Chromium
Dosage: 200 mcg - 1000 mcg daily taken in divided doses
Benefit in Diabetes: Helps insulin metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
Chromium deficiency may help to trigger adult-onset diabetes, but is not the
underlying cause of diabetes, so chromium cannot cure the disease.
Harmful Effects: Adding chromium supplement should be done gradually, especially
if already on diabetes medication which may need to be adjusted to avoid glucose
lowering effect of chromium.
Research Support: Moderate - Strong
Various studies support that chromium has a positive effect on blood glucose
level, as well as HbA1c.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Dosage: 100 - 200 mg 3 times a day
Benefit in Diabetes: Antioxidant supplement. May have effect on insulin
utilization and blood sugar metabolism in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Harmful Effects: Formal safety studies have not been completed. Medication may
need to be adjusted based on glucose lowering effects.
Research Support: Minimal - Moderate
Dates is controversial.
Magnesium
Dosage: 200 mg 2 times a day
Benefit in Diabetes: Low magnesium levels may aggravate diabetic conditions.
Studies have demonstrated that it can help decrease insulin resistance and
improves glucose metabolism.
Harmful Effects: May increase the absorption of some sulfonylureas. Medication
may need to be adjusted based on glucose lowering effects.
Research Support: Moderate
Vanadly Sulfate
Dosage: Varies depending on product between 100 - 500 mcg daily
Benefit in Diabetes: Important for proper glucose metabolism.
Harmful Effects: Appears to be safe and well tolerated at doses as high as 1000
mcg daily.
Research Support: Strong
Zinc
200 mg 2 times a day
Supplement & Dosage:
Benefit in Diabetes: It has been shown that individuals with diabetes have
impaired intestinal zinc absorption and low plasma zinc zinc levels. Zinc
supplements have the potential to help individuals with hypoglycemia, IGT, and
diabetes.
Harmful Effects: No harmful side effects. Medication may need to be adjusted
based on glucose lowering effect.
Research Support: Moderate
Gymnema
400 - 600 mg 2 times a day using a standardized extract
Supplement & Dosage:
Benefit in Diabetes: It has been used primarily in the management of diabetes in
India for centuries. It appears to act in a manner similar to sulfonylurea
agents. Also temporarily prevents the taste buds from recognizing sweetness,
helping prevent sweetness cravings.
Harmful Effects: Adding gymnema should be done gradually, especially if already
on diabetes medication or taking chromium supplements. Diabetes medications my
need to be adjusted.
Research Support: Moderate - Strong
May be useful in both Type 1 and Type 2 by helping inhibit intestinal glucose
absorption.
Ginseng
100 - 300 mg per day
Supplement & Dosage:
Benefit in Diabetes: Recent University of Toronto study demonstrated that taken
40 minutes prior to a meal may decrease post-prandial hyperglycemia in Type 2
diabetics.
Harmful Effects: Diabetes medications my need to be adjusted. Self monitoring of
blood glucose is essential.
Research Support: Moderate
Fenugreek Seeds
15 - 50 g daily (1 Tbsp weights about 10.5 g)
Supplement & Dosage:
Benefit in Diabetes: Appears to decrease blood glucose, improves glucose
tolerance and possibly decreases cholesterol levels.
Harmful Effects: Side effects may include diarrhea and upset stomach.
Research Support: Strong
Large amount of promising research.