Scientists are conducting studies on many different supplements to determine whether they help lower blood sugar levels.
Such supplements may be beneficial for people with prediabetes or diabetes, especially type 2.
Over time, taking supplements along with your diabetes medications may allow your doctor to reduce the dosage of the medications you are prescribed, although supplements likely cannot completely replace the medications.
Here are 10 supplements that can help lower blood sugar levels.
We include products that we believe are useful to our readers.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon supplements are made from either whole cinnamon powder or cinnamon extract, and many studies show that it helps lower blood sugar levels and improve diabetes control ( 1Trusted Source , 2Trusted Source ).
When people with prediabetes, meaning fasting blood sugar levels between 100–125 mg/dL, took 250 mg of cinnamon extract before breakfast and dinner for three months, their fasting blood sugar levels decreased by 8.4%, compared to those who took a placebo ( 3Trusted Source ).
In another three-month study, people with type 2 diabetes who took 120 or 360 mg of cinnamon extract before breakfast had a 11% or 14% reduction in fasting blood sugar levels, respectively, compared to those who took a placebo ( 2Trusted Source ).
Additionally, their hemoglobin A1C — a three-month average of blood sugar levels — decreased by 0.67% or 0.92%, respectively. All participants were taking the same diabetes medication during the study ( 2Trusted Source ).
How it works: Cinnamon may help your body’s cells respond better to insulin, which in turn allows sugar to enter your cells and lowers blood sugar levels ( 4Trusted Source ).
Usage: The recommended dosage for cinnamon extract is 250 mg twice daily before meals. For a regular (non-extract) cinnamon supplement, 500 mg twice daily may be best.
Precautions: Regular Cassia cinnamon contains more coumarin, a compound that can harm your liver in large amounts. Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, is low in coumarin ( 6Trusted Source ).
SUMMARY Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels by increasing cells' response to insulin.
- Ginseng
Panax ginseng berry extract has been studied in humans, resulting in reduced blood glucose levels. It is believed that the steroidal glycosides in Panax ginseng, known as ginsenosides, contribute to the herb's antidiabetic effects. The underlying mechanism by which
ginseng reduces insulin resistance is not fully understood.
Typically, extracts of the plant's roots contain potent ginsenosides that can stabilize glucose homeostasis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ginseng berries and leaves have also been found to reduce blood glucose levels and body weight.
SUMMARY Taking ginseng daily may reduce fasting blood sugar and postprandial blood sugar. Note that ginseng may interact with warfarin and other medications.
- Probiotics
Disruption of gut bacteria, such as through antibiotic use, is associated with an increased risk of several diseases, including diabetes.
Probiotic supplements , which contain beneficial bacteria or other microbes, provide many health benefits and can improve your body's carbohydrate management.
In a review of seven studies in people with type 2 diabetes, those who took probiotics for at least two months had a 16 mg/dl reduction in fasting blood sugar.
People who took probiotics containing more than one type of bacteria had an additional 35 mg/dl reduction in fasting blood sugar.
How it works: Animal studies suggest that probiotics may lower blood sugar levels by reducing inflammation and preventing the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Several other mechanisms may also be involved.
Usage: Try a probiotic with more than one beneficial bacteria species, such as a combination of
L. acidophilus ,
B. bifidum , and
L. rhamnosus . It is not known whether there is an ideal combination of microbes for managing diabetes.
Precautions: Probiotics are unlikely to cause harm, but in certain rare circumstances they can cause serious infections in people with severely compromised immune systems.
SUMMARY Probiotics, especially those that contain more than one type of beneficial bacteria, may help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and A1C.
- Alyosh
Aloe vera may also help those trying to lower blood sugar levels.
Supplements or juice made from the leaves of this cactus-like plant may help lower fasting blood sugar and A1C in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
In a review of studies involving people with type 2 diabetes, aloe vera supplementation for 4–14 weeks reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 46.6 mg/dl and A1C by 1.05%.
People whose fasting blood sugar levels were above 200 mg/dl before taking aloe vera experienced even greater benefits.
How it works: Studies in mice suggest that aloe vera may stimulate insulin production in pancreatic cells, but this has not been confirmed. Several other mechanisms may be at play.
Usage: The best dose and form are unknown. Common doses tested in studies are 1,000 mg per day in capsules or 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of aloe vera juice per day in divided doses.
Precautions: Aloe vera may interact with several medications, so consult your doctor before using it. It should never be taken with the heart medication digoxin.
SUMMARY Capsules or juice made from aloe vera leaves may help reduce fasting blood sugar and A1C in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. However, aloe vera may interact with several medications, especially digoxin.
- Berberine
Berberine is not a specific herb, but rather a bitter-tasting compound taken from the roots and stems of certain plants, including
goldenrod and
Amur cork .
A review of 27 studies in people with type 2 diabetes found that taking berberine along with diet and lifestyle changes reduced fasting blood sugar by 15.5 mg/dL and A1C by 0.71%, compared to diet and lifestyle changes alone or a placebo.
The review also noted that berberine supplements taken in combination with diabetes medications were more effective in lowering blood sugar levels than the medications alone.
How it works: Berberine may improve insulin sensitivity and increase the uptake of sugar from the blood into the muscles, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
Usage: The usual dose is 300–500 mg, taken 2-3 times a day with main meals.
Precautions: Berberine may cause digestive upset such as constipation, diarrhea, or gas, which can be improved by taking a lower dose (300 mg). Berberine may interact with several medications, so consult your doctor before taking this supplement.
