10 supplements that could benefit people with diabetes

1. Vitamin B-complex

vitamin B-complex (and vitamin B12, specifically) is crucial for people taking metformin, a A 2016 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that one potential side effect of the medicine is vitamin B12 deficiency.

2. Vitamin D

A 2019 study published by the European Journal of Endocrinology determined that people with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes or those newly diagnosed could benefit from vitamin D supplementation

3. Berberine

One of the lesser-known supplements with the potential to help people with diabetes is berberine, explains a 2013 review of supplements published in Diabetes Spectrum, a journal of the American Diabetes Association.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon can potentially help improve blood glucose control, according to some preliminary research. It’s thought that cinnamon might aid in diabetes management by helping to increase insulin sensitivity.

5. Mulberry

Mulberry may help those with diabetes by decreasing the absorption of carbohydrates in a meal, according to the previously mentioned 2013 review of supplements published by Diabetes Spectrum.

6. Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel is one of the lesser-known supplements with potential results in people with diabetes, according to a 2009 review published by Diabetes Spectrum.

7. ALA (alpha-lipoic acid)

Known for being a powerful antioxidant that also increases insulin sensitivity, ALA has shown the potential in some research to both treat and prevent diabetes, explains a 2009 review published by Diabetes Spectrum

8. Vinegar

Vinegar (particularly organic, raw, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar) has become popular in the mainstream nutrition and health community. The previously referenced 2013 review of supplements published in Diabetes Spectrum supports that it may also directly benefit blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

9. Chromium

“Chromium appears to act by enhancing or potentiating insulin’s actions” in people with type 2 diabetes, explains a 2001 review published by Diabetes Spectrum.

10. Turmeric (curcumin)

Complications from diabetes emerge not just as a result of high blood sugars, but also from inflammation