When looking for what supplements you can take to lower your a1c level, there are many different options. These can include Berberine, Chromium, Fenugreek, Gymnema sylvestre, and Aloe vera. The important thing is to find one that is natural and will have no negative side effects.
Exercise
An exercise program that lowers A1C levels can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. It boosts the body’s ability to utilize insulin, which moves glucose from the blood to the cells for energy. In turn, lowering blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, some patients may not be able to participate in an exercise program because of their work schedules, conflicting hours, or a lack of financial resources.
A recent study investigated the efficacy of aerobic and resistance exercise on blood sugar levels. Researchers conducted a 10-week study in which 20 subjects with type 2 diabetes were randomized to either an aerobic exercise program or a resistance exercise program.
Baseline A1C levels were measured for each subject, before and after an intervention. Subjects in the aerobic exercise program showed a slight decrease in HbA1c levels, whereas those in the resistive exercise program showed a greater reduction. The difference wasn’t statistically significant, though.
Despite the results, it’s important to note that the effects of exercise are not permanent. Exercise is only effective for short-term blood sugar control. But if sustained effort is applied, it can eventually lead to a noticeable drop in A1C levels.
Aloe vera
If you have type 2 diabetes, you may want to look into taking Aloe vera supplements. These can help reduce your fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels. They also can lower triglycerides and cholesterol. But if you are taking a prescription medication, you should check with your doctor before deciding to start taking aloe.
The Aloe vera plant contains 75 active compounds. Among these are glucomannan, phytosterol, magnesium, and aloin. Some of these can lower triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood glucose. Other ingredients can increase your sensitivity to insulin and reduce oxidative stress.
The Aloe vera plant has been studied for years for its potential benefits. Several studies have found that it helps regulate blood glucose levels in diabetic animals. However, there is limited information on the health benefits of using Aloe vera supplements on their own.
One study investigated the effect of a single aloe vera capsule on blood lipids. When given for two months, the dosage dropped total cholesterol by 8.35 percent. Compared to control groups, the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased significantly.
Other studies have shown that Aloe vera can be effective in helping reduce blood glucose levels in people with prediabetes. Its benefits are most pronounced in individuals who have 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood glucose.
Gymnema sylvestre
If you have type 2 diabetes, gymnema sylvestre supplements may be able to help you control your blood sugar levels. It is a natural plant that helps regulate insulin levels and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Gymnema sylvestre can also aid in weight loss and reduce your sugar cravings. The herb works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, which keeps your blood sugar levels balanced.
However, if you have diabetes, you need to make sure you are taking Gymnema with caution. For instance, you should avoid taking it two weeks before surgery or during anesthesia. In addition, you should consult your doctor before using it.
Studies have shown that Gymnema sylvestre supplementation can significantly improve the way your body regulates blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. When paired with a lowered carbohydrate diet, Gymnema sylvestre is an effective treatment for those with the disease.
You can find gymnema sylvestre supplements in health food stores. They are available in capsule form, which you should take before meals. Take the capsules with a full glass of water.
If you want to use Gymnema sylvestre for weight loss, you should eat a healthy diet and get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Make sure you follow a well-balanced diet to prevent hypoglycemia.
Berberine
Berberine is a plant-based compound that is available as a supplement. It is an antioxidant that has been shown to improve your body’s overall health. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also has the potential to help you control your blood sugar.
Studies have shown that berberine is effective at reducing weight, increasing insulin sensitivity, and lowering cholesterol. Berberine has been shown to lower the hemoglobin A1C, a blood glucose level used to diagnose diabetes. This is important, because people with type 2 diabetes have higher levels of this marker.
The main mechanism of action of berberine is activating an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This is the master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. By activating this enzyme, berberine can help the body to use fat to generate energy.
Berberine can increase the production of brown adipose tissue. Brown adipose tissue helps the body to burn fat and convert food to body heat. Berberine can also help with fatty liver disease, a condition that is common in people who have obesity.
Another potential benefit of berberine is its ability to enhance the growth of healthy gut bacteria. These microorganisms play a key role in berberine’s metabolism.
Chromium
Chromium supplements are an alternative therapy for diabetes. The mineral is found in foods and helps with the normal functioning of insulin. It is also associated with a number of health benefits.
Many people with type 2 diabetes are prescribed high doses of chromium. These supplements are known to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood and increase the rate at which glucose is used for energy. This may improve the effectiveness of insulin and help prevent diabetic complications.
Chromium supplementation has been studied for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Meta-analyses have indicated that chromium supplementation does not appear to improve weight, lean body mass, or other measures of health. However, some studies show that chromium can improve muscle building.
Studies have suggested that chromium can also slow the loss of calcium. Calcium is important for muscle and work performance.
Chromium is also a natural remedy for osteoporosis. It is often found in foods that are rich in antioxidants. It has been suggested that the mineral can improve skin health.
Although some research has shown that chromium can help with weight loss, it has not been proven that it is effective for people with diabetes. In addition, the amount of chromium needed for healthy glucose metabolism varies for different people. A person’s needs may vary by age, activity level, and size.
B12
If you are a diabetic, you will know that your A1c level is something that you need to keep an eye on. But did you know that vitamin B12 supplements can lower your a1c? It’s a fact that people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 is needed for many metabolic functions. For example, it plays an important role in the proliferation of pancreatic b cells. It also can have a positive effect on fasting glucose levels.
Previous studies have shown that a vitamin B12 deficiency can affect your A1c levels. However, these studies have only focused on a small subset of the population. So, it’s still unclear how well vitamin B12 supplements can lower your a1c.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between B12 and diabetes in a large sample of Chinese people. To do this, the investigators used a longitudinal and a cross-sectional design. They recruited patients who were not responding adequately to oral anti-diabetic agents.
The best way to determine if the vitamin B12 supplement you are taking is working is to check your blood sugar levels. Your doctor can perform this test for you. You may want to get a vitamin B12 blood test if you are taking metformin, since it can lower your vitamin B12 levels.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a popular herb in South Asia and Africa. It is used as a spice and medicine. The herb contains several active compounds such as galactomannan and diogenin. These compounds inhibit glucose synthesis in the intestine and stimulate insulin production.
Research has shown that fenugreek can lower blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, studies have shown conflicting results. In addition, other herbs may have a more positive effect on lipid profiles. Hence, a combination of herbs might be more effective than taking a single high-dose consumption.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of co-supplementing berberine and fenugreek seeds on T2DM patients. This combination of herbs was found to suppress chronic inflammation. They also lowered hs-CRP.
To investigate the effectiveness of fenugreek in patients with T2DM, a double-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial was conducted. Patients with T2DM aged 18 to 70 years were enrolled. After 90 days, blood samples were collected for HbA1c testing. Several biochemical variables were also measured at the beginning and end of the study.
The intervention group was given a dosage of 3 capsules per day of 500 mg berberine + 200 mg fenugreek seed powder. Meanwhile, the control group received usual medical care. A total of 210 patients signed informed consent documents.
