When it comes to balancing blood sugar levels with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, you might be wondering if there are specific supplements that could support your efforts.
While it’s important to focus on getting most of your nutrients from food sources, using supplements is highly beneficial to target cells that improve glucose uptake and metabolism and the function of insulin.
When it comes to supplements there are various options that can help balance blood sugar levels.
Let’s look at 5 science-backed options proven to significantly lower blood sugar levels and rebalance metabolism.
1. Chromium Picolinate
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that we need in small amounts.
One if its key benefits is to enhance the effects of insulin, the hormone critical for blood sugar regulation.
Chromium’s ability to improve insulin’s effectiveness, allows glucose to enter cells more efficiently, thus lowering blood glucose levels.
Studies have found that chromium supplementation can help reduce fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
In studies, the average reductions in fasting glucose from four months of supplementation with chromium, are approximately:
- Fasting glucose reduction – 31.0mg/dL (1.7 mmol/l)
- Postprandial (after meal) blood glucose reduction – 37.0mg/dL (2 mmol/l)
- A1c reduction – 1.9%
The great news is, 90% of people with diabetes benefit from chromium supplementation.
Additional benefits include improved cholesterol levels and reduced oxidative stress, as chromium has potent antioxidant activities.
When it comes to supplements, chromium picolinate, is the most bioavailable form – meaning your body can absorb it more readily.
Dosage: (600 mcg daily) – read more on chromium supplementation dosages.
2. Gymnema Sylvestre: The “Sugar Destroyer”
Gymnema sylvestre, often called the “sugar destroyer,” has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support glucose metabolism.
Compounds in gymnema can reduce sugar absorption in the intestine and help increase insulin function.
Gymnema has also shown potential to stimulate pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production. Additionally, gymnema provides potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds to support cellular activity.
Studies report a modest reduction in fasting blood sugar levels (2 mg/dL) and 0.16% reduction for A1c levels.
While gymnema’s impact on blood sugar and A1c isn’t as impressive as some of the other supplements listed here, its ability to support pancreatic function, enhance insulin production and glucose absorption directly at the gut level, make it a good addition in terms of supplementation.
Plus, one additional benefit is it is very effective to ward off sugar cravings.
Dosage: (400-500 mg per day) – read more on gymnema sylvestre supplementation dosages.
3. Magnesium
Magnesium is the best all-round supplement for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, as it’s an essential mineral involved in over 600 enzymatic cellular processes throughout the body.
Importantly, magnesium plays a key role in glucose metabolism and utilization, supporting your body to digest and use the carbohydrates you eat more effectively. Magnesium also plays a key role in and insulin sensitivity.
Most people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are low in magnesium. That’s not great as it increases insulin resistance and lowers glucose uptake into the cells. Low magnesium can also lead to higher risk of diabetes complications.
Studies have shown a reasonable reduction in glucose levels as well – 21 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/L) for postprandial levels and 11 mg/dL (0.6 mmol/L) for fasting levels.
But again, it’s the role magnesium plays in supporting optimal glucose metabolism and utilization that makes it a winning addition to your supplementation routine.
Dosage: (240-700 mg per day) – read more on magnesium supplementation dosages.
4. Milk Thistle: Supporting Liver Health and Insulin Sensitivity
Diabetes isn’t just a condition that affects blood sugar and insulin, its a condition that affects the liver, with many people having a fatty liver.
Milk thistle contains an active compound called silymarin, which provides protective effects for the liver and even has the power to regenerate liver cells and function.
The liver plays a significant role in blood sugar control, and milk thistle helps improve liver function, which positively impacts glucose metabolism.
A review of the results of four randomized control trials (the highest level of study), found that taking milk thistle reduced fasting blood glucose by 26.86 mg/dL (1.49 mmol/l) and A1c levels by an average 1%.
Milk thistle has additional benefits for diabetes as well – targeting liver fat directly, reducing inflammation, antioxidant activities, and blasting belly fat to assist with weight loss.
Dosage: (200mg to 600mg per day) – read more on milk thistle supplementation dosages.
5. Fiber Supplements (Psyllium Husk): Modulating Blood Sugar Responses
Fiber, particularly soluble fiber like psyllium husk, can slow the absorption of carbohydrates, resulting in a more gradual rise in blood glucose levels.
This effect can lead to reduced postprandial (after-meal) blood sugar spikes, an area where fiber is particularly effective compared to supplements like chromium, which directly affect insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake.