SUMMARY Berberine, derived from the roots and stems of certain plants, may help lower fasting blood sugar and A1C. Side effects include digestive upset, which may improve with lower doses.
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is considered a possible risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
In one study, 72% of participants with type 2 diabetes were deficient in vitamin D at the start of the study.
After two months of taking a 4,500 IU (IU) vitamin D supplement daily, fasting blood sugar and A1C levels improved. In fact, 48% of participants had an A1C that indicated good blood sugar control, compared to 32% before the study.
How it works: Vitamin D may improve the function of pancreatic cells that produce insulin and increase your body's response to insulin.
Usage: Ask your doctor to do a vitamin D blood test to determine the best dosage. The active form is D3 or cholecalciferol, so look for this name on the bottles.
Precautions: Vitamin D may cause mild to moderate reactions when taken with multiple medications, so consult your doctor or pharmacist.
SUMMARY Vitamin D deficiency is common in people with type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D supplementation may improve overall blood sugar levels, as measured by A1C. Be aware that vitamin D may interact with certain medications.
- Magnesium
Low blood
magnesium levels have been observed in 25–38% of people with type 2 diabetes and are more common in those whose blood sugar levels are not well controlled.
In a systematic review, eight out of 12 studies showed that taking magnesium supplements for 6–24 weeks in healthy people or those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes helped reduce fasting, compared to a placebo.
Additionally, each 50 mg increase in magnesium intake reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 3% in those in the study with low blood magnesium levels.
How it works: Magnesium is involved in normal insulin secretion and insulin action in your body's tissues.
Dosage: People with diabetes are typically prescribed doses of 250-350 mg per day. Be sure to take magnesium with meals to improve absorption.
Precautions: Avoid magnesium oxide, which can increase the risk of diarrhea. Magnesium supplements can interact with several medications, such as some diuretics and antibiotics, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking them.
SUMMARY Magnesium deficiency is common in people with type 2 diabetes. Studies show that magnesium supplements may help lower fasting blood sugar levels.
- Alpha-lipoic acid ALA
Alpha-lipoic acid, or
ALA, is a vitamin-like compound and powerful antioxidant produced in your liver and found in some foods like spinach, broccoli, and red meat.
When people with type 2 diabetes took 300, 600, 900, or 1200 mg of ALA for six months along with their usual diabetes treatment, blood sugar and A1C levels improved with increasing dose.
How it works: ALA may improve insulin sensitivity and the way cells take up sugar from your blood, although it may take several months for these effects to take effect. It may also protect against oxidative damage caused by high blood sugar levels.
Usage: Typical doses are 600–1200 mg per day, taken in divided doses before meals.
Precautions: ALA may interfere with treatment for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Avoid very high doses of ALA if you are deficient in vitamin B1 (thiamine) or are struggling with alcoholism.
SUMMARY ALA may help lower fasting blood sugar and A1C gradually, with greater effects at doses up to 1,200 mg per day. It also has antioxidant effects that may reduce the damage caused by high blood sugar. However, it may interfere with the treatment of thyroid disease .
- Chrome
Chromium deficiency reduces your body's ability to use carbohydrates converted into sugar for energy and increases the need for insulin.
A review of 25 studies found that chromium supplements reduced A1C by about 0.6% in people with type 2 diabetes, and average fasting blood sugar levels decreased by about 21 mg/dL, compared to placebo.
A small amount of evidence suggests that chromium may also help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes.
How it works: Chromium may enhance the effects of insulin or support the activity of pancreatic cells that produce insulin.
Dosage: The usual dose is 200 mcg per day, but doses up to 1000 mcg per day have been tested in people with diabetes and may be more effective. The chromium picolinate form is likely to be best absorbed.
Precautions: Certain medications, such as antacids and others for heartburn, can reduce the absorption of chromium.
Find chromium supplements online.
SUMMARY Chromium may improve the way insulin works in your body and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes — and possibly those with type 1 diabetes, but it will not cure the disease.
- Resveratrol
Resveratrol may lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, according to a new study. Resveratrol is a natural compound found in more than 70 plant species, including nuts, grapes, pine trees, and certain vines, as well as red wine. It is thought to play an important role in preventing heart disease.
Resveratrol supplements have shown benefits for type 2 diabetes patients, including reductions in blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, insulin levels, insulin resistance, and improvements in HDL levels and fasting blood glucose levels.
Usage: Resveratrol is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in doses up to 1500 mg for up to 3 months. Higher doses of up to 2000-3000 mg daily have been used safely for 2-6 months.
Precautions: Excessive doses of resveratrol may cause stomach problems.
SUMMARY Resveratrol is thought to help the biological glucose transport system — that is, it encourages cells to take up more glucose, which reduces insulin resistance and means less glucose circulates in the blood.
Many supplements, including cinnamon, ginseng, other herbs, vitamin D, magnesium, probiotics, and plant compounds like berberine, may help lower blood sugar levels.
Keep in mind that you may get different results than those found in studies based on factors such as duration, quality of supplements, and individual diabetes status.
Discuss supplements with your doctor, especially if you take diabetes medication or insulin, as some of the supplements listed above may interact with medications and increase the risk of low blood sugar.
In some cases, your doctor may need to reduce the dose of your diabetes medication.
For best results, try one new supplement at a time and check your blood sugar regularly to monitor any changes over a few months. This will help you and your doctor determine the effects.
