Chronic high blood sugar or glucose levels can impede overall health, since the condition increases the risk for other life threatening conditions, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition to fixing your diet, research hints that a few supplements can be effective for reducing blood sugar levels. Consult your health care provider before taking any supplements.
Whey Protein
Whey protein might reduce blood sugar levels, according to a study conducted by lead author Anders Frid and colleagues from the University Hospital MAS in Sweden. Scientists investigated the effects of whey protein supplementation on meals with a high glycemic index in type 2 diabetics. High glycemic index meals rapidly raise blood sugar levels due to their fast digesting rate. The report, which was published in the July 2005 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," revealed that subjects eating a high glycemic breakfast and lunch with whey protein reduced their post meal blood glucose levels compared to subjects eating the same meals with a lean protein source instead of whey protein.
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium picolinate, a form of chromium, might help improve glucose levels. Lead investigator Sebastiaan Houweling and colleagues from Isala Clinics and University Hospital Groningen in the Netherlands studied the impact of chromium picolinate on type 2 diabetics. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: placebo; 500 mcg of chromium picolinate; or 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate. At the end of the study, which was presented at the 2003 International Diabetes Federation Congress in Paris, France, scientists discovered that both chromium picolinate groups experienced significant decreases blood sugar levels compared to the placebo group, according to the website Nutra Ingredients-USA.com.
CLA
Conjugated linoleic acid, also known as CLA, is a healthy omega-6 fatty acid that might help control blood sugar levels, according to Food Navigator.com's report of a study conducted by Martha Belury and fellow researchers from Ohio State University. They discovered that subjects with adult onset diabetes taking CLA for eight weeks lowered their blood sugar levels compared to those taking a placebo, according to Belury's findings published in the January 2003 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition."
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effect of whey on blood glucose and insulin responses to composite breakfast and lunch meals in type 2 diabetic subjects; Anders H. Frid et al.; July 2005
- Nutra Ingredients-USA.com: Better blood sugar control with chromium picolinate
- Food Navigator.com: CLA impact on diabetes control