Psyllium husk supplementation for 8 weeks, taken 20-30 minutes before the morning and breakfast meal, has been shown to lower fasting glucose levels by 52.6 mg/dl (2.9 mmol/l) and reduce A1c levels by an average 1.6% – pretty impressive results!
Psyllium husk taken 15 minutes before lunch and dinner has also been shown to help reduce fasting levels by 43.6 mg/dl (2.4 mmol/l) and A1c by 0.6%.
Fiber has the added benefit of promoting satiety, which can help regulate appetite and food intake and help with weight management as well.
The current recommendations for dietary fiber are around 25-30 g day, but majority of people don’t get anywhere near that amount, most people eating under 15 g per day!
Dosage: (Approx. 5g, up to 3 times a day) – read more on psyllium supplementation dosages.
Conclusion
Incorporating the right supplements into your routine can provide valuable support for balancing blood sugar levels.
Each of these options works uniquely to help stabilize glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, or reduce sugar absorption, giving you powerful tools to complement your balanced nutrition and lifestyle plan!
I’m interested in your supplements I’m just not wanting to break the bank could you give me an estimate monthly expense for the five supplements you recommend
Hi Beau, the supplement prices vary depending on which one you purchase. We’ve provided links to the best brands, clean supplements we recommend so click through to explore your options.
It’s so helpful
Taking a fiber supplement..(psyllium), I noticed my numbers were going up and staying up.
I didn’t make the connection until I started by quitting supplements by process of elimination and nothing was changing until I discontinued psyllium fiber.
I take metformin in the morning. So, I asked my pharmacist and he said yes, Any fiber supplement will form a gel or coating in the the intestines and interfere with any meds from being absorbed well.
He further said to wait 2 or so hours after taking any meds before I take the psyllium capsules and see if that helps.
Of course he also said that the best way to get adequate fiber is through diet.
Hello, I came across your info looking for help on Pinterest. It’s July, 2020 now, but I sure could use advise. I’m 66, with type 2, and am doing horribly. Suddenly for the last 2 mos, my sugar has gone very high. I am on metformin 2x’s a day, and glipizide 2x’s a day. I am also hypothyroid. Which my numbers there have dropped, with my Dr increasing my levothyroxine. I have not felt well for months. Since I’m not able to see my Dr due to covid, she does phone visits. Very hard to understand her. She has added the insulin pen. That too is hard. As I am kinda on my own with that. I want help. I want to eat well, take supplements, anything that ca n help. Please, if you can suggest in simplest of details, I will try anything. Thank you!
Hi Martha, I would suggest you browse our diet resources as you can do a lot to control your diabetes with diet. If you are taking thyroid medications, these may be affecting blood sugar also. For extra help and support, you might consider joining us as a member.
I was on metformin along time ago I stopped it..I take Levemir insulin..Dr put me on Glipizide..it made me extremely tired and broke me out in a bad rash..I stopped taking Glipizide..I feel alot better..Look at the side affects of the meds your on..I do..some meds aren’t always good for you. Hope you get to feeling better .❤️
This is very helpful! I love reading articles about health, then share it to my family and friends.
I love reading the comments but I just have a question….is it just me or does anyone else find that your medical Dr is against taking supplements. They would rather have you taking drugs for meds.
I definitely agree that some doctors are more open to it than others. Unfortunately medical doctors are typically lacking in nutrition education as most medical schools only require they take one or two nutrition classes. Another huge problem is the strength, and wealth, of the pharmaceutical industry which can sometimes influence doctors to rely on medication instead of exploring more natural options. The most important thing is to always do your research to make sure you are getting the best possible outcomes.
I’m type 1 and I find it difficult to manage blood sugar even with a pump. I’ve been on vitamins packs for diabetes sence 1995 I find they help, they have everything listed above and more.
I agree, I was diagnosed with type 2, 6.6.. they wanted me on insulin right away! I said I want to try eating, exercise and meditating,(severe stress with cancer) they argued with me!
I’ve been researching herbal supplements to balance blood sugar, not lower it, balance it. I found that cinnamon and Berberine plus Omega 3s and a good multiple vitamins sounds very promising. I just started taking these. In a month I’d like to test my A1c to see if these work.
Remember to pair those beneficial supplements with a healthy (low carb) diet and keep us updated on your progress. You may want to wait a bit longer to re-test A1c as it is a measure of your blood sugar over 3 months; your physician may have the best insight as to when to retest.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes Oct. 2002. I was taking Glipizide and Metformin. I stopped taking Metformin because I felt extremely sore and started taking Flaxseed, Burberine and Chromium. My A1C went from 12 to 6.2 in 3 months. When I told my doctor, he seemed pleased with the numbers but recommended another Blood Glucose medication instead of Metformin. Wow.
