Everyone who works with people suffering from chronic stress, including survivors of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), recognizes that chronic stress impacts the ability to manage glucose by dysregulating it.
This makes our patients vulnerable to a variety of physical ailments. Intake of soft drinks, high fructose corn syrup and the Standard American Diet (SAD) make us more prone to develop insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Reactive hypoglycemia is often the first stage in a series of events leading to diabetes, but all of this is preventable! By using diet, exercise, reducing our stress and consuming specific nutrients, we can maintain our health and improve our lives.
The body has a complex system of checks and balances to keep blood glucose concentration within normal ranges. The pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, liver, kidneys and even skeletal muscle influence blood sugar control. Effective blood glucose regulation has important implications for health. Even mild disturbances in glucose homeostasis can have adverse consequences. Chronic type 2 diabetes causes cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, blindness and kidney failure. Glucose homeostasis depends on a wide range of micronutrients, and often the disease itself affects the availability of these nutrients. For example, people with type 2 diabetes may not metabolize fatty acids as effectively and may require higher doses than usual.
In the SAD diet, it is common for refined and processed foods to lack many of these micronutrients. In addition, some people with blood sugar disorders have a need for one or more micronutrients in higher than average amounts.
Here are the 6 best supplements for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
1. BioGlycozyme, Glucobalance
Potential Benefits
This is a broad spectrum blood glucose balancer. It includes vitamins, minerals and other trace elements for hyperglycemia.
2. Glucose Tolerance Factor
Potential benefits
Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) is a formulation of nutrients that help the body maintain blood sugar within normal levels. Chromium, an essential mineral, and guar gum, a soluble fiber, are known to play an important role in such regulation. GTF has been shown to enhance insulin action at the cellular level. Niacin is an essential vitamin for GTF synthesis.
3. Corosolic Acid
GlucoTrim® is an extract of the plant Lagerstroemia speciosa L., processed by water extraction and standardized to 1& of corosolic acid. Research has shown that corosolic acid, the active triterpenoid, helps regulate blood sugar within normal levels by aiding glucose metabolism and activating glucose transport and uptake. In addition, it has been shown to support carbohydrate metabolism.
Suggested Use:
As a dietary supplement, 1 gel tablet one hour before morning and evening meals, or the dosage recommended by the healthcare provider.
*People using insulin should consult a health care professional before use.
4. Fish Oil
Numerous research studies around the world have proven that the Omega-3 contained in fish oils offers extraordinary health benefits – reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the brain and body. Fish oil also helps with insulin sensitivity. Additionally, taking Omega-3 will improve physical performance; promote joint, heart and skin health; support cardiovascular health, memory and recall; and improve emotional well-being.
Suggested Use:
Daily requirements range around 2000 mg per day.
5. Pancreatic Glandular (Allergy Research)
Provides enzymes that may improve and aid the digestion process; may modulate immune function; may maintain blood glucose within normal limits; aids pancreatic function and fat digestion. The properly prepared glandular substance of the pancreas contains significant levels of amylase, protease and lipase, as well as other digestive factors that occur naturally in the pancreas.
For those allergic to molds, this supplement is superior to plant-based digestive enzymes. Those who are very sensitive can use organic glandular products from the pancreas of lamb, pork and beef in a dietary rotation plan.
This glandular material is processed by freeze-drying glands derived from government-inspected farm-fed animals raised in New Zealand without hormones or antibiotics. The material is frozen and then subjected to a high vacuum that vaporizes the moisture directly from the solid state, thus maintaining its biological activity.
Suggested Use:
As a dietary supplement, take 3 capsules, 6 times daily. Preferably one-half to one hour before each meal or as recommended by your health care provider.
6. Berberine
Potential Benefits
Berberine, an extract from plants in the Berberis family, helps with blood glucose levels and has been shown to reduce blood lipid levels, resulting in weight loss.
Suggested Use
Take 500 milligrams, 3 times daily for 3 months and then alternate with another supplement.
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