8 Best Supplements For Diabetes

Introduction

Diabetes is a common endocrine disease that occurs when the blood sugar level drastically increases. Usually, diabetes is caused when the insulin level decreases due to malfunctioning of the pancreas. Furthermore, it can lead to various other health problems including cardiovascular disease, and eye, kidney, and nerve damage. Diabetes of two types namely type-1 and type-2 has different symptoms, treatment, and risk factors.

Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s self-immune system attacks insulin-producing cells causing low or no insulin production. Type-2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder where insulin levels get decreased causing low blood sugar levels.

The other two diabetes are gestational diabetes which occurs during pregnancy, and monogenic diabetes caused by a mutation in a single gene.Over-the-counter medication is recommended to follow as the first line of treatment. But, it is advisable to intake these supplements with proper medical assistance. Read the article to get an idea about the need for supplements, and the best supplements available to treat diabetes.

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What is the use of diabetes supplements? 

It’s always the best choice to let the food provide you with all the essential vitamins and minerals. However, intake of certain supplements can reduce the risk of diabetes as a first-line treatment. These supplements include vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional components that can reduce blood sugar levels.  In this blog, let us discuss some of the effective diabetes supplements available in recent days.

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8 Best Supplements For Diabetes

Intake of some supplements may have a beneficial effect on controlling blood glucose levels. These supplements play a vital role by propelling the essential nutrients. Let’s unlist the 8 best diabetes supplements in recent days. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon supplements taken from the bark of cinnamon trees can help reduce blood sugar levels in patients with prediabetes. If you are under diabetes medication and taking insulin, this cinnamon supplement can help your body cells better respond to insulin. 

On the other hand, taking a high dose of cinnamon can cause heartburn, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea. Some cinnamon varieties have a compound coumarin that can raise liver enzymes and cause harmful effects to the liver.

American Ginseng

American Ginseng also known as Panax quinquefolius, is a common traditional herb primarily grown in North America. This supplement is found to reduce post-meal blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, studies revealed that the roots of the Ginseng plant can help to treat cancer and diabetes. American Ginseng can have an interaction with diabetes medications including insulin and sulfonylureas that could result in hypoglycemia.

Probiotics

Probiotic supplements have some beneficial bacteria that help to cure the damaged gut bacteria and treat diabetes. This bacteria can also help to handle the body’s carbohydrates. Probiotic supplements can prevent damage to pancreatic cells that create insulin and reduce the risk of diabetes. Probiotics can cause infections in people having low immune power.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera supplements have a special quality to lower blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes and type-2 diabetes. Furthermore, aloe vera can stimulate insulin secretion in pancreatic cells which can reduce the risk of diabetes. Aloe vera supplements also have interactive capability with other medicines like heart medication digoxin.

Berberine

Berberine is a bitter-tasting compound found in certain plants like barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. This supplement can treat type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Long-term use of Berberine supplements can cause nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. Also, intake of this supplement during pregnancy, or breastfeeding can cause brain damage in infants.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, or “sunshine vitamin” can be gained by exposing your body to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Having low levels of vitamin D can increase the risk of getting affected by type-2 diabetes. Studies revealed that only 28% of people with diabetes have a low count of vitamin D levels.

Intake of vitamin D supplements at high dosage for a long time can cause kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, and even death. Since it is advisable to have a medical consultation before taking this supplement.

Gymnema

Gymnema is a natural ayurvedic medicine found in the tropical regions of India, China, Australia, and parts of Africa. Consuming this supplement can control the cravings for sugar products and lower the rate of sugar absorption in the body. This supplement can also help your body cells to promote sugar uptake from the blood.

The major drawback of gymnema is that it can enhance the blood sugar effects of insulin.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral found commonly in foods like legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and spinach. Magnesium can control glucose metabolism in bodies. Furthermore, this mineral can regulate blood pressure, muscle function, heart rhythm, and blood sugar levels. Magnesium deficiency is common in people having type-2 diabetes.

Magnesium supplements have magnesium oxide compounds that can increase the risk of diarrhea. It is advisable to take this supplement after medical consultation, as it may interact with some body compounds like diuretics and antibiotics. Furthermore, a  huge intake of magnesium supplements can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

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How lifestyle changes can help to prevent diabetes? 

Diabetes has no cure, and persons with diabetes can get relief from pain by maintaining a healthy life through proper diet and physical exercises. Some of the recommended changes in lifestyle to maintain a diabetes-free life are,

• Reducing overweight
• Increased physical activity
• Diet plan low in saturated sugar
• A diet plan high in fiber

By following these recommendations, you can have a positive effect on blood sugar management.

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Conclusion

Foods having a well-rounded diet is essential to manage diabetes. The introduction of supplements and herbs is an added advantage to treat diabetes. Try to achieve the best results by taking these natural supplements along with diet plans, and lifestyle changes to treat acid reflux. 

But, there are some critical cases where these natural remedies do not have much effect. For such instances, it is advisable to seek proper medical treatment by consulting with doctors.