Your blood sugar fluctuates naturally throughout the day, rising after meals and falling in between meals. An intricate interplay of hormones keeps your blood sugar from rising too high or dropping to dangerous levels. A variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients contribute to this important process. Consult your doctor about using supplements to manage blood sugar.
Fiber
Water-soluble fibers, such as those found in psyllium, guar gum, fenugreek, seaweed and fruit pectin are particularly helpful for controlling the spike in blood sugar the occurs after meals. Soluble fiber also decreases insulin levels and reduces the number of calories you absorb from food, says naturopath Michael Murray, author of the book "How to Prevent and Treat Diabetes with Natural Medicine." For best blood sugar control, take soluble fiber supplements with water 1/2 hour before meals. The fiber forms a gelatinous substance when it mixes with water, slowing down the absorption of sugar.
Selenium and Vanadium
The trace minerals selenium and vanadium contribute to blood sugar management by improving blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. A study published in the December 2010 issue of the "Pakistani Journal of Biological Science" found that supplementation of diabetic laboratory animals with 1 mg per mL drinking water for three months. Results showed that blood sugar levels normalized with vanadium supplementation. Structure of insulin-producing cells of the pancreas was also improved in supplemented animals. Researchers concluded that vanadium was effective at reversing signs and symptoms of diabetes, in this preliminary study.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a high-powered antioxidant that also controls blood sugar levels. This supplement is not an essential nutrient, your body manufactures sufficient quantities for normal activities. However, under conditions of stress or blood sugar imbalance, supplementing increases levels of freely circulating alpha-lipoic acid, helping prevent tissue damage from oxidation, while boosting your energy levels. You can take a dose of 50 mg to 100 mg per day for preventive maintenance. Higher doses up to 300 mg to 600 mg are used to treat neuropathy and other diabetic complications.
Spices
Look no further than your spice rack for some tasty and effective blood sugar-lowering supplements. Cinnamon, clove and bay leaf help lower blood sugar levels and also curb sugar cravings, according to Dr. Linda Rector-Page, author of the book "Weight-Loss & Cellulite Control." A South African study on laboratory animals published in the 2011 issue of the journal "Renal Failure" found that clove restored depleted levels of glycogen, the storage form of sugar, in the liver.
References
- "How to Prevent and Treat Diabetes with Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray; 2004
- "Pakistan Journal of Biological Science"; Pancreatic Islet Beta Cell Protective Effect of Oral Vanadyl Sulphate in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats, an Ultrastructure Study; S. Ahmadi, et al.; December 2010
- "Natural Supplements for Diabetes: Practical and Proven Health Suggestions ... "; Frank Murray; 2009
- "The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements"; Shawn M. Talbott; 2006
- "Renal Failure"; The Effects of Syzygium Aromaticum-derived Oleanolic Acid on Glycogenic Enzymes in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats; P. Ngubane, et al.; 2011
