Supplements and Diabetes: What You Should Know

Key Takeaways

• The best multivitamins for diabetics are used to fill gaps in nutritional deficiencies.
• The American Diabetes Association does not recommend taking supplements unless a healthcare professional determines that you have a nutritional deficiency.
• There are some ingredients being studied for their potential benefits for people who have diabetes, but they’re not proven solutions.
• Supplement ingredients that show promise for reducing blood sugar include alpha-lipoic acid, berberine, magnesium, chromium, and cinnamon.
• Some supplements and ingredients can interact negatively with medications, so it’s extremely important to consult with a healthcare professional.

Understanding how supplements and diabetes interact is an essential first step before adding them to your health and wellness regimen. While some supplements may be beneficial, they’re still being studied and aren’t proven solutions.

Furthermore, some supplements can interact negatively with medications, potentially causing low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) or high blood glucose (hyperglycemia).

Should People Who Have Diabetes Take Supplements?

According to the American Diabetes Association, supplementation is not recommended for people who have diabetes unless they have a nutritional deficiency.

With that said, there are still ways to support your overall health and wellness with nutritional products that are formulated specifically for people who have diabetes.

In this guide, we’re going to cover the ins and outs of supplements and diabetes, including ingredients that have shown promise for reducing blood sugar, as well as other options for supporting your health.

As always, we’re providing general information, not medical advice. It’s very important to discuss any changes to your diabetes management plan with a qualified healthcare professional.

Ingredients That May Potentially Lower Blood Sugar

Now that you understand the basics, we’re going to highlight a few key ingredients that are currently being studied as natural ways to lower blood sugar.

Remember: These ingredients may not be effective and can be dangerous. Not only can they affect your levels, but taking supplements and diabetes medications can cause harmful side effects.

The following supplement ingredients should only be taken if recommended by a healthcare professional:

1. ALA (Alpha-Lipoic Acid)

According to WebMD, studies have shown that ALA may help people who have type 2 diabetes to use their own insulin to reduce blood sugar levels. ALA may also reduce insulin resistance and hemoglobin A1C.

2. Berberine

Berberine is a plant-based traditional Chinese medicine that may lower blood sugar levels by:

• Boosting insulin sensitivity
• Increasing insulin production
• Reducing glucose production
• Supporting the breakdown of glucose
• Regulating metabolism
• Slowing carb absorption

3. Magnesium

If recommended by a healthcare professional, those interested in supplements and diabetes may wish to consider magnesium.

Urine loss and insulin resistance can diminish magnesium levels, so magnesium deficiencies are common among people who have diabetes. Magnesium supplements may correct that deficiency, which may improve blood sugar regulation.

4. Chromium

Research suggests that chromium can boost insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose levels.

5. Cinnamon

Studies suggest that cinnamon may help the body use insulin more efficiently, but research into effective types and doses of cinnamon is still ongoing.

Other Ways to Support Your Health & Wellness

Traditional supplements may not be suitable for people who have diabetes, but there are other ways to manage blood sugar:

Nutritional Support Drinks

Here at ADW Diabetes, we carry dietary supplements and diabetes products that support your overall health, just like eating healthy foods. Many of these convenient supplements are in drink form and can be enjoyed at home or on the go.

Hypoglycemia Support Products

Keeping glucose products on hand ensures you can rapidly raise blood sugar levels when they fall. We recommend keeping them in strategic locations at home, work, in your vehicle, and anywhere else where you spend time.

Blood Glucose Monitoring Tools

Tracking your levels empowers you to make informed decisions, whether you’re taking supplements, planning a meal, or preparing for a workout.

Common diabetic supplies required for monitoring levels include diabetes testing kits, A1C home test kits, CGM supplies, and diabetes lancets. At ADW Diabetes, we also carry the least expensive glucose test strips, ensuring you can track your levels consistently.

Shop Now

Navigating supplements and diabetes can be complicated, so reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Shop discount diabetic supplies at ADW Diabetes now!