What Is The Best Supplement To Take To Lower Blood Sugar?

Half A Teaspoon Of This Each Day Can Optimize Cholesterol Levels...

A 12-week London study was recently conducted involving 58 type 2 diabetics with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels over 7 percent. Hemoglobin A1c is a marker for long-term glycemic control in diabetics. After 12 weeks on 2g of cinnamon per day, study subjects had significantly lower HbA1c levels, as well as significantly reduced blood pressures (systolic, SBP and diastolic, DBP). The researchers’ conclusion: “Intake of 2g of cinnamon for 12 weeks significantly reduces the HbA1c, SBP and DBP among poorly controlled type 2 diabetes patients. Cinnamon supplementation could be considered as an additional dietary supplement option to regulate blood glucose and blood pressure levels along with conventional medications to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.” In related news, a new study out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill points to a connection between magnesium in the diet and lowered risk of diabetes. According to Reuters: “It's plausible that magnesium could influence diabetes risk because the mineral is needed for the proper functioning of several enzymes that help the body process glucose.” Researchers studied magnesium intake and diabetes risk in about 4,500 men and women aged 18 to 30. None of the participants were diabetic at the start of the study. Over the ensuing 20 years, 330 of the test subjects developed diabetes. The people with the highest magnesium intake – about 200 milligrams for every 1,000 calories consumed – were almost 50 percent less likely to develop diabetes than men and women who consumed about 100 milligrams per 1,000 calories. The study also revealed that as magnesium intake increased, inflammation levels decreased, as did insulin resistance. IMPORTANT NOTE: Reuters reports one wildly inaccurate conclusion: that consuming w Continue reading >>

How To Use Berberine To Boost Weight Loss, Lower Blood Sugar & More

Berberine might just be one of the best supplements you’ve never heard of. Elevated blood sugar levels damage the body’s tissues and organs leading to a variety of health problems, poor quality of life, and shortened lifespan. We strongly believe a low carb diet like the Keto diet, along with increased exercise is the most effective means of combatting high blood sugar, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and related disease. However, many people are not able to control their blood sugar levels with diet and exercise alone and turn to prescriptions medications from their doctor. The most commonly used prescription drug for high blood sugar is metformin (Glucophage) Works as well as Metformin A review of the 14 most relevant studies that found berberine works as well as the most commonly prescribed diabetes drugs metformin, rosiglitazonem and glipizide (10, 11,15). Berberine seems to work via multiple different mechanisms (12): Decreases insulin resistance, so it is more effective at lowering blood sugar levels Increases glycolysis inside the cells Signals the liver to decrease glucose production. Increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Remarkable as it seems that it acts in all these pathways, also seems to affect various other enzymes, molecules and genes related to blood sugar control. Normalized Blood Sugar Levels 116 diabetic patients given 1 gram of berberine per day for 3 months. These patients experienced fasting blood sugar levels lowered to normal levels, from 126 to 101 mg/dL (13). Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels These same 116 patients experienced A1c levels lowered by 12% on average, and greatly lowered levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Triglyceride decreased from 2.51 to 1.61, total cholesterol from 5.31 to 4.35, and LDL cholesterol. from Continue reading >>

How To Use Berberine To Boost Weight Loss, Lower Blood Sugar & More

Berberine might just be one of the best supplements you've never heard of. Through it's powerful effects on insulin and muscle mass berberine can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin levels. This effect is so strong that it has been compared to pharmaceutical medications (we will go over that below). Beyond its effects on blood sugar and insulin berberine also shows promise in several other areas. Among these conditions include: Is berberine right for you? Let's talk about how to determine if you should take it, how much you should take and how long you should be taking it for: How Berberine helps with Weight Loss Like other supplements that may help with weight loss the mechanism of action of berberine alters many different pathways and has multiple benefits. By now you should be aware that there is no "magical cure" for weight loss, or that one simple supplement or medication will result in significant weight loss by itself. Instead, if weight loss is your goal, your focus should be on targeting specific hormonal pathways that are out of balance in YOUR body. Berberine happens to impact several of these hormonal pathways and this is probably one of the main reasons that berberine has been shown to help with weight loss. Before we begin I want to point out that berberine is best used if it is part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes other targeted supplements, hormones (as necessary), dietary changes and other lifestyle changes. So now that that is out of the way, let's talk about the many ways that berberine may help with weight loss. #1. Targets insulin resistance and helps treat Diabetes One of the most important effects of berberine is how it interacts with the hormone insulin. Insulin levels drive weight gain and many dise Continue reading >>

Which Supplements Can Help Lower Or Control My Blood Sugar?

