Diabetes is a condition where your body cannot properly manage glucose, leading to high levels of glucose in your blood. Without treatment, diabetes can lead to serious complications. Diabetics are also at higher risk for health conditions including obesity and heart disease. Some people take coenzyme Q10 or garlic supplements to help manage their blood sugar levels.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is an antioxidant that your body uses to create energy. Some CoQ10 is made by your body, and it is also found in whole grains, organ meat and oily fish. Although the research is preliminary, taking 200 mg per day of CoQ10 may help to slightly lower your blood sugar, according to a February 2007 article on the Diabetes Action website. However, another study showed no beneficial effect on blood sugar levels from taking 200 mg of CoQ10 twice a day, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Garlic
Tablets containing two of the active ingredients in garlic, allixin and vanadium, may help treat diabetes, according to a 2009 study published in the journal "Metallomics." Another study, published in the March 2000 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition," found that consumption of raw garlic, but not boiled garlic, may lower blood glucose levels.
Side Effects and Safety
CoQ10 may cause an upset stomach, and can interact with blood pressure medications and blood thinners. Garlic can cause side effects including diarrhea, lightheadedness, sweating, rash, vomiting, nausea or a burning sensation in the mouth, throat and stomach. Garlic supplements may interact with diabetes medications, NSAIDs, aspirin, protease inhibitors and blood thinners.
Considerations
Speak with a doctor before taking either garlic or CoQ10 supplements to make sure they are safe for you and to determine the appropriate dosage. Do not self-treat your diabetes with either of these supplements, or use them in place of the conventional treatment prescribed by your doctor. Research on the benefits of these supplements is still preliminary and conflicting, and the beneficial effects for blood sugar control are small.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
- Diabetes Action; CoEnzyme Q10: The State of the Science in Diabetes; Ryan Bradley, ND; February 2007
- Science Daily; Garlic Chemical Tablet Treats Diabetes I And II, Study Suggests; November 2008
- Drugs.com: Garlic
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Including Garlic in the Diet May Help Lower Blood Glucose, Cholesterol, and Triglycerides; M. Thomson, et al.; March 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Diabetes; March 2011
