Biotin plays a central role in carbohydrate metabolism. Your body typically gets all it needs from your diet and from its ability to manufacture it in the intestines. Studies suggest that supplementing with larger amounts, however, might help to lower blood sugar levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. It also may be used to treat diabetes-induced nerve pain. Not enough research exists to confirm therapeutic value for these purposes. If you want to experiment with biotin for managing your diabetes, talk to your doctor about a suggested dosage and other aspects of safe use.
Dosage
The University of Michigan Health System reports on one study that tested the effects of biotin in type 2 diabetics. It notes that participants supplementing with 9 mg daily saw their "fasting glucose levels drop dramatically." It notes some physicians suggest using anywhere from 9 mg to 16 mg daily for several weeks to see if it produces a demonstrable effect. It also notes another study where type 1 diabetics who took 16 mg daily reduced their fasting glucose levels by half.
A double-blind placebo-controlled study published in the January 2008 issue of "Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews" tested the effects of a combination of chromium picolinate and biotin against placebo in 447 overweight type 2 diabetics with poorly controlled diabetes. The study found taking 2 mg of biotin along with 600 mcg of chromium along with diabetes medications for three months resulted in better blood sugar control compared to the placebo.
This study used a much smaller dose of biotin than studies examining the nutrient in isolation. If you plan on using multiple supplements to manage your blood sugar, it is especially important to consult with your doctor about dosages, as you would likely require less of one if using it in combination with other supplements that exert a similar effect.
Biotin and Diabetes Drugs
Using biotin or other supplements that lower blood sugar along with drugs used for the same purpose could result in hypoglycemia. If biotin works for you, you might require reductions in insulin or other medications you take to control glucose levels to compensate for the effect. Only your doctor can determine the necessity and degree of this. Do not alter your medications on your own.
Other Medication Interactions
If you suffer from epilepsy, taking high doses of biotin might interfere with the effectiveness of your medications and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center cautions against taking more biotin than what you require for your basic needs, which is much less than the dosages used in studies for diabetes. Biotin does not have any other known interactions, but if you take any sort of medication, talk to your doctor before using high doses of any supplement.
Other Considerations for Use
Whether or not you can consume high doses of biotin while pregnant or breastfeeding has not been established. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it is excreted through breast milk. If you have liver or kidney disease, always clear the use of any supplements with your doctor, as these organs have a particular sensitivity to what you put in your body, especially when diseased.
References
- University of Michigan Health Center; Biotin; December 2009
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center;Biotin; February 2011
- "Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews"; Chromium Picolinate and Biotin Combination Improve Glucose Metabolism In Treated, Uncontrolled Overweight to Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes; CA Albarracin, et al.; January 2008;
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Biotin; January 2010
