Natural Supplements for Managing Diabetes Symptoms

If you are among the millions of Americans living with diabetes, you are probably already aware of the importance of eating well and getting adequate exercise. But did you know that there are also a number of natural supplements ranging from minerals, herbs and even some common kitchen spices that can help you manage your blood sugar and keep diabetes in check? The following supplements, listed by order of effectiveness, are all easy to find, inexpensive, and simple to use. While these supplements all have a high safety rating, you should consult with your health care practitioner before trying any new supplements - especially if you are currently taking any medications - to avoid any possible interactions.

Top 10 Natural Supplements for Diabetes

1. Pycnogenol

What it is...
Pycnogenol is the registered name of a form of pine bark extract that contains catechins, flavanoids, and other ant-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating properties.

What it does...
Pycnogenol is a potent antioxidant which also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. It also selectively binds to collagen and elastin, and helps to dilate blood vessels.
A growing body of research, including one recent study conducted by G D'Annunzio University in Italy, has shown that Pycnogenol can help control blood sugar levels and may also protect against many complications associated with diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, and heart disease.
One study in China showed that participants who took 50 mgs of Pynogenol daily for several weeks showed significantly lowered blood sugar levels after eating. It also appears to help lower blood pressure and help control hypertension.

How it's used...
Results from recent studies suggest that an effective dosage for helping to control diabetes is 100 to 200 mgs daily.

Possible side effects or interactions...
Because Pycnogenol has immune-stimulating properties, it may aggravate certain auto-immune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. For this reason, Pycnogenol should not be used by those who are taking immunosuppressant drugs.

2. Alpha-Lipoic-Acid

What it is...
Alpha-Lipoic-Acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant made by the body. It is a cofactor for many different enzyme complexes. It is unique because, unlike most other antioxidants, it is both water and fat soluble, making it more effective throughout the body.

What it does...
Several German studies have shown that ALA lowers blood sugar levels and can help improve insulin's ability to dispose of glucose more effectively. It has also shown promising results in the treatment of autonomic neuropathy, which affects the nerves that supply the heart.

How it's used...
ALA is found in liver and yeast, and is sold in capsule form. The standard dosage ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 mgs daily.

Possible side effects or interactions...
ALA could cause low blood sugar levels and may interact with diabetes drugs. Consult with your health care practitioner before using if you are on any medications.

3. Psyllium

What it is...
Psyllium is made from the husks of the plantain plant. It is the main ingredient in the popular laxative, Metamucil. The husks are covered with a gummy substance called mucilage which forms a thick gel when it comes in contact with liquids in the intestines.

What it does...
The mucilage of the psyllium husk can help control glucose by slowing the rate that nutrients are absorbed during digestion. This slows the passage of glucose into the bloodstream. It also inhibits the absorption of fats and binds bile acids which helps to lower cholesterol levels.

How it's used...
Psyllium is found in Metaucil, and is sold as a bulk powder or bulk seeds. Dosages will vary greatly by individual. It is advised to start out by adding 1 TB daily and increasing until the desired results are achieved.

Possible side effects or interactions...
Side effects are rare, but can include abdominal pain or upset stomach. The fiber in psyllium may increase risk of low blood sugar if you are taking certain diabetes medications, so consult with your doctor first.

4. Chromium

What it is...
Chromium is a mineral commonly found in foods such as broccoli, grape juice, potatoes, bananas, and green beans.

What it does...
Chromium helps insulin with the uptake of fuel from the bloodstream. A deficiency in this mineral can greatly impair the body's ability to effectively handle glucose. Although it has not been proved that low levels of chromium cause diabetes, many people have used it successfully to overcome insulin resistance and help control diabetes, high cholesterol and even heart disease.

How it's used...
Chromium supplements are generally found as either chromium chloride or chromium piconolate. The latter is said to be the most effective form. Dosages range from 200 to 1,00 micrograms daily.

Possible side effects or interactions...
Chromium may increase risk of low blood sugar if you are taking certain diabetes medications, so consult with your doctor first.

5. Cinnamon

What it is...
Cinnamon is one of the most popular cooking spices in the world. It is also a popular flavoring and fragrance in many foods and cosmetic products.

What it does...
Cinnamon contains volatile oils that can help reduce serum glucose. Studies have shown that cinnamon can cause cells to be more responsive to insulin, leading to better glucose control. Cinnamon has an insulin-like effect on the body and is thought to increase the effectiveness of insulin.

