Diabetes supplements First, you need to make sure that the supplement contains ingredients that have been shown to be effective in controlling blood sugar levels. This topic will be discussed further in this article. It is also important to make sure that the supplement is FDA-approved. This ensures that it has undergone rigorous testing and is safe for human consumption. It is preferable to choose a supplement that contains natural ingredients. This makes it more likely that your body will be able to use the nutrients. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but choose a supplement that is easy for you. You don't want something you have trouble swallowing or don't like. You need a supplement that you will be able to sustain for a long time. Add affordability Affordability is another consideration when choosing a supplement. Diabetes can be an expensive condition to manage, so you'll want to find a supplement that won't break the bank. At this point, it is important to choose a supplement that has a good reputation. Reading reviews from other customers can give you an idea of ??whether a particular product is likely to be effective. Remember, it's not just about getting the cheapest price. Value for money and efficiency are more important. Best diabetes supplements: bottle-and-supplements-spilled-on-the-table Finally, talk to your doctor about any supplements you are considering taking. They can help you determine if a particular supplement is right for you and if it might interact with the medications you're currently taking. Taking a diabetes supplement can be a helpful way to control your blood sugar. Just do your research and choose the product that's right for you. When you're first told you have diabetes or prediabetes, you'll probably be told to eat well and exercise regularly. This is because type 2 diabetes is partly caused by poor diet and lack of exercise (1). When it comes to dietary supplements, it's a good place to start with vitamins and minerals that help control blood sugar levels. So what are these nutrients? Let's dive in. Chromium Chromium is an essential trace mineral found in red meat, egg yolks, poultry, whole grains, brewer's yeast, green beans, and broccoli (7). Although only needed in small amounts, it is very important for controlling blood sugar levels and how sugar is used in the body. When chromium levels are low, it can lead to high blood pressure, a lack of “good” cholesterol (8), and the body has trouble processing sugar, which can lead to type 2 diabetes (9). Taking a chromium supplement has been shown to help control blood sugar levels, increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin, and even play a role in preventing prediabetes from developing into diabetes (10). Chromium is available either as a stand-alone supplement or as a multi-nutrient supplement. A very effective way to take a chromium supplement is in combination with other trace element nutrients such as molybdenum, selenium, and manganese to promote overall health (11). Because chromium can come in different forms, you should do your research to make sure the supplement contains chromium 3 and not chromium 4. Chromium supports human health, but the latter is toxic (12). It is also safe in the form of chromium picolinate (13). Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, is found in a variety of foods, including pork, whole grains, sunflower seeds, and legumes such as lentils (14). It is also available in supplement form, such as benfotiamine (15). Vitamin B1 is a very important part of many important body processes, such as breaking down carbohydrates and controlling the amount of glucose in the blood (16). This means that getting enough vitamin B1 can help keep blood sugar under control and improve sugar metabolism in people with diabetes. A complication of chronic diabetes is nerve damage (17). Vitamin B1 is essential for the health of the nervous system. It helps protect nerve cells from damage and promotes proper nerve function, another reason to take this vital vitamin supplement. Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to a condition known as beriberi, which can cause fatigue and muscle weakness. As with diabetes, it can cause peripheral neuropathy, which makes the feet and hands less sensitive and reflexive. In extreme cases, it can be fatal (14). While most people get enough vitamin B1 from their diet, people with diabetes may be at risk for a deficiency due to the increased demands the condition places on the body (18). Therefore, supplementation is recommended, in addition to eating foods rich in vitamin B1 to ensure you are getting enough. This vitamin is available in a multi-nutrient supplement or can be taken on its own. As mentioned above, it is often in artificial, synthetic form in supplements, so it is best to try and get supplements that use natural foods to make their supplements. This means the body can absorb and use them more efficiently (19). Cinnamon Cinnamon has been shown to mimic the effects of insulin, helping cells absorb sugar from the bloodstream (22). Because of this effect, cinnamon has a number of benefits for blood sugar control. These include improving the insulin sensitivity of cells, which then increases the amount of glucose taken in. This is illustrated by lower blood sugar levels, especially after meals. Therefore, cinnamon can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Whether you are at risk for type 2 diabetes or are already managing thedisease, including cinnamon in your diet may help to improve your blood sugar control (23). You can use cinnamon by adding it to all sorts of meals. Some ideas include sprinkling it in coffee or adding it to curries or porridge. If you are not keen on the flavor, you can buy it in tablet form as a supplement.