Some doctors are paid by pharmaceutical companies to prescribe their drugs. Be careful.
Indeed they are Bonnie, unfortunate but true! Statistics even show doctors who take lunch with a pharma reps are more inclined to prescribe certain meds. Big pharma is predominant. Here at DMP we encourage reducing medications, and we know it’s possible as we’ve seen it countless times.
Hi! I have had type 2 diabetes for many years now but recently diagnosed with gastroparesis which is a diet against fibre, anything with skins which is most veggies and fruits. How do I combine hi fibre with this disease? Pretty perplexed.
Hi Moy- my best advice is to consume fiber as tolerated, meaning eat what you’re able to but know your limit. Vegetables (and to a much lesser extent fruit) offer you’re body an abundant amount of nutrients that you would not want to eliminate entirely because of your gastroparesis. Slowly build up your intake of fiber until you find your comfort spot. You may also find it helpful to go for a easy walk after a fiber containing meal as this can help promote digestion.
Give this list a look and see what foods you’re able to tolerate without any symptoms of your gastroparesis!
How possible to get this raw fibre product. What will I do to get the Raw Fibre Powder.
Check out this link for information on where to purchase Raw Fiber.
Hi !
How can i get your newsletter? I am interested in all about diabetes info
Thanks
Click here to subscribe Teresita!
Great and good news
Hi
I bought all the supplements you recommended. When is the best time to take them?
Rachel, there aren’t any specific times you need to take them. You may consider starting with just 1 or 2 of the mentioned supplements, to check for tolerance, and then gradually build up to all 5. Check with your doctor for more specific recommendations, and certainly if you are on insulin or any other diabetes medications you should let your doctor know you will be starting these so they can adjust medication accordingly.
How can I get your newsletters
Click here to subscribe LaTonya – we look forward to having you as one of our subscribers!
Thanks for info.
Absolutely, we hope you are able to use most (if not all) of the information on our site to improve your, or a loved one’s, health!
I use Blue agave for a sweetener in baking. I also take Bitter Melon 500mg twice a day. Breakfast and lunch. Metformin after dinner.
Three months ago, with my A1C at 7.8, I started drinking 1 tbsp Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar + 1 tsp Blue Agave Nectar in half a cup of water every morning. I add a heaping 1/2 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon to my Carbmaster Yogurt. I take Tumeric w/black peppercorns, Cumin, Cinnamon and Flaxseed Oil supplements twice a day with meals. I added more exercise to my day’s activities.
Result = I’ve lost 10 pounds and my A1C dropped to 6.8, so I’d say supplements work quite well.
I am a type 2 diabetic for past 2 year. I am taking Glimpride 2-0-2
and trajenta 1-0-0. and insugen-R & Insugen N 20 units ie 20-0-20 each
But my sugar is not reduced so far. I have to to go for catarct surgery for both eyes and also to go for GB stone removel surgery. Kindly advice
You need to speak to your doctor or healthcare team about your medications and possibly adjust things in your lifestyle such as diet and exercise.
Thanks so much. It really helps
My blood sugar levels at first 226 on 25 march.runs 171 and today its 198 this morning I’m on metformin 1000 mg twice day eatting low carb meals
Give it time Rosetta. On a day to day basis things can be up and down. It’s only been one week, so keep making changes and tighter control will come.
Can I add turmeric to my diet.im on metformin i want to stop taking the meds and try lowering it with Natural Supplements.your thoughts please
You can find turmerics drug interactions here. As you can see, metformin isn’t one of them. You should always discuss any supplementation with your doctor.
Im sorry does that mean I probably should not take it.
Hi, do you have any info about quinoa or quinoa flour? please let me know if so. thanks so much!
You can find info on quinoa here Grace.
I love this article. Include the details that i search. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi ive been keeping a food journal and tracking my blood sugar. All my numbers are good exve for my fasting blood sugar. It can be 15 hours since i ate anything and its high. I’ll then eat breakfast and my two hour reading after eating is lower than my fasting. What’s going on and what can i do?
It’s common Dayna, glucose production continues anyway – it’s called the dawn phenomenon. Here is some info here and here. We have a discussion on general blood sugar over here and we also have a discussion about fasting numbers, so stay tuned for that. We’ll be sending it out in our weekly newsletter.
