A guide on different supplements and how they may affect your glucose levels

Key Takeaways:

• Blood sugar management's importance: Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is essential for energy, preventing insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
• Exploring supplements like berberine, chromium, cinnamon, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and magnesium how they have been shown to significantly improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.
• Vively offers personalised dietary recommendations, access to dietitians, and continuous glucose monitoring tools, empowering users to manage their blood sugar levels proactively.

Introduction

Imagine Sarah, a health-conscious individual in her late thirties, who has always been mindful of her diet and exercise routine. Despite her efforts, she finds herself battling fatigue and unexpected mood swings. After a routine check-up, Sarah learns that her blood glucose levels are slightly elevated. While she isn't diabetic, she realises that maintaining optimal glucose levels is crucial for her overall well-being. This revelation propels her on a journey to explore natural supplements that can help manage her blood sugar levels effectively.

Understanding blood sugar and its importance

Blood sugar, or glucose, is a critical energy source for the body's cells. Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is essential for preventing complications like insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. While diet and exercise are fundamental to glucose management, certain supplements can play a significant role in enhancing these efforts.

Top supplements for blood sugar management

1. Berberine

Berberine is a bioactive compound extracted from various plants, including goldenseal and barberry. Research has shown that berberine can significantly reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. In a study published in the journal Metabolism, berberine was found to lower fasting blood glucose by 20% and improve glucose tolerance, comparable to the effects of metformin, a commonly used medication for diabetes management (1).

2. Chromium

Chromium is a trace mineral that enhances insulin action, thereby facilitating glucose uptake by cells. A comprehensive review in the journal Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics indicated that chromium supplementation led to a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and improved glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes (2).

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is not just a delicious spice but also a powerful supplement for blood sugar management. Studies have demonstrated that cinnamon can lower fasting blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. One such study published in Diabetes Care found that cinnamon extract reduced fasting blood glucose by 18-29% (3).

4. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

ALA is an antioxidant that helps cells convert glucose into energy, thus improving insulin sensitivity. Research in the journal Diabetes showed that ALA supplementation improved insulin-stimulated glucose disposal and reduced oxidative stress markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes (4).

5. Magnesium

Magnesium plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and insulin action. Studies have indicated that magnesium deficiency is associated with insulin resistance and poor glycemic control. Supplementation with magnesium has been shown to improve fasting glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, as reported in the journal Diabetes & Metabolism (5).

How Vively can help

For non-diabetic individuals like Sarah, wanting to better understand and manage their blood sugar levels proactively, Vively offers a comprehensive solution. Vively’s platform provides personalised dietary recommendations, access to dietitians, and continuous glucose monitoring tools. These resources empower users to make informed decisions about their health and supplement intake, ensuring optimal blood sugar management without the need for medications.

Conclusion

Managing blood sugar levels is not only crucial for those with diabetes but also for anyone seeking to maintain optimal health. Supplements such as berberine, chromium, cinnamon, alpha-lipoic acid, and magnesium can significantly enhance blood sugar control when combined with a healthy lifestyle. By integrating these supplements into your daily routine and leveraging resources like Vively, you can achieve better glucose management and overall well-being. Are you ready to take the next step towards optimal blood sugar control?

Not all supplementation is appropriate so it is recommended that you seek personalised advice from your healthcare professional to find the best fit for your circumstances. Vively now provides the option for you to share your data with your healthcare provider in real time.

See here for more information on the Practitioner Dashboard.

References

1. Yin, Jun & Gao, Zhanguo & Liu, Dong & Liu, Zhijun & Ye, Jianping. (2008). Berberine Improves Glucose Metabolism through Induction of Glycolysis. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism. 294. E148-56. 10.1152/ajpendo.00211.2007. Metabolism, Berberine improves glucose metabolism by stimulating glycolysis
2. Balk EM, Tatsioni A, Lichtenstein AH, Lau J, Pittas AG. Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Care. 2007 Aug;30(8):2154-63. doi: 10.2337/dc06-0996. Epub 2007 May 22. PMID: 17519436.Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Chromium supplementation and its effects on glucose metabolism
3. Steve M. Blevins, Misti J. Leyva, Joshua Brown, Jonelle Wright, Robert H. Scofield, Christopher E. Aston; Effect of Cinnamon on Glucose and Lipid Levels in Non–Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 1 September 2007; 30 (9): 2236–2237.Diabetes Care, The effect of cinnamon on fasting blood glucose levels
4. Capece U, Moffa S, Improta I, Di Giuseppe G, Nista EC, Cefalo CMA, Cinti F, Pontecorvi A, Gasbarrini A, Giaccari A, et al. Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Glucose Metabolism: A Comprehensive Update on Biochemical and Therapeutic Features. Nutrients. 2023; 15(1):18 Diabetes, Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation and its impact on insulin sensitivity
5. Kostov K. Effects of Magnesium Deficiency on Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes: Focusing on the Processes of Insulin Secretion and Signaling. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019; 20(6):1351.Diabetes & Metabolism, Magnesium’s role in glucose metabolism and insulin action