Diabetes, Controlled Blood Sugar, And Nutrition

For people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar within recommended levels is essential for overall health. While diabetes solely refers to a condition in which the body doesn’t process sugar properly, the disease can have wide-reaching side effects. From cardiovascular health to liver problems and reproductive issues, uncontrolled blood sugar can be dangerous for short and long term health. Along with eating a balanced diet and watching glucose levels are shown to help decrease the risk of diabetic complications, many people are curious if incorporating supplements could aid in managing diabetes.

Prioritizing a healthy diet

Research studies are pointing to the belief that some supplements can aid in improving diabetic health. However, experts agree that the most effective method for managing blood sugar and better health is watching food intake and monitoring glucose levels regularly. Eating the right foods can help the body get essential vitamins and minerals that can support glucose control and overall health. The following supplements have shown promising results in clinical research.

Cinnamon to control blood glucose levels

Cinnamon isn’t just a spice ingredient added to sweets for a bit of kick in flavor. According to a 2011 study, the natural substance is also rich in polyphenolics which may be linked to lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in type 2 diabetes. Both cinnamon extract and whole cinnamon, such as powdered form, were equally effective in clinical trials conducted on patients diagnosed with both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Drink up with green tea

Most people know that green tea is rich in antioxidants. But in particular, the vivid drink contains a specific type known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has shown to be incredibly effective at helping people with diabetes manage blood sugar. In particular, evidence suggests that EGCG, a compound ingredient in green tea, may reduce a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, contribute to consistent glucose control, and improve insulin activity in the body.

Magnesium to improve insulin sensitivity

Magnesium is a critical nutrient that everyone needs, not just diabetics. The substance is proven to aid in regulating blood pressure. For people with diabetes, magnesium plays a double role by also regulating insulin sensitivity. In some cases, the nutrient can even improve insulin sensitivity meaning that a person with diabetes is better able to process insulin.

A word about supplements

Although there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed if patients are diligent about controlling blood sugar through a healthy diet and medication if needed. While preliminary evidence suggests that some supplements, vitamins, and minerals can support better diabetic health, an asterisk is attached. Some supplements can interact negatively with prescription medications, especially drugs intended to control blood sugar levels. And people with more than one condition, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, may find that some supplements can create adverse side effects for the other illnesses. Before incorporating supplements into a daily routine, people with diabetes should speak with a physician to understand potential risks and pick the correct uptake method.