Routhenstein says, “It is important to assess the dosages of all supplements; many people think that more is better, and that simply is not true. Having mega-doses of certain nutrients in supplemental form can lead to toxicity, cardiac arrhythmias, GI distress, and kidney and liver damage.” You should always review dosing with a healthcare provider. Therefore, it’s crucial to read trustworthy information about the supplement before taking it. This can include consulting with a healthcare professional, researching reputable sources online, and reading customer reviews. By doing so, individuals can make informed decisions about which dietary supplements are right for them and their unique health needs. Dietary supplements are designed to provide additional nutrients that may be lacking in one’s diet, or to help reduce the risk of certain health issues such as diabetes, tinnitus, or arthritis.
Vitamin D may trigger mild to moderate reactions with several types of medications, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance. Vitamin D may improve the function of pancreatic cells that make insulin and increase your body’s responsiveness to insulin. Vitamin D deficiency is considered a potential risk factor for type 2 diabetes. American ginseng may improve your cells’ response to and increase your body’s insulin secretion.
Use healthy foods, portion control and a schedule to manage your blood sugar level. If you don’t follow your prescribed diet, you run the risk of blood sugar levels that change often and more-serious complications. So far, there’s some evidence that dietary supplements like cinnamon, berberine, and vitamin D may improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. These are not substitutes for FDA-approved diabetes medications, though. Other products marketed for diabetes commonly contain a combination of multiple supplements. It is proposed that this promotes β-cell repair and regeneration, protects β-cells from oxidative stress, and increases C-peptide levels (48).
Managing blood sugar levels is essential for individuals with diabetes, and one key marker to monitor is A1C. A1C, or glycated hemoglobin, reflects average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. High A1C levels indicate poor blood sugar control, which can lead to complications such as nerve damage, heart disease, and kidney problems.
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Particularly where eating patterns and exercise are concerned, slow, steady progress tends to deliver the best long-term results. The best way to make something second nature is to keep doing it consistently. It’s important to be practical because a slow, steady approach to weight loss (a pound or two a week, at most) tends to get the best results when it comes to keeping weight off. You can apply the same proportions and ideas behind the plate method to foods that don’t lend themselves to being divided across a plate, like sandwiches, for instance. But researchers noted that applying these results to individuals is tricky.
IGF plays an important role in the production of fat cells, so reducing IGF levels may help reduce fat mass. Adding cumin to your diet may be an effective natural way to support blood sugar control. Following a diet high in antioxidant-rich foods, like cumin, helps manage free radical levels by supplying your body with protective antioxidants. Ginseng is available in different types such as Asian ginseng (panax ginseng) and American ginseng (panax quinquefolius). American ginseng has been reported as the most studied and safe type of the supplement (38).
However, research into supplement efficacy in managing the condition is often mixed. Some medications primarily affect your blood sugars after a meal, which are also called postprandial blood sugars. These medications include sitagliptin (Januvia), repaglinide (Prandin), and others. While they don’t significantly improve fasting glucose values, they still help lower your A1C level because of the decrease in post-meal glucose spikes.
In one double-blind trial of 61 healthy volunteers, a meal containing 20 g of ivy gourd leaves was administered to participants. There was a statistically significant mean difference in PPG of 11.46 mg/dL between the experimental and control groups (43). In an RCT of 60 patients with type 2 diabetes, FPG and PPG decreased by 16 and 18%, respectively, after taking 1 g daily of ivy gourd extract for 90 days (44).
Fortunately, there are natural supplements that can help lower A1C levels when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar levels. This spice can be easily added to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies to help regulate blood sugar. Some studies suggest that taking cinnamon supplements may also lower A1C levels.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. Studies have shown that this supplement may help lower A1C levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Alpha-lipoic acid can be found in supplement form or in certain foods like spinach, broccoli, and potatoes.
Berberine
Berberine is a compound extracted from various plants that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Some studies suggest that berberine may also help reduce A1C levels in individuals with diabetes. It can be taken in supplement form or found in herbs like goldenseal and barberry.
Before adding any supplements to your regimen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you are taking medications for diabetes or other health conditions. While supplements can be beneficial in lowering A1C levels, they should not replace traditional treatment methods. With the right combination of supplements, diet, exercise, and medication, individuals with diabetes can better manage their blood sugar levels and improve their overall health.
