Supplements to lower blood sugar
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Supplements to Lower Blood Sugar: An Overview
Chromium Supplements for Blood Sugar Control
Chromium, particularly in the form of chromium dinicocysteinate (CDNC), has shown significant potential in lowering blood glucose levels. Studies on Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats demonstrated that CDNC supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and markers of vascular inflammation such as CRP and MCP-1. This effect was attributed to increased blood vitamin C and adiponectin levels, along with the inhibition of NFkappaB, Akt, and Glut-2 in the liver1. Other forms of chromium, such as chromium picolinate and chromium dinicotinate, were less effective in achieving these outcomes1.
L-Cysteine and Its Impact on Glycemia
L-cysteine supplementation has also been found to lower blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. In ZDF rats, L-cysteine significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, CRP, and MCP-1 levels. The mechanism behind this effect includes the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation in the liver, which is a key factor in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation3.
Curcumin and Curcuminoids for Blood Sugar Management
Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has been extensively studied for its glucose-lowering effects. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have shown that curcumin and curcuminoids significantly decrease fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels in individuals with dysglycemia. The reduction in blood glucose is partly due to the decrease in serum free fatty acids, which improves insulin resistance4 6.
Fenugreek and Saffron: Herbal Remedies for Diabetes
Fenugreek and saffron are two herbs that have demonstrated efficacy in lowering blood glucose levels. Meta-analyses indicate that fenugreek significantly reduces fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c levels. Saffron also shows a reduction in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, although the effects are less pronounced compared to fenugreek5.
Cinnamon: A Natural Insulin Mimetic
Cinnamon has been shown to mimic insulin activity, thereby improving glucose uptake and reducing fasting plasma glucose levels. A clinical trial involving type 2 diabetes patients revealed that cinnamon supplementation significantly improved fasting plasma glucose and reduced body weight, BMI, and waist circumference8.
Propolis: Enhancing Glycemic and Antioxidant Status
Propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, has been found to improve glycemic control and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetes patients. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that propolis supplementation significantly decreased fasting blood sugar, postprandial glucose, insulin resistance, and HbA1c levels. Additionally, it increased total antioxidant capacity and the activity of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase9.
Exogenous Ketones for Blood Glucose Reduction
Exogenous ketone supplements, which elevate blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels, have been shown to acutely lower blood glucose. Meta-analyses of various trials indicate that ketone monoesters are particularly effective in reducing blood glucose levels compared to ketone salts7.
Conclusion
A variety of dietary supplements and natural products, including chromium, L-cysteine, curcumin, fenugreek, saffron, cinnamon, propolis, and exogenous ketones, have shown promise in lowering blood sugar levels. While these supplements can complement standard diabetes treatments, further high-quality clinical trials are needed to establish their efficacy and safety conclusively.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Chromium dinicocysteinate supplementation can lower blood glucose, CRP, MCP-1, ICAM-1, creatinine, apparently mediated by elevated blood vitamin C and adiponectin and inhibition of NFkappaB, Akt, and Glut-2 in livers of zucker diabetic fatty rats.
Chromium dinicocysteinate supplementation effectively lowers blood glucose and inflammation markers in type 2 diabetic rats, with greater benefits observed in livers compared to chromium picolinate and chromium dinicotinate.
RCT
Animal Study
Highly CitedThe effects of dietary supplements and natural products targeting glucose levels: an overview
Dietary supplements and medicinal herbs show mixed results in controlling glucose levels, with some showing significant reductions but most showing small or insignificant effects.
Meta-AnalysisL-cysteine supplementation lowers blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, CRP, MCP-1, and oxidative stress and inhibits NF-kappaB activation in the livers of Zucker diabetic rats.
L-cysteine supplementation can lower blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, CRP, MCP-1, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation in a diabetic animal model.
RCTAnimal StudyHighly CitedCurcumin or combined curcuminoids are effective in lowering the fasting blood glucose concentrations of individuals with dysglycemia: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Curcumin or combined curcuminoids effectively lower fasting blood glucose concentrations in individuals with dysglycemia, but not in non-diabetic individuals.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalEffect of saffron and fenugreek on lowering blood glucose: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Saffron and fenugreek can reduce fasting, postprandial, and HbA1c blood glucose levels, but further high-quality studies are needed to confirm their clinical efficacy.
Meta-AnalysisCurcuminoids exert glucose-lowering effect in type 2 diabetes by decreasing serum free fatty acids: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Curcuminoids have a glucose-lowering effect in type 2 diabetes patients, partially due to decreased serum free fatty acids, which may result from promoting fatty acid oxidation and utilization.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedEffects of Exogenous Ketone Supplementation on Blood Glucose: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Exogenous ketones can acutely increase blood BHB and decrease blood glucose, with greater effects seen with ketone monoesters compared to salts.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalEffect of cinnamon on blood sugar and anthropometric measurement in type two diabetes patients
Cinnamon supplementation significantly improves fasting blood sugar levels and reduces anthropometric measurements in type II diabetes patients.
RCTPropolis supplementation improves glycemic and antioxidant status in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Propolis supplementation improves glycemic and antioxidant status in patients with type 2 diabetes, reducing insulin resistance and increasing antioxidant activity without side effects.
RCT