Supplements for Diabetes

The following supplements have been shown through scientific studies to have a positive effect on blood glucose and/or insulin levels, and some are protective for the body and blood vessels when the blood sugar goes to high:

1. Glucose tolerating factors—chromium and biotin have been shown in studies to help optimize glycemic control by increasing insulin sensitivity, and are needed to burn protein, carbs and fat.

2. Vanadium—mimics the effect of insulin in the body.

3. Alpha Lipoic Acid—recirculates anti-oxidants to reduce free radical damage, is necessary for converting glucose to energy, and can protect brain and nerve tissue from elevated glucose levels.

4. Gymnema Sylvestre—slows the transport of sugar into the blood stream.

5. MHCP from Cinnamon bark—acts as a natural insulin, increases insulin receptivity of the cells, and helps maintain good triglyceride and LDL levels.

6. Benfotiamine—a form of Thiamine (Vitamin B-1) that protects the vessels from the complications of diabetes, reducing retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy.

7. N-acetyl-L-cysteine—prevents or delays beta cell dysfunction in the pancreas and improves glutathione production for better detoxification of the body.

8. Acetyl-L-carnitine—prevents and reduces pain associated with neuropathy, and may improve glucose balance.

9. Banaba leaf—has been shown to lower blood sugar with insulin-like properties.

10. Nopal (Prickly Pear Cactus)—normalizes blood sugar, whether too low or too high, increases insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation.

11. Karela (Bitter Melon)—lowers blood sugar, increases insulin sensitivity, and stimulates digestion.

12. Agaricus Blazei—mushroom that increases adiponectin levels, a protein hormone that is produced by adipocytes (fat cells), which regulates the body’s metabolism of lipids and glucose, influences the body’s response to insulin, and reduces inflammation in the vessel walls.

I developed a supplement, Glucose Balance by SpringTree Nutrition (www.springtreehealth.com), which contains all of these ingredients listed above. Used in combination with SuperMulti Plus, which contains all the vitamins, minerals, bioflavinoids and anti-oxidants necessary to provide for what becomes depleted in the diabetic body, blood sugar levels frequently improve, energy and health improve, and often medication can be reduced under a physician’s supervision.

Other supplements that I would recommend for people with diabetes:

• A good soluble fiber supplement to reduce glucose absorption and assist digestion.

• Betaine HCL, taken at the beginning of a meal, to improve stomach acid, which is often low in those with diabetes. Low stomach acid reduces stomach emptying, reduces digestion and absorption of calcium and other minerals, B-vitamins, and proteins. It also increases acid reflux.

• Digestive enzymes, taken at the end of a meal, to assist digestion.

• An adrenal support supplement, such as Adrenal Stress Relief by SpringTree Nutrition, as stress increases blood sugar and makes the disease process worse. Diabetes itself is also very stressful to the body and a good adrenal support will assist the body in better dealing with that stress.

• If overweight, a healthy supplement to assist with weight loss such as Appetite and Carb Control, which will be soon released by SpringTree Nutrition.

• GI Health, coming soon from SpringTree Nutrition, is an excellent support for digestive health, containing soluble fiber, pre-biotics and pro-biotics, and other excellent ingredients to support the digestive health of a patient with diabetes who struggles with gastro-intestinal problems.


Next blog will be on a simple exercise that does wonders for weight loss and blood sugar control for people with diabetes.

Until we meet again,
Dr. Judi