According to American Diabetes Association, more than 34 million Americans have diabetes. That’s an astounding 10.5% of the population!

Even more shocking, another 88 million have prediabetes—meaning if they don’t make the lifestyle changes necessary to get their blood sugar levels under control, they may very well end up with full-blown diabetes. (Think of prediabetes as the ultimate wakeup call.)1

If you fall into either one of these categories, you probably already know what you need to do: Lose weight; exercise regularly; eliminate junk food and sugar from your diet.

But that’s not all.

There are several key supplements that can safely and naturally manage your blood sugar. Here are the three at the top of the list…

Berberine

Berberine is a medicinal compound found in the roots and stem bark of various plants, including goldenseal, barberry, Chinese goldenthread, and Oregon grape. It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Even more impressive, its effects on blood sugar make it a superstar therapy for people who need to better manage their blood sugar levels.

The first major study to highlight berberine’s blood sugar benefits came out in 2008. While a small study, it produced mighty results.

Researchers compared berberine to metformin, one of the most popular oral diabetes drugs. After three months, the researchers noted “the hypoglycemic effect of berberine was similar to that of metformin.” That’s huge!

In addition, A1c, fasting glucose, postprandial (after-meal) glucose, and triglyceride levels significantly decreased. Better yet, there were no significant side effects noted.2

A more recent meta-analysis published in 2019 looked at 28 studies with a total of 2,313 people. The results showed treatment with berberine led to better reduction of fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, and A1c levels compared to controls.3

Not only that, they found that taking berberine along with prescription diabetes medication enhanced the effects. So, if you’re already on metformin, you don’t have to shy away from this supplement!

Berberine works by increasing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This is an enzyme that, in very simple terms, regulates cellular metabolism. It activates glucose when cellular energy is low.

Along with controlling blood sugar, berberine has other important benefits, such as improving insulin sensitivity, lowering inflammation and oxidative stress, and supporting gut health.

All in all, berberine is one of the most well-rounded supplements you can take for blood sugar control. The typical dose is 1,000–1,500 mg per day, in divided doses.

Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre is an extract from the leaves of a plant native to India. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2,000 years to help balance blood sugar.

It works by slowing the transport of glucose into the bloodstream. This keeps blood sugar regulated and at a healthy level. It has another unique benefit in that it may help regenerate or repair beta cells, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. On top of that, it prevent obesity as well as the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver.4

One study looked at G. sylvestre’s effects on metabolic syndrome—a cluster of risk factors that increases the likelihood that you’ll develop diabetes down the line.

Twenty patients with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to take either the herb or placebo twice a day (before breakfast and dinner) for 12 weeks. Those taking G. sylvestre had significant decreases in weight, body mass index, and VLDL cholesterol.5

In an even more recent study, participants took either G. sylvestre or placebo. Similarly, the results of this one showed significant reductions in glucose tolerance, A1c, body mass index and weight, and LDL cholesterol.6

Gymnema sylvestre does have one major side effect: It impairs your ability to taste sugar because it blocks sweet receptors on the tongue. But if you have a sweet tooth and struggle with blood sugar control, this is actually a benefit!

The typical dosage is 400 mg a day, in divided doses.

Chromium

Chromium is an essential mineral required for the metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It also keeps your blood sugar levels in check by binding to insulin receptors (“docking stations”) on the surface of cells, and enhancing insulin activity. These actions move glucose from the bloodstream and into the cells.

Chromium deficiency is linked to a higher risk of developing diabetes. Moreover, the average adult gets only about half of the minimum recommended intake of chromium from food. So, most people could benefit from chromium supplementation—but if you have diabetes, it’s a must.

Low levels of chromium can cause glucose levels to become chronically elevated. In response, the body releases more and more insulin to balance out blood sugar levels. Eventually, these elevated insulin levels lead to insulin resistance. This means the body stops responding to insulin, so more is needed to signal the cells to take up sugar and convert it to energy. Insulin resistance further promotes high blood sugar, and a vicious cycle ensues. Insulin resistance is a hallmark of diabetes.

On the other hand, supplementation with chromium helps to prevent and improve these conditions. Evidence from a systematic review of 22 studies suggests that chromium supplementation may lower average blood glucose and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.8

Even better, research shows that chromium supplementation is associated with weight and body fat loss. Since chromium helps insulin to function more efficiently, less insulin is needed and blood levels decrease. While high insulin levels favor fat storage, low insulin enables fat burning.

A typical dosage for chromium is 200 mcg daily, in divided doses.

An All-In-One Blood Sugar Supplement

You can, of course, buy berberine, chromium, and Gymnema sylvestre as individual, standalone supplements. All are readily available online and in pharmacies and health food stores.

But at Newport Natural Health, we understand the importance of finding high-quality products from a trusted source. Our Complete Glucose Support includes all three of these nutrients, in dosages scientifically proven to be most effective for blood sugar control.

Finally, be sure to discuss the use of this, or any other supplement, with your doctor. This is especially important if you have kidney, liver, or heart issues, and/or use medications for diabetes or blood pressure. While all three of the compounds discussed here are safe and have few, if any, side effects, Gymnema sylvestre does interact with some diabetes drugs. 

References

1. Statistics About Diabetes. American Diabetes Association. 
2. Yin J, et al. Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Metabolism. 2008 May;57(5):712-17.
3. Liang Y, et al. Effects of Berberine on Blood Glucose in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systemic Literature Review and a Meta-Analysis. Endocr J. 2019 Jan 28;66(1):51-63.
4. Pothuraju R, et al. A Systematic Review of Gymnema sylvestre in Obesity and Diabetes Management. J Sci Food Agric. 2014 Mar 30;94(5):834-40.
5. Zuñiga LY, et al. Effect of Gymnema sylvestre Administration on Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Sensitivity, and Insulin Secretion. J Med Food. 2017 Aug;20(8):750-4.
6. Gaytan LA, et al. Effect of Gymnema sylvestre Administration on Glycemic Control, Insulin Secretion, and Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance. J Med Food. 2021 Jan;24(1):28-32.
7. Suksomboon N, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of chromium supplementation in diabetes. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2014 Jun;39(3):292-306.