Question: Answer: Many different supplements may help lower or control blood sugar in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who experience hyperglycemia (when blood glucose rises higher than normal). These supplements are discussed below. More details about each, including dosage, drug interactions, potential side effects, and ConsumerLab.com's reviews of products on the market, can be found by clicking on the links. Due to the seriousness of hyperglycemia, it is important to consult with your physician regarding use of these supplements. Cinnamon supplements may modestly improve blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar is not well controlled with medication. In addition, one small study found that a branded cinnamon extract reduced fasting blood sugar by an average of about 10 mg/dL in prediabetic men and women with metabolic syndrome. Keep in mind, however, that only certain varieties of cinnamon have been shown to have this effect, and long-term safety studies have not been conducted. Curcumin (from turmeric) may improve blood sugar levels, according to preliminary studies, and one study found curcumin to dramatically lower the chances of prediabetes in middle-aged, slightly overweight men and women with somewhat higher than normal blood sugar levels. Alpha lipoic acid may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, although it may only slightly reduce levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Chromium picolinate may help some people with type 2 diabetes decrease fasting blood glucose levels as well as levels of insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). However, be aware that high doses may worsen insulin sensitivity in healthy people who are not obese or diabetic. Having adequate blood levels of vi Continue reading >>

Supplements To Lower Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, also referred to as hyperglycemia, occurs when an excessive amount of glucose is circulating through the blood plasma. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, blurred vision, feeling tired, frequent urination and the development of infections such as thrush and cystitis. Certain supplements have blood-sugar-lowering properties, and they may help to regulate your blood sugar levels naturally; however, you should always consult with a health care practitioner before taking any new supplement. Video of the Day Chromium plays a role in the regulation of blood sugar levels, and according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, approximately 90 percent of the American population is low in this essential mineral. Low chromium levels can lead to high blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes. Clinical research has found evidence that taking chromium may not only reduce blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetics but may also lower the amount of insulin that diabetics require. It should be noted that not all studies found that chromium effectively lowers blood sugar, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness as a supplement for lowering blood sugar. Green tea is a traditional and natural method of both regulating and lowering blood sugar levels. A comparison study was conducted on type-2 diabetic patients, 39 of whom were given 500 milligrams of green tea extract three times per day for 16 weeks. Another 38 patients were given a placebo. The study, which was published on March 2014 in the "PLOS ONE" journal, found that green tea extract pills not only improved insulin resistance in the group given the green tea, but it also helped to lower triglyceride levels and to raise levels of high-density lipoprotein, the healthy cho Continue reading >>

10 Foods That Lower Blood Sugars In Diabetics

While a low carb diet appears to be useful on the whole, there are also many foods shown to help. Either by lowering blood sugars and/or improving insulin sensitivity. This articles looks at 10 of the best foods and supplements for lowering blood sugars, based on current research. Just know they should never be used in place of your diabetes medication, but rather alongside. 1. Resistant Starch Lowers Sugars After Meals Starches are long chains of glucose (sugar) found in oats, grains, bananas, potatoes and various other foods. Some varieties pass through digestion unchanged and are not absorbed as sugar into the blood. These are known as resistant starch. Many studies show resistant starch can greatly improve insulin sensitivity. That is, how well the body can move sugar out of the blood and into cells for energy. This is why it’s so useful for lowering blood sugar levels after meals (1, 2). The effect is so great that having resistant starch at lunch will reduce blood sugar spikes at dinner, known as the “second meal effect” (3). Problem is many foods high in resistant starch, such as potatoes, are also high in digestible carbs that can spike blood sugar. Therefore resistant starch in supplement form – without the extra carbs – is recommended. Summary: Supplemental resistant starch is a fantastic option for those struggling to control sugars or have hit a plateau. 2. Ceylon Cinnamon Several cinnamon compounds appear to prevent the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, minimising blood sugar spikes. It may also dramatically improve insulin sensitivity (4, 5). In a recent clinical trial, 25 poorly-controlled type 2 diabetics received either 1 gram per day of cinnamon or placebo (dummy supplement) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood sugar levels in the cinnamon gro Continue reading >>

