This section brings together our blood sugar content. It is split into Blood Sugar Support, which covers supplement reviews and best-of guides, and Prediabetes and Type 2, which covers plain explainers on diet, testing and daily habits.Blood sugar supplements often use berberine, cinnamon, chromium, alpha lipoic acid and bitter melon. We check the dose of each, whether human trials support it, and whether the label is clear. We also look at side effects, drug interactions and the refund policy.Supplements do not replace diabetes care. If you have diabetes or take medication that lowers blood sugar, talk to your doctor before starting anything new, as some ingredients can push levels too low.Can supplements be used instead of diabetes medicine?No. Supplements should never replace diabetes medicine your doctor has prescribed. NCCIH notes there is no strong evidence that any dietary supplement can manage diabetes on its own. Some products, such as cinnamon or chromium, have mixed or limited research. Some supplements can also interact with diabetes drugs. Tell your care team about everything you take.Source: Diabetes and Dietary Supplements, NCCIH
Prediabetes means an A1C of 5.7% to 6.4%, a fasting glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dL, or a 2-hour glucose tolerance result of 140 to 199 mg/dL. Most people have no symptoms, so a lab test is the only way to know. In the largest US trial, losing about 7% of body weight and walking 150 minutes a week cut the chance of type 2 diabetes by 58%.
Low blood sugar symptoms include shakiness, sweating, hunger, a fast heartbeat, dizziness and confusion, and they can start within minutes. For many people with diabetes, low means a reading under 70 mg/dL. Treat it with 15 grams of fast sugar, such as 4 glucose tablets, and recheck in 15 minutes. Passing out or a seizure needs glucagon and a 911 call.
Read the label first. Then decide.
Slow, plain-language supplement reviews. We read the label, compare each dose with the research and work out the real cost. Edited by Maya Ellison.
The Well Brew is general information, not medical advice. Dietary supplements are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or effectiveness before they are sold. Talk to your doctor before you start, stop or combine supplements. Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and it never changes what we report.