HI. I’m told berberine is a good Supplement, what are your thoughts? How much should be taken daily?
Yes, this is also a good supplement with benefits. Dr. Axe recommends a dosage of 3 x 500 mg /day. We’ll be covering this supplement more on the blog soon. Always check with your doctor before starting supplements, too.
One of my specialist started me on turmeric for my prednisone induced diabetes type II. It made an immediate difference in my blood sugar numbers. Started at 500 a day and built up to 1500 a day. Only side effect is occasional burping and tasting turmeric.
Turmeric is a wonderful anti-inflammatory agent. We’ve written about it before, over here.
Can cinnamon increase blood pressure?
Generally it’s quite the opposite Patty, it is known to lower blood pressure. However, even though that’s the case, any food or compound can have the opposite effect in some. Have you have an increased number? You should always check with your doctor about supplements.
Jedha, my question is concerning doses. How are the amounts of doses decided per supplement? When each Diabetic has different body sizes, active lifestyle/levels, medicine amount/doses, age &etc
Hi Doreen, this is a good question. The dosages above are those recommended by Dr. Axe as general recommendations. And the best rule of thumb in most cases is to follow the supplement brand label for general dosage requirements. Manufacturers often base their dosages on effective doses that may have been shown in clinical trials. More specific amounts can be calculated and recommended if an individual consults with a health professional. That’s when they’d take all the factors you mention into consideration.
Hi Jedha, thanks for all the information. Would taking fiber slow down the absorption of the medication we take such as glyburide and hydrocodone?
Hi Sandra, high amounts of dietary fiber may decrease the effectiveness of some medications. If you have questions about fiber in your diet while you are taking glyburide and hydrocodone, along with any other supplements, talk with your doctor first – it’s always recommended.
Hello, do you recommend taking multi vitamins such as One a day? Or should we buy the above suggested 5 and take them daily? Also, is there a specific brand to go with?
We can’t really recommend anything specific Jay because we don’t know you, your diet, your meds. The suggestions above are a guide on the different supplements that work but you should talk to your doctor or health team for the best advice.
If it were me I’d probably start with something like cinnamon and fish oil and try increasing fiber through more veggies first before adding a supplement. Unless you’re having bowel/ digestive issues, in which case you might add more fiber from the outset. But again, you should check with your health care team. Multi’s are okay, but if you eat a wide range of foods, you should get most of what you need.
How is aspartame bad for you??
Hi Joey, you can read about artificial sweeteners here and more about sugar substitutes here.
It spikes blood sugar levels.
Switch to Stevia.
And Stevia sweetened products.
Also monk fruit sweeter or erythritol (spelling ?)
Neither affect sugar spikes.
Correct spelling Sandy and exactly right – we recommend those sweeteners as the best options.
I take Trijardy twice a day 1000 mg my sugars are from 100 to 75 every morning
Hi Cruz, Trijardy is a medication not a supplement, but if your morning levels are 75-100 they are in the normal range.
I also read somewhere that B12 was another vitamin to add. I asked my doctor at my last visit and he said why limit…just do a B Complex vitamin. Thoughts?
Hey Donna, B12 may be good for some people because B12 absorption can be altered. As your doctor suggested B complex is also a good choice to balance out any Bs that may be lacking. You can also ask for a B12 test to find out if you are deficient.
Is Metamucil good enough fibre? I take 4000mg Omega 3 for my Lupus and RA symptoms. I take centrum daily and folic acid.
The thing i am finding difficulty with is cooking. I have chronic fatigue and I noticed I am neglecting myself and my diet and resort to carbs which are mot good for my diabetes. Pls help with simple easy meals. Preferably one pot meals thanks. Look forward to your newsletters
Metamucil is okay but the flavors do contain aspartame, which is not really a great choice of sweetener. Omega’s are awesome for everything!
Slow cooker meals would be a great option for you Emily, the thing I love about those is you just throw everything in the pot and leave it to cook. You can also make big batches. Try this beef chili, this chicken soup, or try cooking a huge veggie bake and eat it with a rotisserie chicken.
Emily,
I’ve found many crock pot meals for diabetics on Pinterest. Try looking there when you have some time.
Thanks for the suggestion. I love Pinterest, and who knows maybe this could be a topic we cover in a future article!
Hello, I really enjoy your emails. Can I take all of these supplements each day?
Thanks
Glad you enjoy them Robin. All of these are generally safe but you should always check with your doctor or healthcare team, especially if you are taking other medications.