4 Minerals That Support Healthy Blood Sugar

There’s a long debate about macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat) and blood sugar, but there’s a lot less information out there about micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Here’s a look at four minerals that are important for blood sugar control, plus some ideas for getting them from delicious, nutrient-dense Paleo recipes. A quick review (if you already know what glucose and insulin are, just skip the list): Blood sugar: the amount of sugar (glucose) that’s in your blood. It’s fine and normal for blood sugar to go up after a meal, but then it needs to go back down again. Too much glucose hanging out in your bloodstream for a long time is very dangerous. Insulin: the hormone responsible for clearing sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream. Insulin resistance: when insulin says “please take this glucose out of the bloodstream and put it in a fat/muscle cell” but your body doesn’t “listen” to the insulin and blood sugar stays high. This is very bad news. Type 2 Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes have chronic insulin resistance, so they have high blood sugar a lot of the time. (Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and a totally different animal – here, “diabetes” means type 2). There are reams and reams of studies on diabetes because it’s officially a “disease” so it gets a lot of attention. “Problems managing blood sugar” isn’t officially a “disease” until it gets to a particular cut-off, so it doesn’t get as much attention. But type 2 diabetes doesn’t come from nowhere. It starts with problems managing blood sugar that steadily get worse over time. Diabetes is the extreme end of the spectrum, not some new and totally unrelated issue. All of this is to say: there are a lot of studies in this post on diabetes and peopl Continue reading >>

Herbs And Supplements For Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes, but is becoming more common in children. This form of diabetes is caused when your body either resists insulin or doesn’t produce enough. It causes your blood glucose levels to be unbalanced. There is no cure. However, many people are able to manage their blood glucose levels with diet and exercise. If not, a doctor can prescribe medications that can manage blood sugar levels. Some of these medications are: insulin therapy metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, others) sulfonylureas meglitinides A healthy diet, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are the first, and sometimes, most important part of diabetes treatment. However, when those are not enough to maintain your blood sugar levels, your doctor can decide which medications will work best for you. Along with these treatments, people with diabetes have tried numerous herbs and supplements to improve their diabetes. These alternative treatments are supposed to help control blood sugar levels, reduce resistance to insulin, and prevent diabetes-related complications. Some supplements have shown promise in animal studies. However, there is currently only limited evidence that they have the above mentioned benefits in humans. It is always best to let the foods you eat provide your vitamins and minerals. However, more and more people are turning to alternative medicines and supplements. In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics are more likely to use supplements than those without the disease. Supplements should not be used to replace standard diabetes treatment. Doing so can put your health at risk. It is important to talk to your doctor before using any supplements. Some of these products can interfere with other Continue reading >>

Cinnamon And Diabetes: An Update

About nine years ago (way back in 2006), I wrote about cinnamon and diabetes. To this date, people still ask questions and post comments about this topic. Since then, more research is available that (hopefully) sheds more light on whether cinnamon lowers blood sugars and HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar control over the previous 2–3 months) — or not. Let’s take a look at where things stand in 2015. Back then A study that I cited in 2006 was one published in the journal Diabetes Care back in 2003 by Khan et al. The researchers gave different doses (1, 3, or 6 grams) of cassia cinnamon to subjects with Type 2 diabetes for 40 days. All three groups of subjects had an improvement in their fasting blood sugar levels, as well as their lipid (blood fat) levels. As a result of this study, many people have jumped on the cinnamon bandwagon, so to speak, taking cinnamon supplements, adding cinnamon sticks to tea, and sprinkling cinnamon on their foods. In addition, much debate has occurred regarding the type of cinnamon that’s best to use for diabetes: cassia or ceylon. Where we are now Khan’s study certainly created a firestorm and has led to more research on the use of cinnamon for diabetes management. The tricky issues around studying cinnamon are that: • There are different types of cinnamon, primarily cassia and ceylon. • It’s difficult to assess the potency of any particular “batch” of cinnamon, no matter the type. • The active ingredient or ingredients in cinnamon that might have a glucose-lowering effect have yet to be identified. Without definitive answers to these issues, it’s hard to be certain of the role of cinnamon on glucose control. Much of the “evidence” is anecdotal: Someone reports that taking cinnamon helped to lower his blood sugar, Continue reading >>

