The following supplements for glycemic control should be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Care needs to be taken to not allow blood sugar to get too low. Ideally, fasting glucose levels should be controlled to below 110mg/dL.

Cinnamon

Mechanisms and effects

• Lowers Blood Sugar 18-29%
• Lowers Triglycerides 23-30%
• Lowers LDL cholesterol 7-27% and total cholesterol 12-26%

Amount: 1 gram per day (1/4 teaspoon per day)

Adverse Reactions: No adverse effects have been reported. Research has used up to 6 grams per day.

Gurmar (Gymnema Sylvestre)

Mechanisms and effects

• Stimulates insulin secretion
• Lowers Blood Sugar Significantly
• Lowers Triglycerides
• Lowers Cholesterol

Amount: Four 100mg capsules of standardized Gurmar staggered throughout the

day. If the dried leaves are chewed gurmar inhibits the ability to taste

sweet.

Note: This is available in a more effective extract called GS4. You can purchase

it on the web at www.pharmaterra.com. GS4 can be used by individuals with

type 1 diabetes—they can often decrease their need for insulin by about ½.

Baskaran K, et al. Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. J Ethnopharm 1990;30:295-305.

Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum)

Mechanisms and effects

• Lowers fasting glucose by about 20%
• Lowers Triglycerides 16.4% and total cholesterol 11.3%
• Lowers cortisol levels

Amount: 1-4 grams of dried leaf daily

Rai V, et al. Effect of Ocimum sanctum leaf powder on blood lipoproteins, glycated proteins, and total amino acids in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Nutr Environ Med 1997;7:113-8.

Chromium Picolinate

Mechanisms and effects

• Is essential for proper insulin function.

Amount: 200-400mcg per day

This supplement is helpful only if you are deficient. Deficiency can be cause by a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. It is cheaper to try this supplement for a month than to be tested for deficiency.

Anderson RA, et al. Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin variables in individuals with Type II diabetes. Diabetes 1997;46:1786-91.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)

Mechanisms and effects

• Significantly lowers blood sugar

Amount: Begin with 50mL of juice per day for 1 week, then 100mL for 1week, then 150mL for 1 week, then 200mL for 3 weeks. Then adjust down to an effective dose to control blood sugar. Monitor blood sugar carefully to avoid hypoglycemia. This is a plant form of insulin that is effective for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Use under the supervision of a physician.

Srivastava Y, et al. Antidiabetic and adaptogenic properties of Momordica charantia extract: An experimental and clinical evaluation. Phytotherapy Res 1993;7:285-9

Korean Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)

Mechanisms and effects

• Lowers blood glucose
• Promotes weight loss in obese

Amount:

• 200-500mg two to three times per day

**Ginseng should be avoided by individuals with high blood pressure.

Sotaniemi EA, et al. Ginseng therapy in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 1995;18:1373-5

Fiber

A high fiber diet is recommended for diabetics for several reasons including slowing down glucose absorption and lowering cholesterol. Some fibers offer benefits above and beyond these effects and can be taken as supplements.

Flaxseed: Fiber, Lignans, PUFA’s, Protein

2 tablespoons ground with meal

Fenugreek: Contains many phytochemicals beneficial to glucose metabolism

5-10 grams per day (more than 10g may cause flatulence)

Cunnane SC, et al. High a-linoleic flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum): Some nutritional properties. Br J Nutr 1993;69:443-53.

Sharma RD, et al. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in Type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 1990;44:301-6

Bordia A, et al. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar, and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1997;56:379-84.