When you eat food, your body absorbs the food and turns it into sugar, causing your blood sugar levels, also called blood glucose levels, to rise. Normally, your body releases insulin to combat these increased glucose levels; however, in diabetes, either your body isn’t releasing insulin, or your body isn’t responding to the insulin, causing perpetually high blood glucose levels. High glucose levels can cause complications, including eye disease, nerve damage, kidney disease and heart disease. Diet and exercise can help your body respond, and, for mild diabetes, may be enough. When it isn’t, it’s necessary to use medications to help lower your blood glucose levels.
In addition to prescribed medications, there are over-the-counter supplements that may be able to help you manage your blood glucose levels. These should be taken in addition to continuing diet, exercise, and any prescribed medications. It’s important to let your doctor and pharmacist know about any supplements you take.
>Bitter Melon
Bitter melon has been shown to lower blood glucose levels in a manner similar to exercise. Its main side effect is stomach upset, and pregnant women should not take bitter melon due to the risk of birth defects or miscarriage. Bitter melon can be taken in its vegetable form or in tea or juice. It may also be taken as a capsule.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon received some attention in 2003 after a study examined its effects in people with diabetes, showing that it lowered fasting blood glucose levels. Since the first study, a couple other studies have also shown cinnamon to be effective in lowering fasting blood glucose. It’s believed that cinnamon is effective because it works in a similar way to insulin, the body’s natural anti-sugar hormone. In addition to lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, and drug therapy, cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can be consumed as a spice in foods or taken as a supplement in capsule form.
Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace element that is used by the body for the breakdown of carbohydrates. Research has looked at the effect of chromium supplementation on glucose levels in people with diabetes, and the results have been mixed with too few studies to draw a conclusion. It’s important to note that, when taken with certain types of anti-diabetic medications, including insulin, chromium can cause hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar), therefore blood glucose levels should be closely monitored. Foods containing chromium include broccoli, grape juice, garlic, beef, red wine, and brewer’s yeast. As a supplement, it’s generally taken in doses of 200-500 mcg per day.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek has been shown to possibly help lower blood glucose levels, potentially by helping the body release more insulin. Additionally, fenugreek seeds have fiber. Fiber, from any source, can help slow down the body’s absorption of carbohydrates, leading to lower blood glucose levels. Side effects can include gas, bloating or diarrhea. Pregnant women should avoid fenugreek because it may cause contractions of the uterus. When taken with certain anti-diabetic medications, including insulin, it can cause hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar), therefore blood glucose levels should be closely monitored. Fenugreek can be taken as seeds, as tea, or as a capsule.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
This compound is also known as lipoic acid or thioctic acid, considered the “universal antioxidant”. Its beneficial effects are believed to be due to increasing the removal of glucose from the blood and increasing the body’s response to insulin. Another beneficial effect it has is to improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, a condition that can cause pain, numbness or burning in the arms or legs and can be caused by diabetes. Usual doses are 600-1,200 mg daily, and effects are generally seen within 3-5 weeks. Dietary sources of alpha-lipoic acid include liver, broccoli, potatoes, spinach, peas and Brussels sprouts
Magnesium
It’s common for patients with diabetes to have low levels of magnesium, especially if the diabetes is poorly controlled. Low levels can potentially cause the body to not respond as well to insulin. Supplementing dietary intake of magnesium is associated with lower fasting blood glucose levels. Additionally, magnesium supplementation may be beneficial for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Vitamin E
Diabetes is associated with a state of increased free radicals. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, work against free radicals. Studies have looked at vitamin E supplementation in people with diabetes. Some studies show a positive effect when vitamin E is taken at 100-1,600 mg per day for 2-4 months; however, other studies show no change in blood glucose levels or A1c. Vitamin E refers to a family of compounds and can be found in both synthetic and natural forms. The synthetic forms usually have “dl” in their name (e.g. dl-alpha-tocopherol), while the natural forms usually have “d” in their name (e.g. d-gamma-tocopherol). The natural form is preferred due to its greater efficacy.
Before making any changes in your treatment, it is important to discuss them with your physician. If you have any questions regarding these or other supplements, please call us.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
About the Author
Coastal Pharmacy & Wellness Staff
