For individuals looking to manage their blood sugar levels, incorporating supplements that lower A1C can be beneficial. These supplements can help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support overall blood sugar control.
You can lower your A1C level with changes to diet, exercise, and other habits. Below 5.7% is considered normal, 5.7% to 6.4% implies prediabetes, while 6.5% or more implies type 2 diabetes. As a primary objective, lowering A1C levels is a focus for many persons with type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar levels are maintained at optimal levels by the product’s organically derived recipe.
1. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to help lower A1C levels in individuals with diabetes. It works by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative stress in the body. Incorporating alpha-lipoic acid into your daily routine may help improve glucose metabolism and lower A1C over time.
Supplementing with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 2,000 international units (IU) daily can be helpful in managing or preventing type 1 diabetes. Adequate Intakes (AIs) for omega-3s in adults are 1.6 g for males and 1.1 g for females, slightly increasing during pregnancy. Omega-3s can also be found in fortified foods like eggs, yogurt and milk, juices, cereals, and more. True cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), also known as Ceylon or Sri Lankan Cinnamon, tends to have lower levels of coumarin. AIs for chromium in adults are 25 micrograms (mcg) per day in females and 35 mcg in females. AIs drop to 30 mcg during pregnancy but increase to 45 mcg during breastfeeding.
2. Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that plays a key role in insulin regulation and glucose metabolism. Supplementing with chromium has been found to help lower A1C levels and improve blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. It can also help decrease cravings for sugary foods, making it easier to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), a pharmacist, or a healthcare provider. A 2014 review found favorable effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Magnesium supplements can interact with medications, including antibiotics and diuretics.
It is proposed that this promotes β-cell repair and regeneration, protects β-cells from oxidative stress, and increases C-peptide levels (48). As mentioned previously, these supplements are potentially safe but currently have insufficient reliable evidence in people with diabetes (13–15,41,42). One meta-analysis showed that supplementation with probiotics significantly reduces glucose levels and improves insulin resistance (49).
These elements restore normal blood sugar levels by boosting glucose metabolism. But if your doctor has prescribed medication, such as metformin, miglitol, or insulin, it’s important to take them exactly as prescribed. If you miss doses regularly, your blood sugar numbers may creep up and cause your A1c to rise. But if you follow the medication plan that your doctor recommends and go to every appointment, your blood sugar should stay under control — and your lower A1c number will reflect that. If your goal is to cut down on, or even stop needing, your meds, tell your doctor that you want to work toward that. Taking antibiotics is one way to damage healthy gut bacteria, but diseases such as diabetes, can also play a part.
Supplements for heart health come in many forms, including pills, capsules, soft gels, and liquids. Certain supplements may contain added ingredients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, or stabilizers. It is best to check labels to be certain that you know what a supplement contains and to make sure there aren’t ingredients that may not benefit you. Many medications can affect A1C levels by altering insulin secretion, reducing insulin sensitivity, or increasing sugar production.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular spice that has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels. Studies have found that cinnamon can help lower fasting blood glucose levels and reduce A1C in individuals with diabetes. Adding cinnamon to your diet or taking it as a supplement may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation in the body.
Setting a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine later in the day, and limiting screen time before bed may be beneficial to ensure you get enough sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can take a major toll on several aspects of health, causing issues like daytime sleepiness, mood changes, fatigue, and trouble concentrating, among others. Experts estimate that around 10 percent to 30 percent of individuals with diabetes have anemia, and approximately one-third of those people with anemia are deficient in iron.
4. Berberine
Berberine is a compound found in several plants, including goldenseal and barberry. It has been studied for its potential benefits in lowering A1C levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Berberine works by activating an enzyme that helps regulate glucose metabolism, making it a promising supplement for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
Overall, incorporating supplements like alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, cinnamon, and berberine can be a natural way to help lower A1C levels and improve overall blood sugar control. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.
