In addition to diet and exercise, can supplements help with diabetes?
Learn more about 5 supplements you might want to reconsider taking if you have diabetes.
When it comes to managing diabetes, lifestyle plays a major role in blood sugar management and overall health.
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But, what about supplements?
Are they safe and effective?
Becausesupplements are not regulatedby the Food and Drug Administration, it’s important to take them cautiously.
That’s one of the reasons it is so important to talk to a health professional.
Adeficiency in chromiummay cause high blood sugar; however, deficiency is very rare.
TheAmerican Diabetes Associationcautions anyone with kidney disease against taking chromium because supplementation can worsen kidney disease.
Chromium supplementation may also interfere with levothyroxine (a medication commonly used to treat hypothyroidism).
Studies that have been done are short, and the doses of bitter melon used vary.
More research is needed to determine long-term effects and safety.
Green Tea Extract
Drinking green tea has been shown to provide benefits for people with diabetes.
Therefore, additional supplementation beyond drinking green tea is probably not necessary.
Instead, researchers noted less insulin secretion, which can increase blood sugar levels.
Whole foods contain a variety of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Fiberis the indigestible part of carbohydrate that can help to reduce blood sugar spikes because it is metabolized slowly.
The2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americansrecommends consuming 25 to 38 grams of fiber daily.
A simple yet effective strategy is to use the plate method.
For example, roasted chicken with stir-fried broccoli and baked sweet potato is a balanced and filling meal.
Therefore, before you spend money on supplements, take a look at your lifestyle.
A foods-first approach is a safer, more affordable and more realistic way to prevent and manage diabetes.
Before taking any supplements, discuss it with your health care provider.
Treatment of diabetes is ongoing and requires daily diabetes self-management.
Unfortunately, there is no supplement that will cure you.
If you are deficient in a vitamin, you may benefit from supplementation.
If levels are low, supplementation may be recommended.
If you want to take a supplement, be sure to talk to a professional.