How it's used...
Cinnamon is sold as a powder, an oil, a tincture and tea. Capsules are probably the most convenient way to supplement. Or you can simply try adding cinnamon liberally to the foods you eat daily. Dosages range from 125 to 250 mgs. Daily.

Possible side effects or interactions...
Cinnamon is not likely to cause any side effects in moderate doses. However, it can lower blood sugar so if you are taking certain diabetes medications, so consult with your doctor first.

6. Glucomannan

What it is...
Glucomannan is a soluble fiber made out of konjac flour. It's a common food additive that is used as an emulsifier or thickening agent.

What it does...
Like psyllium, glucomannan slows the absorption of glucose by acting as a bulking agent in the intestines. Recent studies have shown positive effects on fasting blood sugar levels in those taking glucomannan. It also appears to help lower blood fat levels.

How it's used...
Glucomannan is sold as a powder and in capsules. Supplemental dosages range from 5 to 10 grams daily.

Possible side effects or interactions...
Side effects are rare, but can include abdominal pain, upset stomach, or gastrointestinal tract obstruction. Glucomannan may increase risk of low blood sugar if you are taking certain diabetes medications, so consult with your doctor first.

7. Guar Gum

What it is...
Guar gum is a a soluble fiber that comes from the seeds of the Indian guar plant. It is commonly used as a thickening agent, and a remedy for constipation.

What it does...
When guar gum mixes with liquid in the intestines it expands, promoting bowl action. It also helps normalize the amount of moisture in the stool, making it useful for both constipation, and diarrhea.. Guar gum is said to decrease the amount of glucose and cholesterol that is absorbed in the stomach and intestines. In some studies it has been shown to lower blood sugar and sometimes insulin levels.

How it's used...
Guar gum is taken in powder or tablet form. Dosages range from 5 to 15 grams daily.

Possible side effects or interactions...
It's very important to drink adequate water when using guar gum to avoid the possibility of an obstruction in the esophagus or bowel. may increase risk of low blood sugar if you are taking certain diabetes medications, so consult with your doctor first.

8. Vanadium

What it is..
Vanadium is a non-essential mineral found in foods such as fish, olives, meat, radishes and whole grains.

What it does...
Vanadium has been used to help the body better use blood sugar and insulin. It is thought to act as a cofactor to certain enzymes involved in blood sugar, lipid and cholesterol metabolism.

How it's used...
Vanadium is available in many vitamin & mineral supplements and is needed in such small amounts that usually a good multivitamin will contain enough.

Possible side effects or interactions...
Vanadium can interact with blood-thinning medications. Consult with your doctor if you are on any medications.

9. Bitter Melon

What it is...
Bitter melon is a melon in the cantaloupe family that is popular in India and Asia. It contains antibacterial properties that make it useful for avoid parasitic infections.

What it does...
Animal studies have shown that bitter melon extract may low blood sugar levels. It is being studied in humans. In addition to lowering blood sugar, the active constituents in bitter mellon are thought to be effective in avoiding diabetes-related cataracts.

How it's used...
Bitter melon extract is generally used in capsule form. Most human studies have used dosages of 400 mgs daily.

Possible side effects or interactions...
All the possible side effects are not yet known. However bitter melon may cause diabetes medications to have a stronger effect. Always consult with your doctor before using.

10. Gymnema Sylvestre

What it is...
Gymnema Sylvestre comes from a woody Indian plant that has been known for centuries as "The Sugar Destroyer". This is because chewing on the leaves takes away the ability to taste sugar.

What it does...
In recent studies, participants who used the herbal extract showed a significant reduction in blood glucose and were able to use less of their standard diabetes medicine. Other studies indicate that by revitalizing the liver cells, gymnema sylvestre appears to enhance the body's insulin levels.

How it's used...
Gymnema Sylvestre is used as an herbal extract. There is no standard dosage. Studies generally used about 400 mgs daily.

Possible side effects or interactions...
Gymnema Sylvestre can inhibit the ability to taste sweet flavors. It may also interact with diabetes medications so always consult with your doctor before using.

While there is no magic pill for treating diabetes there are options for controlling your symptoms and in some cases reducing medication. Talk to your health care practitioner about using some of these natural supplements for diabetes.