Besides controlling diet, exercising moderately, and adhering to medication, many people with diabetes hope to improve their health by taking health supplements or natural herbs. So, which ones can actually help people with diabetes? Let's take a look at which health supplements can be effective.
Fish oil. Some studies show that fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve glucose tolerance, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, other studies have found that fish oil can worsen type 2 diabetes. This may be related to the purity of the fish oil supplement. Nevertheless, the safest way to supplement with omega-3 fatty acids is to eat fish 2-3 times a week.
L-carnitine. This is an amino acid-like substance that promotes the conversion of fat into energy and can help people with diabetes lower their blood lipids.
Acetyl-L-carnitine. Studies have shown that this substance can delay diabetic retinopathy and improve optic nerve function. Taking 1000 mg three times a day is more effective than taking 500 mg each time.
Alpha-lipoic acid. This is a natural antioxidant. Daily supplementation of 600–1200 mg can improve insulin sensitivity and delay the onset of diabetic neuropathy.
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential substance for blood glucose metabolism. The level of coenzyme Q10 in patients with type 2 diabetes is significantly lower than in normal individuals; however, whether coenzyme Q10 supplementation is beneficial for blood glucose control remains unclear.
Inositol. It is an essential substance for maintaining normal nerve function. 500 mg twice a day may help improve diabetic neuropathy.
Amylase inhibitors. By inhibiting amylase, they suppress the absorption of polysaccharides in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby lowering postprandial blood glucose. However, the efficacy and safety of long-term use remain to be observed.
Fructooligosaccharides. Research on their effects on blood glucose, blood lipids, and insulin secretion is limited and yields conflicting results; there is currently no consensus.
Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber extracted from the root of konjac. It can slow gastric emptying and the absorption of sugars from food, thereby lowering postprandial blood sugar. Glucomannan also helps control gestational diabetes.
Ginkgo. Ginkgo leaf extract has been shown to help prevent and alleviate early diabetic neuropathy.
American ginseng. A small study found that taking 3 grams of American ginseng can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes caused by drinking sugary beverages.
Aloe vera. Whether consumed alone or in combination with the hypoglycemic drug glibenclamide, it helps lower blood sugar.
Ginseng. Consuming more than 200 mg of ginseng daily can improve blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon. Animal studies have shown that it can enhance insulin sensitivity, but clinical evidence is lacking.
Raspberries. The anthocyanins and flavonoids in raspberries are powerful antioxidants that promote the formation of normal connective tissue and strengthen capillaries in the body. Anthocyanins can also increase capillary and venous blood flow. Therefore, raspberries help prevent thickening of the blood vessel walls caused by type 2 diabetes.
Mistletoe. Its extract can stimulate pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin.
Evening primrose oil. Taking 4 grams of evening primrose oil daily for more than 6 months can reduce pain caused by neuropathy.
Lagerstroemia indica. Its extract can lower blood sugar by 20%–30% in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the safety of long-term use has not been verified.
Olive leaves. Animal studies have shown that olive leaf extract can reduce blood sugar in diabetic animal models, but this has not been verified in human trials.
Plantain seeds. They can improve blood sugar levels in some diabetic patients, possibly due to their soluble fiber content.
Reishi mushroom. It may help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes and cancer, but large-scale research evidence is lacking.
Bitter melon contains at least three components that have blood sugar-lowering effects. Although it is not yet known whether these three components act individually or synergistically, the benefits of bitter melon for diabetic patients have been clinically verified.
Chili peppers. They contain capsaicin. Topical application can improve various peripheral symptoms of diabetes, such as relieving pain caused by neuropathy.
Onions contain two main categories of substances: sulfides such as allyl propyl disulfide and flavonoids such as quercetin. APDS can inhibit the liver's metabolism of insulin and stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin, thereby increasing insulin levels and lowering blood sugar. Large amounts of onions can lower blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes, but will not affect blood sugar levels in healthy individuals.
Magnesium. People with type 2 diabetes are often deficient in magnesium. The American Diabetes Association acknowledges a link between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance, but denies that magnesium deficiency is a risk factor for diabetes. However, some doctors still recommend that diabetic patients with normal kidney function supplement with 200-600 mg of magnesium daily.
Zinc. People with type 2 diabetes are often zinc deficient, but there is evidence that zinc supplementation has no effect on blood sugar. Nevertheless, many doctors still recommend that people with type 2 diabetes take appropriate zinc supplements to correct the deficiency.
Chromium. Chromium can improve blood sugar levels and related indicators in patients with glucose intolerance, pregnancy-induced or hormone-induced diabetes, and type 2 diabetes. However, some reports indicate that chromium supplementation is only effective when taken daily with 100 mg of niacin.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, can impair glucose tolerance in high doses. Low doses (500-750 mg daily, reduced to 250 mg daily after one month) can improve symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Vitamins B1, B6, and B12. Studies have found that taking these three B vitamins together for 12 weeks can improve diabetic neuropathy. However, the optimal dosage still needs further investigation.
Biotin. It is also an essential B vitamin for glucose metabolism in the body. Type 2 diabetic patients who take 9 mg of biotin daily for two weeks experience a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose. Biotin can also alleviate pain caused by diabetic nerve damage.
Vitamin C can inhibit glycation and reduce sorbitol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as improve glucose tolerance. Excessive proteinuria indicates a poor prognosis for diabetes. Supplementing with 500 mg of vitamin C twice daily for one year significantly reduces protein loss in the urine of diabetic patients. Many doctors recommend that diabetic patients supplement with 1-3 grams of vitamin C daily. However, excessive doses can actually raise blood sugar levels.
Vitamin D. It has the function of regulating insulin secretion, but excessive doses can be toxic, so diabetic patients should not use vitamin D supplements without consulting a doctor.
Vitamin E. Those deficient in vitamin E are more prone to diabetes, and most people with type 2 diabetes can improve their glucose tolerance by supplementing with it. Furthermore, studies have shown that elderly people with normal blood sugar levels who take 900 IU of vitamin E daily for more than three months can significantly improve their glucose tolerance.
