 600 mg as capsules that are taken in once-daily or twice-daily doses.
- It is usually taken with L-Carnitine.
6. Magnesium:
An important mineral is a magnesium. It aids in blood pressure control. It controls insulin sensitivity as well. Magnesium supplements may help diabetics become more responsive to insulin.
A diet high in magnesium may also lower the chance of developing diabetes. Higher magnesium consumption is associated with a decreased risk of diabetes and insulin resistance, according to research. [Ref]
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How to take Magnesium supplements:
- Magnesium is present in grains, cashew, escargot, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, spinach, and sunflower seeds. eating a diet that is high in grains and seeds is usually sufficient to restore magnesium levels in our blood.
- Magnesium is also available as oral supplements in doses of 200 mg, 250 mg, 400 mg, and 500 mg tablets. It is also available in the form of injections such as magnesium sulfate which is used in pregnant ladies who develop seizures and hypertension during their last trimester (Eclampsia).
- Magnesium Oxide is taken in a dose of 400 mg twice daily.
- Magnesium gluconate is taken in a dose of 550 mg (equivalent to 30 mg) twice daily.
- Magnesium hydroxide is used in oil emulsion for severe constipation.
7. Bitter Melon (Bitter Gourd):
Bitter Melon, as opposed to its name, is actually a vegetable that is also sold as a supplement. There is little evidence indicating that plants like bitter melon can have possible effects on lowering blood glucose levels.
There is some data that bitter melon may aid in the control of diabetes. 90 participants in a 2020 trial either got a placebo or a dose of bitter melon extract. After 12 weeks, those who took the extract had decreased fasting blood glucose levels. [ref]
Some individuals could have lower blood sugar levels after consuming bitter melon in the form of supplements, juice, seeds, or blended vegetable smoothie.
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How to take Bitter Melon?
- Bitter melon is commonly used as a vegetable in Asian countries. It is usually fried alone or with meat, chicken, or potatoes.
- Bitter melon is also available in dried powder form and can be used with meals or made into a juice that can be taken with meals twice or thrice daily.
- It is important to monitor blood glucose while consuming bitter melon as the blood glucose may go down, especially if you are on insulin or sulfonylureas.
8. Aloe Vera:
A 2013 review examined the use of aloe vera to treat the signs and symptoms of diabetes in rats.
According to the research, aloe vera may aid in preserving and regenerating insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The scientists hypothesized that the antioxidant properties of aloe vera might be credible.
A review from 2020 discovered further proof to back up the prior evidence, and the authors came to the following conclusion: [Ref]
- Boost insulin production
- Reduce oxidative stress to protect against diabetic kidney disease, depression, and anxiety.
- Increase the quantity and vitality of the islets, a group of linked pancreatic cells.
How to use Alo Vera?
- Aloe vera can be taken orally as a supplement or as juiced pulp added to a beverage like a smoothie. Aloe vera skin care products should not be consumed.
- It is best to add one to two scoops of aloe vera gel to your breakfast smoothie or milk for better tolerance and good blood glucose lowering effects.
9. Resveratrol:
Wine and grapes contain a molecule called resveratrol. It lessens the risk of elevated blood sugar in animal models.
It has been demonstrated that resveratrol has been helpful at regulating blood sugar levels as well as lowering insulin resistance, inhibiting chronic inflammation, enhancing blood lipid profiles, attenuating diabetic hypertension, and fighting off oxidative stress. [Ref]
How to take Resveratrol supplements?
- The active compound in Resveratrol can be increased in the blood by eating lots of berries, grapes, and peanuts. Although grapes also contain a high amount of fructose and is not recommended for diabetics, other low GI (glycemic index) foods like berries can be taken instead.
- Supplements containing Resveratrol are available in doses of 100 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 1500 mg capsules. They can be taken once or twice daily.
In Summary:
The 9 best supplements for diabetics that lower blood glucose naturally are widely available. They may be used in combination or on specific days.
For example:
- Aloe vera can be added to smoothies with breakfast, brown rice and bitter melon can be eaten in lunch followed by green tea, and spinach, broccoli, or fish can be eaten in dinner followed by a cup of cinnamon tea.
- One can try one meal containing any of the above two or more supplements and gradually adjust to the diet.
- Simultaneously, blood glucose monitoring is recommended.
- For patients with prediabetes, using three or more of these best supplements for diabetics can prevent the onset of diabetes without the need for diabetes medications.
- For people with diabetes, these supplements may be used as add-ons rather than as a replacement for oral diabetes drugs or insulin.