Suppress Blood Sugar Without Drugs

The research is conclusive—the longer you wait to tame age-related blood sugar increases, the greater your odds of succumbing to diabetes and its associated increased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, cancer, and blindness.1-3 For the majority of aging individuals,urgent action is needed.1,2 The public has not yet recognized the magnitude of damage inflicted after consumption of what most consider only a moderate amount of starch or sugar. A widely publicized study showed that drinking just one 12-ounce sugar-sweetened soda daily resulted in an 18-22% increased risk of type II diabetes.4 While health-conscious people may avoid sodas, there are so many glucose-spiking foods in our diets that virtually none of us are immune. Hard science reveals that fasting blood sugar above 85 mg/dL is associated with increased risks of death and disease. Unfortunately, most adult glucose levels are well above this range.1,2,5 Aging humans should take assertive steps before eating carbohydrates to impede the absorption of glucose into their bloodstream. Just as important, however, is the need to suppress excess production of glucose in our liver and to improve uptake of blood glucose into our muscle cells as opposed to it being stored as fat. The breaking news for those who want to avoid drugs is the discovery of three plant-derived nutrients that target underlying reasons why 80% of American adults today have higher than optimal glucose levels.6 The July 3, 2013 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) examined the impact of fructose on human health.7 High-fructose corn syrup represents over 40% of caloric sweeteners added to foods and beverages. It’s often the sole caloric sweetener in soft drinks in the United States.8 The digestion and metaboli Continue reading >>

Diabazole: The Safest Way To Get Rid Of High Blood Sugar Levels

Diabazole – High blood sugar level is the common issue that the majority of the people are suffering. Diabetes is a disease that can attack anyone so only elderly people are not the victims. After 30s, you are prone to much disease and diabetes is extremely common. The good news is that science and medicine industry is having natural solution for those who are suffering from high blood sugar levels. Diabazole is a one natural supplement that not only treats just blood sugar levels, but also takes care of your vital organs and metabolism. Highlights of Diabazole Natural antimicrobial Increase insulin sensitivity Helps lowering blood sugar levels Supports cardiovascular health Reduce neuropathy Reduce inflammation Know About Diabazole Diabazole is an effective and best answer to treat diabetes utilizing the capability of its natural and common substances. It can switch the negative effects of symptoms brought about by diabetes. Besides, the product will have the capacity to control the life of a diabetic sufferer by changing it positively. It is loaded with natural substances and diminishes the circulatory strain and cholesterol levels. Indeed, you can get the possibility to battle free radicals, which are the significant reason of high blood sugar levels. Why use Diabazole? If you are suffering from diabetes, then you know how tough life is. Every day in the morning, the first thing many people do is to swallow handful of prescribed medications for diabetes. After that every week or month they have to prick needles to get their blood sugar levels checked so that the data can be recorded. You cannot eat what you like especially sweets. You have to eat on time, sleep on time. it is like no fun left in life. taking this natural supplement is going to be a good investment Continue reading >>

Supplements That Lower Blood Sugar Naturally

Although diet and exercise are the two most important factors in dealing with Type 2 diabetes, scientific research shows that there are several supplements you can enlist in your blood sugar battle. “I think supplements should be part of the foundation for how people with high blood sugar address their problems,” says Paula H. Mendelsohn, a licensed dietician and functional medicine nutritionist. “Supplements help the diabetics I treat get off of medications and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.” One key element that may be lacking in the diet of many diabetics is the trace mineral chromium, which gives insulin a boost in regulating blood sugar. Although chromium is found in wide range of foods — including egg yolks, whole-grain products, coffee, nuts, green beans, broccoli, meat, and brewer’s yeast — it’s not easily absorbable by the body. What’s more, surveys show that a majority of Americans don’t get the minimum daily requirement of it. Supplements can help make up the difference. “Chromium supplementation, especially in the form of chromium picolinate…can improve both glucose and insulin metabolism” in diabetics, say researchers Dr. William T. Cefalu, and Dr. Frank B. Hu, citing several studies, on the American Diabetes Association Website. A general consensus among experts is that taking 1,000 micrograms of chromium picolinate a day may help diabetics control their blood sugar. But chromium is just one of several supplements that Mendelsohn recommends for Type 2 diabetes patients. “No single supplement is better than all the others,” Mendelsohn tells Newsmax Health. “They all work together synergistically.” Here are some others (just be aware that diabetics shouldn’t take any supplement that may affect blood sugar without fir Continue reading >>

