Nutrition

Controlling diabetes with supplements

Learn about the best supplements for managing diabetes and how they work. Discover how cinnamon, Gymnema Sylvestre, alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium, chromium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, probiotics, green tea, and bitter melon can help control blood sugar levels by patriciadelgado
Estimated reading time: 4 min 39 sec
Controlling diabetes with supplements Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition in which blood sugar or glucose levels are too high.

Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be controlled with proper treatment, medication, and lifestyle changes. One of the ways to control diabetes is by taking supplements, which can help manage blood sugar levels and improve overall health. In this article, we will discuss some of the best supplements for managing diabetes and how they work.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a well-known spice that has been used for centuries due to its various health benefits. It is also believed to have anti-diabetic properties.

Cinnamon helps to improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which enhances glucose uptake in cells, leading to lower blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that consuming cinnamon supplements can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon supplements are available in capsule form, and the recommended dose is around 1-6 grams per day.

Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema Sylvestre is an herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries for diabetes management. It has been shown to improve insulin secretion and sensitivity, leading to better glucose control.

Gymnema Sylvestre also helps to reduce sugar cravings and the absorption of sugar in the intestines. Studies have shown that taking Gymnema Sylvestre supplements can significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The recommended dose is around 400-600 mg per day.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body. It is also found in foods such as spinach, broccoli, and potatoes. Alpha-lipoic acid helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

It also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in cells, leading to better blood sugar control. Studies have shown that taking alpha-lipoic acid supplements can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The recommended dose is around 600-1800 mg per day.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in over 300 bodily processes, including glucose control.

Magnesium plays a critical role in insulin secretion and sensitivity, and low levels of magnesium have been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that taking magnesium supplements can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in cells, leading to better blood sugar control. The recommended dose is around 200-600 mg per day.

Chromium

Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. It helps to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. Chromium also helps to reduce sugar cravings and the absorption of sugar in the intestines.

Studies have shown that taking chromium supplements can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The recommended dose is around 200-1000 mcg per day.

Related Article Supplements for managing diabetes Supplements for managing diabetes

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that are found in fish oil and some other foods. They help to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

Omega-3 fatty acids also help to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in cells, leading to better blood sugar control. Studies have shown that taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The recommended dose is around 1000-4000 mg per day.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in many bodily processes, including glucose control. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Vitamin D helps to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in cells, leading to better blood sugar control. Studies have shown that taking vitamin D supplements can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The recommended dose is around 1000-4000 IU per day.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are found in the gut and are essential for digestive health. They also help to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control.

Studies have shown that taking probiotic supplements can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The recommended dose is around 10-20 billion CFUs per day.

Green Tea

Green tea is a popular beverage that is known for its many health benefits.

It contains a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in cells, leading to better blood sugar control. Studies have shown that drinking green tea or taking green tea supplements can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The recommended dose is around 500-1000 mg of EGCG per day.

Bitter Melon

Bitter melon is a fruit that has been used in traditional medicine for diabetes management. It contains active compounds that have been shown to improve glucose uptake and utilization in cells, leading to better blood sugar control.

Studies have shown that taking bitter melon supplements can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The recommended dose is around 200-600 mg per day.

Conclusion

Supplements can be a useful tool for managing diabetes, but they should always be used alongside proper treatment, medication, and lifestyle changes.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen to ensure safety and efficacy. With the right approach, supplements can help to improve blood sugar control, reduce complications, and improve overall health in people with diabetes.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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