Diabetes is a chronic condition in which insulin production is reduced resulting in less blood sugar intake by cells leading to high levels of glucose (sugar) in blood. In this article, we look into the top 3 supplements for diabetes support and management. We will also review a product that contains these essential elements to make a synergistic formula to help with diabetes management.

 

The top 3 supplements commonly used to manage diabetes are as follows:

Fish Oil: The effect of fish oil supplements on blood lipoprotein in 26 people with Type 2 diabetes was the subject of a recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (February, 2007). The study participants were assigned to take either fish oil or corn oil supplements. Size and concentration of lipoproteins subclasses (several blood cholesterol markers) as well as insulin sensitivity were measured after nine weeks of supplementation. The results show that high doses of fish oil reduced the size and concentration of several lipoprotein subclasses while lowering insulin sensitivity.

Chromium: A latest review article published in Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 December has mentioned that 13 of 15 clinical studies involving a total of 1,690 subjects reported significant improvement in at least one outcome of glycemic control. Beneficial effects of chromium supplementation included reduced blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and reduced requirements for drugs for diabetes.

 

Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant, which is produced in the body & also present in food. High blood sugar in diabetes increases free radical formation in body, which leads to additional complications of diabetes like atherosclerosis, heart problems, nerve damage & cataract. Antioxidant decreases free radicals in body & decreases risk of complications. A recent clinical study on diabetic patients treated with alpha lipoic acid was published in Hormones (Athens, 2006) showing that short-term oral alpha-lipoic acid treatment increases peripheral insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

 

While it is possible to get fish oil supplements, Chromium and Alpha Lipoic Acid separately for managing diabetes, we came across this unique blend of these essential supplements for diabetes in Nordic Naturals Omega Blood Sugar.