The Best Supplements For Managing Blood Sugar Levels

Managing blood sugar levels is a daily challenge for individuals with diabetes. While a balanced diet and regular exercise are key, supplements can also offer valuable support in maintaining healthy glucose levels. Some of the most effective supplements to help with achieve this include:

• Chromium
• Berberine
• Cinnamon
• Alpha-Lipoic acid
• Ginseng
• Probiotics
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D

From enhancing insulin sensitivity to reducing blood sugar spikes after meals, these supplements can help diabetics achieve better control over their condition. So, let’s dive into the exact nuances behind why they can be a fantastic addition to your diabetes management plan.

However, before we proceed please bear in mind that before adding any new supplement to your routine, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor, especially if you’re already taking medication or insulin for diabetes. Some supplements can interact with your medications and may cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low. 

Chromium

Chromium is a trace mineral essential for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It enhances insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to absorb glucose more efficiently and reducing blood sugar spikes after meals. By supporting insulin’s effectiveness at the cellular level, chromium ensures glucose enters cells rather than remaining in the bloodstream, making it beneficial for those with insulin resistance or blood sugar imbalances.

Berberine

Berberine is a bioactive compound extracted from various plants, such as goldenseal and barberry. It helps reduce glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to absorb glucose more easily. 

This combination of effects makes berberine highly effective for blood sugar control. In fact, a review of studies in people with type 2 diabetes illustrated that taking berberine in combination with diet and lifestyle changes reduced fasting blood sugar by a considerable degree compared to diet and lifestyle changes alone.

Cinnamon 

Cinnamon is not only a popular spice for cooking but it also contains compounds able to mimic insulin’s effects in the body, allowing glucose to enter cells more efficiently. Its insulin-sensitising properties also make it great at regulating blood sugar by making insulin more efficient at moving sugar into cells. 

Not only that, but cinnamon can also keep those pesky blood sugar spikes after meals at bay. Some studies suggest it slows the rate at which food leaves your stomach, while others indicate it may lower blood sugar after meals by blocking enzymes that break down carbohydrates. Either way taking a cinnamon supplement after your next carb-heavy meal could give your blood sugar levels the support they need!

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA for short, is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the liver that’s both water and fat-soluble, enabling it to work throughout our entire body.

ALA may enhance insulin sensitivity as well as help your cells better absorb sugar from your blood. However, it can take up to a few months before you may actually notice these benefits. Additionally, it may offer some protection against oxidative damage directly caused by elevated blood sugar levels.Ginseng

Ginseng

Ginseng, particularly the American variety, has shown potential for improving insulin sensitivity. In fact, a study has shown supplementing with American ginseng decreased post-meal blood sugar by about 20% in both healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes.

So, how does it work its magic? It delivers a powerful one-two punch, ramping up your body’s insulin production while supercharging your cells’ ability to respond to it. So, ginseng isn’t just a root with an extensive history, it’s a potential game-changer for managing blood sugar.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria well-known for supporting a healthy gut microbiome. However, few know that they can also play a critical role in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. 

Research in animals indicates that probiotics could help lower blood sugar levels by reducing inflammation and protecting the pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production. Boost your gut health while keeping your blood sugar in check, it’s a win-win for your well-being!

Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in your body, and, fortunately for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels, this includes insulin signalling. 

Magnesium deficiency is often seen in people with type 2 diabetes, especially those with poorly controlled blood sugar. Supplementing with magnesium can, therefore, be an absolute game-changer!

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiencies are incredibly common, particularly in those living in areas with limited sunshine, and have been linked to poor insulin function. Indeed, a study found that a staggering 72% of participants with type 2 diabetes were deficient in vitamin D. However, after daily supplementation their fasting blood sugar levels saw noticeable improvement. This is because the ‘sunshine vitamin’ improves the function of pancreatic cells, leading to increased insulin production, and then increases your body’s responsiveness to the hormone.

The Bottom Line

Managing blood sugar can feel like a constant balancing act for diabetics, but these supplements can be a powerful ally in your management plan. 

When combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, these natural aids may provide the extra boost needed for better control over your condition.

However, as mentioned at the beginning, before adding any new supplement to your routine, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor, especially if you’re already taking medication or insulin for diabetes. Some of the supplements mentioned above can interact with your medications and potentially cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.