Blood sugar control is an important part of managing diabetes and prediabetes. Fortunately, there are a number of supplements that can help lower blood sugar levels. Here are 10 supplements that have been shown to help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or prediabetes.Cinnamon is a popular spice that has been used for centuries to help regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that taking cinnamon supplements can help lower fasting blood sugar and improve diabetes control.
In one study, people with type 2 diabetes who took 120 or 360 mg of cinnamon extract before breakfast experienced an 11% or 14% decrease in fasting blood sugar, respectively, compared to people who received a placebo. American ginseng is a variety of ginseng grown primarily in North America. Studies have shown that taking up to 3 grams of American ginseng a day may help lower fasting blood sugar and blood sugar after meals. Keep in mind that ginseng may interact with warfarin and other medications.Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve digestion and gut health.
Studies have shown that probiotic supplements, especially those containing more than one species of beneficial bacteria, can help lower fasting blood sugar and A1C. Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant with many medicinal properties. Supplements or juices made from the leaves of this plant may help lower fasting blood sugar and A1C in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Keep in mind that aloe can interact with several medications, most notably digoxin.Berberine is a bitter-tasting compound extracted from the roots and stems of certain plants, such as golden seals and phelodendrons.
Studies have shown that berberine supplements taken together with diabetes medications helped lower blood sugar more than medications alone.Vitamin D deficiency is common in people with type 2 diabetes. Taking a supplement of 4,500 IU of vitamin D daily may improve overall blood sugar control, as reflected by A1C. Keep in mind that vitamin D may interact with certain medications.Gymnema sylvestre is an herb used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. Studies have shown that taking 400 mg of gymnema leaf extract daily for 18 to 20 months may help lower fasting blood sugar and A1C in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Magnesium deficiency is common in people with type 2 diabetes.
Studies suggest that magnesium supplements may help lower blood sugar levels.Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a vitamin-like compound and powerful antioxidant produced in the liver and found in some foods. Taking ALA supplements along with usual diabetes treatment for six months may help lower fasting blood sugar and A1C, with greater effects seen with daily doses up to 1200 mg.Chromium may improve the action of insulin in the body and reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and possibly in people with type 1 diabetes, but it won't cure the disease.Many supplements can help lower blood sugar levels, but it's important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement to make sure it's safe for you.
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