Many people need to understand how to manage their blood sugar levels better. Although this is something everyone should know, there are specific groups of individuals who can benefit immediately from this knowledge. And the numbers are mind-blowing:
- About 10 percent of Americans have diabetes.
- Another 20 percent have it but don’t know it.
- More than 33 percent of Americans have prediabetes, and more than 80 percent with prediabetes don’t know they have it. Prediabetes is when individuals have blood sugar levels higher than normal but not quite in the range of diabetes. Many people with prediabetes go on to develop diabetes.
- In Canada, more than 25 percent of the population has either diabetes or prediabetes.
Clearly, a significant segment of the population has a problem with blood sugar levels, and we would like to explain how to help them manage it naturally.
Read about 4 diabetes symptoms to watch out for
Diabetes and blood sugar
Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which a person’s blood sugar (glucose) levels are elevated because of a lack of insulin or an inability of their own insulin to effectively transport glucose into the body’s cells, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Management of blood sugar levels typically involves attention to diet and exercise, and many people also take oral medications and/or insulin to maintain healthy blood glucose. Unfortunately, many people experience the consequences of long-term high sugar levels, including heart disease, stroke, amputation, blindness, and end-stage renal disease.
Managing blood sugar naturally
Fortunately, there are several effective non-drug options for managing blood sugar levels, some of which are supplements. Although you can take each of the following five ingredients separately, they are also conveniently available in a single supplement. Each substance provides blood sugar management benefits in its own way.
Read about aged garlic extract, AGE for a healthier you
Berberine
Berberine has been called "nature's metformin" because it promotes insulin secretion and improves the body's insulin resistance.
Aged garlic extract
Aged garlic extract results from fresh garlic that has been aged up to 20 months to produce an extract that is higher in antioxidants than fresh garlic. The extract also contains unique water-soluble organosulfur compounds, flavonoids, and other beneficial ingredients.
In a 2019 animal study, the researchers evaluated the impact of aged garlic extract on insulin resistance and fat accumulation/fatty liver disease. They found that the extract improved insulin resistance (making it easier for sugar to enter the body’s cells and thus help balance blood sugar levels) and abnormal fat accumulation, which also helps with diabetes. A previous study also showed that aged garlic extract effectively lowers blood glucose levels.
Salacia
This herb is native to India and Sri Lanka. It has a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicine as a treatment for diabetes, asthma, joint pain, obesity, and menstrual problems. Salacia contains compounds that appear to prevent the body from absorbing sugars.
In a study appearing in the Journal of Diabetes Research, experts did a double-blind crossover study involving 35 healthy volunteers. They were randomly assigned to take various doses of Salacia (200 mg, 300 mg, and 500 mg) and placebos. The use of Salacia was associated with significantly better insulin and glucose response.
Bitter melon
Also known as bitter gourd, this vegetable gets more bitter the more it ripens. It has a history of being used to treat diabetes as well as toothaches and diarrhea. According to a 2022 meta-analysis and review of bitter melon for diabetes, the authors pointed out that based on the actions of various components of the vegetable and the existing data from animal studies, the extract has anti-diabetic properties. More research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of bitter melon in people.
Niacin
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, can help address issues common among people with diabetes, including high cholesterol. More specifically, diabetics often have too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides and not enough high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Research shows that niacin can help lower LDL and triglycerides and boost HDL. In the study, although niacin slightly increased blood sugar levels, it did not change blood sugar control during treatment.
Chromium picolinate
This mineral has long been known for its ability to reduce insulin resistance and lower a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that chromium picolinate supplements, taking 200 to 1,000 micrograms daily, improve blood glucose control.
Bottom line
Blood sugar management is important for individuals with diabetes, but it also is a concern for anyone who is prediabetic and wants to avoid developing full-blown diabetes. Aged garlic extract, Salacia, bitter melon, niacin, and chromium picolinate are natural supplements that can help manage blood sugar levels. They are available in a single product for added convenience from Wakunaga.
