Supplements to Control Glucose Sensitivity

There are several key nutrients that can help you control glucose sensitivity. Many of these critical nutrients, such as magnesium and B-vitamin complex, can be found in a high quality multi-nutrient. Here are a few others to consider:

•    Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia speciosa), also known as banaba leaf, is traditionally used as a tea for treating diabetes. The leaves contain abundant corosolic acid, which possesses anti-diabetic properties, and tannins. Emerging science strongly supports the use of a standardized extract, GlucoTrim (previously known as Glucosol) for diabetes. According to very recent research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 16 mg three times daily produced a significant reduction in blood glucose levels after two weeks of treatment. Although this was a small study, other research supports this effect.
•    Chromium binds to insulin receptors, helping bring glucose out of the blood and into cells. It is ironic that unrefined sugar cane contains plenty of chromium but the refining process gets rid of the very nutrient necessary to metabolize it properly. Chromium supplementation at levels from 200–1,000 mcg (most studies used 100–400 mcg a day) has been successful in lowering blood sugar in diabetics. In some studies, it has helped decrease drug dosing. I prefer using chromium polynicotinate, picolinate, or GTF chromium.
•    Alpha lipoic acid shows promise in animal studies for helping control blood sugar, and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are a necessity for preventing cataracts, a common problem associated with diabetes. Take 600 mg twice a day if you need help with diabetic neuropathy. Lower doses (50–100 mg per day) are sufficient to assist with blood sugar control.
•    Vanadium in larger doses (1–12 mg per day) than a normal diet can provide lower blood sugar levels by potentiating insulin action.
•    L-carnitine. Diabetics commonly show a deficiency of L-carnitine. Levels of 500 mg three times per day increase insulin sensitivity.
•    Cinnamon has emerged as a blood sugar controller of significant importance. Research shows that an extract of cinnamon, methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP), acts similarly to insulin and may be helpful in both preventing and controlling blood sugar. It appears to work synergistically with insulin.
•    Gymnema sylvestre from India has been called the sugar destroyer, because a chewed leaf eliminates the ability to taste sugar. When ingested, it can block the absorption of sugar. Studies show that gymnema may play a role in blood sugar regulation.
•    American ginseng extract. Promising pilot study results show that 1–3 grams per day can lower blood sugar by 20 percent.
•    Bitter melon extract has a long tradition in blood sugar control. Available research is positive and more is needed, but I think it has possibilities. Use 200 mg per day of extracts, not seeds.
•    Fenugreek at levels of 100–200 mg two to three times per day may lower blood sugar in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Many of these nutrients are available in combination products. I like Insulife from Life Enhancement Products, Doctor’s Choice for Diabetics by Enzymatic Therapy, and Glucose Optimizer by Jarrow Formulas.

Herbs are best taken in a high-quality formula under a health care practitioner’s recommendation because they can cause minor side effects. For these herbs to offer real help, their quality, concentration, and preparation are important. Don’t go for a bargain brand.