Balanced blood sugar levels are essential for our health and well-being. High blood sugar occurs when your body can’t effectively transport sugar from the blood into the cells. If left unchecked, this can lead to diabetes. It’s therefore important that we measure and monitor our blood glucose levels. For example, keeping track of our blood sugar levels can help us determine whether we need to make adjustments in meals or with supplements. 

According to experts, here are some of the supplements that can aid blood sugar control:

  • Probiotics 
  • Berberine
  • Vitamin D
  • Magnesium 
  • Cinnamon 
  • American Ginseng 
  • Plant compounds 

Blood Sugar Supplement FAQs

What Is Blood Sugar? 

Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the main sugar found in your blood. It is your body’s primary source of energy. It comes from the food you eat. Your body breaks down most of that food into glucose and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood glucose goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. 

How Do Supplements Help Blood Sugar?

You may be wondering how the supplements actually aid blood sugar, here’s everything you need to know: 

Probiotics – Animal studies suggest that probiotics may decrease blood sugar by reducing inflammation and preventing the destruction of pancreatic cells that make insulin. 

Berberine – Berberine may improve insulin sensitivity and enhance sugar uptake from your blood into your muscles, which helps lower blood sugar.

Vitamin D – Vitamin D may improve the function of pancreatic cells that make insulin and increase your body’s responsiveness to insulin.

Magnesium – Magnesium is involved in normal insulin secretion and insulin action in your body’s tissues.

Do Blood Sugar Supplements Work? 

Whilst some research supports the positive effects that supplements can have on blood sugar, we argue that supplements should be used in addition to medication, food regime and exercise. 

Please note – it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before adding a supplement to your routine. 

Which Foods Lower Blood Sugar Levels? 

Some examples of foods that lower your blood sugar levels, include:

  • Berries – Foods like blueberries provide fibre and antioxidants known to lower blood sugar and inflammation.
  • Nuts – In one study, pregnant women at-risk for gestational diabetes had lower blood sugar after eating pistachios versus the group that consumed whole wheat bread.
  • Leafy greens – Vegetables like spinach are low-calorie and packed with magnesium. This is good because magnesium lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, dark vegetables like kale provide vitamins A, C, E, calcium and iron. 
  • Non-starchy vegetables – The American Diabetes Association recommends filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables at meals, such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, squash and mushrooms.
  • Animal protein – Protein is essential for blood sugar management. It helps slow digestion, prevents post meal blood sugar spikes and increases feelings of fullness. On top of this, it can also help prevent overeating and promote excess body fat loss, two essential effects for healthy blood sugar levels. In particular, fatty fish such as salmon and sardines have been shown to help improve blood sugar regulation.