Glucose Management

Glucose & Diabetes Support Supplements

• Inositol
• alpha-lipoic acid
• berberine
• bitter melon
• chromium picolinate and zinc

Glucose issues are not uncommon in Kenya. With urbanization growing, sedentary lifestyles, and westernization, glucose-related issues are on the rise.

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37.3 million Americans (11.3% of the population) have diabetes [1].

In this article, we'll discuss what blood glucose is, what causes high blood glucose levels, and how blood glucose supplements can help.

We'll also give you a list of the best blood glucose supplements on the market so you can find one that's right for you.

What Is Blood Glucose?

Blood glucose also called blood glucose, is a type of glucose that's found in your blood.

We talk about having blood glucose-related problems when our bodies are not able to keep either glucose levels or insulin levels within limits.

Our body uses blood glucose for energy under the supervision of a hormone made by the pancreas called Insulin.

Insulin helps our bodies use (utilize) and store blood glucose.

What Causes High Blood Glucose?

There are a few different things that can cause your blood glucose to rise.

One is eating too much glucose or carbohydrates. When you eat glucose or starchy foods, they're broken down into glucose and enter your bloodstream.

This can cause your blood glucose levels to spike temporarily before more insulin is produced by the pancreas to lower it back to acceptable levels.

There are situations where even after the production of insulin to counter high glucose levels, the insulin fails to adequately open glucose "gates" in the cells.

This condition is called insulin resistance.

A sedentary lifestyle or not getting enough exercise can contribute to high glucose levels.

Exercise helps our bodies use insulin properly and lowers blood glucose levels.

Stress can also raise blood glucose levels. When we are stressed, our bodies release hormones (cortisol) that increase glucose production.

How Can Supplements Help?

Blood glucose supplements help by supporting healthy blood glucose levels.

Berberine:

Berberine is probably the best of all glucose support supplements, with solid research showing that it could be as powerful or more powerful than some prescription medicine (2), without side effects.

Berberine is an alkaloid compound that's found in certain plants. It's been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as one of the most effective glucose support supplements.

Berberine supplements can help lower blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity and increasing glucose uptake in the cell.

In well-documented research where berberine, inositol, and Metformin (prescription drug) were compared in women with PCOS insulin resistance:

Berberine increased Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and decreased waist circumference compared with metformin and decreased Free Androgen Index (FAI) compared with myoinositol.

Compared with metformin or myoinositol, berberine decreased Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), LDL-C, and triglycerides and increased HDL-C

Myoinositol decreased fasting insulin compared with metformin or berberine.

 

Inositol

Inositol is one type of blood glucose supplement that's been shown to be effective.

Inositol is a carbohydrate that's found in plant foods like beans, grains, and fruits.

Inositol supplements can help support blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity at the cellular level.

Bitter melon is another type of blood glucose supplement that can help lower blood glucose levels.

Bitter melon is a type of fruit that's often used in Asian cuisine. It contains compounds that can help lower blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity and increasing glucose uptake.

Chromium picolinate and zinc are another pair of blood glucose supplements that can help improve insulin sensitivity.

What Should You Look For In A Blood Glucose Supplement?

When you're looking for a blood glucose supplement, it's important to find one that's right for you.

Here are a few things to look for:

- Inositol or berberine: These ingredients have been shown to be effective at lowering blood glucose levels.

- Bitter melon: This ingredient can help improve insulin sensitivity and increase glucose uptake.

- Chromium picolinate: This ingredient can help improve insulin sensitivity.

- Zinc: This ingredient can help improve insulin sensitivity. You should also look for supplements that are free of fillers, binders, and artificial ingredients.

Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements. they can advise you on whether or not a particular supplement is right for you.

Takeaway

Berberine is a very powerful glucose support supplement used together with zinc & chromium picolinate.

Blood glucose support supplements can help lower blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity and increasing glucose uptake.

Inositol, berberine, bitter melon, chromium picolinate, and zinc are all effective ingredients and can either be taken separately or as a blend.