13 Supplements to Help Lower Blood Sugar

1. Cinnamon

• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a spice that comes from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees.
• It is loaded with antioxidants and has been shown to balance blood sugar, curb cravings, and keep you feeling full for longer.
• Cinnamon contains a compound that mimics the effects of insulin, assisting in the transfer of sugar from the bloodstream to the cells.
• In addition, it may slow the breakdown of carbs by reducing the amount of certain digestive enzymes.

2. Aloe vera

• Aloe vera is known to slow the progress of type II diabetes.
• One animal study found that aloe vera may help protect and repair beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin due to its antioxidant properties.
• Aloe vera may also help lower levels of both fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C.
• Moreover, some animal studies have shown that aloe vera may help reduce oxidative stress, increase insulin levels, boost the number of pancreatic cells, and protect against diabetic kidney disease, depression, and anxiety. 

3. Gymnema

• Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It gets its name from the word “gurmar,” which means “sugar destroyer.”
• Some animal studies have shown that gymnema may help reduce blood sugar levels by:
  • Increasing antioxidants
  • Lowering stress
  • Lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels 
  • Decreasing body weight 
  • Inhibiting fat accumulation
  • Increasing insulin production
  • Lowering inflammation

4. Ginger

• Ginger is the main stem of the ginger plant, Zingiber officinale, which is commonly used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for various ailments.
• It can help control blood sugar levels and prevents a spike in blood sugar after eating a carb-rich meal.
• The spice is known to have the same fat-burning (thermogenic) properties as turmeric and cayenne.
• A small study also reported that ginger may reduce both fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels.

5. Fenugreek

• Fenugreek is a seed that contains fiber and chemicals that help slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar.
• One study concluded that fenugreek consumption led to a reduction in blood sugar resulting from increased insulin levels as well as reduced cholesterol levels.

6. Vitamin D

• Higher concentrations of vitamin D in the blood during childhood are associated with a lower risk of type I diabetes in adulthood. Several studies have also linked vitamin D deficiency to insulin dysfunction.
• Vitamin D may improve the function of pancreatic cells and increase the body’s responsiveness to insulin.

7. Probiotics

• Probiotic supplements contain beneficial bacteria that offer numerous health benefits and may help your body use carbs more effectively.
• One meta-analysis showed that probiotic supplementation in people with type II diabetes was associated with a significant improvement in both HbA1c and fasting insulin levels.
• Animal studies suggest that probiotics may lower blood sugar by reducing inflammation and preventing the destruction of pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production.

8. Berberine

• Berberine is a bitter-tasting compound obtained from the roots and stems of certain plants, including goldenseal and Phellodendron.
• It may improve insulin sensitivity and enhance the entry of blood sugar into the muscles, thus lowering blood sugar levels.
• However, in high doses, berberine may cause digestive problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas.

9. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)

• ALA is a vitamin-like compound and powerful antioxidant made by the liver and is found in very small amounts in foods such as spinach, broccoli, and red meat.
• ALA may help reduce high blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative stress and sugar uptake from the blood.
• A study also reported that ALA reduces pain from diabetic neuropathy.

10. Ginseng

• Ginseng is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for its health-promoting properties.
• One animal study reported that ginseng can help people lose weight by altering the fat production process and slowing fat absorption; however, more high-quality, large-scale studies are needed regarding ginseng’s effect on weight reduction in humans.

11. Magnesium

• Magnesium deficiency is often seen in people with decreased absorption and poor diets and those who take diuretics or birth control pills. 
• Dietary sources of magnesium include whole grains, leafy green vegetables, legumes, and nuts. 
• Magnesium helps control blood sugar levels by normalizing insulin secretion and activating insulin receptors.
• Magnesium supplements may increase the risk of diarrhea and interact with several medications, such as certain diuretics and antibiotics.

12. Chromium

• Chromium is an essential trace mineral found in many foods. Its deficiency reduces the body’s ability to use carbs, converting them into sugar for energy and raising insulin requirements.
• Chromium supplements may enhance the effects of insulin or support the activity of pancreatic cells that produce insulin.

13. Bitter melon

• Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a fruit that has been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries.
• A 2020 study reported that extracts from this fruit help lower fasting blood glucose levels but do not make a difference in HbA1c levels.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there is no evidence that vitamins or mineral supplements help people with type II diabetes who do not have a nutritional deficiency.

Because supplements are not regulated in the same way as drugs, some supplements may be contaminated with substances other than those stated on the label. In addition, some supplements can interact with diabetes medications.

Important ways to maintain healthy blood sugar levels include the following:

• Limit total carbohydrate intake
• Choose whole grains instead of refined flours
• Eat enough omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in cold-water fatty fish and plant-based foods such as flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and soybeans
• Consume plenty of high-quality protein 
• Consume at least 35 grams of fiber a day
• Eat meals at regular intervals (every 3-5 hours) throughout the day
• Avoid unhealthy snacking
• Manage stress 
• Exercise at least 4 days a week