Vitamins To Help Lower Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, may be caused by medications, chronic illness or an imbalance in your hormones. Diabetics can develop hyperglycemia if they don't take adequate insulin or if they consume too many carbohydrates, particularly simple carbohydrates that have a high glycemic index. Some research indicates that certain vitamins may help prevent hyperglycemia by lowering your blood sugar level, though more studies are needed. Obtain the majority of the vitamins in your diet from food -- do not attempt to treat blood sugar irregularities with vitamin supplements until you've consulted your doctor. Video of the Day Effect of Biotin An article published in 2005 in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry concluded that the B vitamin biotin stimulates the production of compounds like insulin that regulate blood sugar and inhibits the synthesis of enzymes responsible for stimulating the liver to produce glucose. The article also reported that people who don't consume enough biotin are more likely to have impaired glucose tolerance and higher blood glucose levels. The recommended daily allowance of biotin for adults is 30 micrograms. A whole cooked egg supplies 10 micrograms of biotin, a 3-ounce serving of canned pink salmon contains approximately 5 micrograms and pork chops have almost 4 micrograms in every 3 ounces. Other sources include whole grains, legumes, nuts, sardines and some produce like mushrooms. Effect of Vitamin D The more vitamin D you consume, the less likely you may be to develop high blood glucose and Type 2 diabetes as you age, found a study published in the journal Diabetes in 2008. However, it's not yet known how vitamin D does this, or if increasing vitamin D intake can directly lower the levels of people who already have high blood sugar. H Continue reading >>

Supplements For Blood Sugar Control

In this day, having a chronic condition such as diabetes usually means taking medications. While there are many different types of medications there are also supplements for blood sugar control that work as well as medicine. The benefit of using supplements is the side effects are minimal when taken appropriately. Supplements work in different ways, so choosing which one(s) wisely is important. In addition, the quality of the supplements makes a difference on how they work (click here for health care provider quality supplements). In some cases it may take trial and error to find the supplements that will help with blood sugar handling, but it is worth the effort. Supplements for blood sugar control Alpha Lipoic Acid Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant used when blood sugar is gradually increasing as often seen when diagnosed with prediabetes. It prevents or delays the onset of diabetes by helping your cells pull the glucose from the blood stream. It also works well when there is tingling or numbness in the hands or toes, also known as neuropathy. For neuropathy, take alpha lipoic acid at the higher recommended dose for relief. Recommended dose is 600mg taken 1-3 times per day Berberine Berberine is a compound found in food. It lowers glucose by decreasing how much sugar the liver produces, similar to the way metformin works. The added bonus to taking berberine is that it can also lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Recommended dose is 500mg taken 2-3 times daily Chromium Chromium is a natural element useful for decreasing insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance (also known as prediabetes). It works best when there is a chromium deficiency which can be tested for. The best form of chromium is chromium piccolinate. However, with a history of liver or kid Continue reading >>

5 Natural Ways People With Prediabetes Can Lower Their Blood Sugar

Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are above normal but not elevated enough to be considered diabetes. People diagnosed with prediabetes are at increased risk of developing diabetes in the future, which is all the more reason to be as healthy as you can. Here are five natural ways to improve your blood sugar levels, and possibly lower your risk of developing full-blown diabetes: 1. Try Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar has been shown to decrease fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels. It can be too bitter or potent alone, however, and some people report esophageal irritation when swallowing it. To make it more palatable, mix 2 teaspoons in 8 ounces of water and drink or use as a salad dressing. 2. Eat More High-Fiber Foods Foods that are high in fiber help keep blood sugar levels steady and eliminate big spikes and drops. Fiber also helps reduce insulin resistance and can decrease your risk of developing diabetes. Aim to get at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day from fresh, unprocessed, and seasonal foods. 3. Get More Sleep Inadequate or poor sleep makes the body less effective at using insulin. Aim to get at least seven to nine hours per night. If a good night's sleep is not possible during the week, make sure you are catching up over the weekend. A chronic lack of sleep can lead you to maek poor food choices and cause you to have imbalanced energy levels. 4. Take a Cinnamon Extract Supplement Cinnamon extract has also been shown to improve fasting blood sugars in those with both prediabetes and diabetes. But watch how you take the extract. Cinnamon-sugar cupcakes don’t count! A supplement is the best way to get pure cinnamon extract. 5. Eat Chromium-Rich Foods Chromium is essential to healthy cellular function and helps insulin function as it Continue reading >>