Certain supplements, including cinnamon and aloe vera, may help lower blood sugar. Some supplements may have a beneficial effect on blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. However, research into supplement efficacy in managing the condition is often mixed. Here are 10 Blood sugar supplements that may help lower blood sugar. 1. CinnamonCinnamon supplements are either made from whole cinnamon powder or an extract. Many studies suggest it helps lower blood sugar and improves diabetes control. How it worksCinnamon may help your body’s cells better respond to insulin. In turn, this allows sugar into your cells, lowering blood sugarTrusted Source. PrecautionsThe common Cassia variety of cinnamon contains more coumarin, which may harm your liver in high amounts. 2. American GinsengAmerican ginseng, a variety grown primarily in North America, has decreased post-meal blood sugar by about 20%Trusted Source in healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes. How it worksAmerican ginseng may improve your cells’ response to and increaseTrusted Source your body’s insulin secretion. PrecautionsGinseng can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin, a blood thinner, so avoid this combination. It may also stimulate your immune system, which could interfere with immunosuppressant drugs. 3. ProbioticsDamage to your gut bacteria — such as from taking antibiotics — is associated with an increased risk of several diseases, including diabetes. Probiotic supplements, which contain beneficial bacteria or other microbes, offer numerous health benefits and may improveTrusted Source your body’s handling of carbohydrates. How it worksAnimal studies suggest that probiotics may decrease blood sugar by reducing inflammation and preventing the destruction of pancreatic cells that make insulin. Several other mechanisms may be involved as well. PrecautionsProbiotics are unlikely to cause harm, but in certain rare circumstances, they could lead to infections in people with significantly impaired immune systems. 4. Aloe VeraAloe vera may also help those trying to lower their blood sugar. Supplements or juice made from the leaves of this cactus-like plant could help lowerTrusted Source fasting blood sugar and A1C in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. How it worksMouse studies indicate that aloe may stimulateTrusted Source insulin production in pancreatic cells, but this hasn’t been confirmed. Several other mechanisms may be involved. In a review of nine studies in people with type 2 diabetes, supplementing with aloe for 4–14 weeksTrusted Source decreased fasting blood sugar by 46.6 mg/dl and A1C by 1.05%. PrecautionsAloe can interact with several medications, so check with your doctor before using it. It should never be taken with the heart medication digoxin. 5. BerberineBerberine isn’t a specific herb but rather a bitter-tasting compound taken from the roots and stems of certain plants, including goldenseal and Phellodendron. A review of 27 studies in people with type 2 diabetes observed that taking berberine in combination with diet and lifestyle changes reduced fasting blood sugar by 15.5 mg/dl and A1C by 0.71%Trusted Source compared to diet and lifestyle changes alone or with a placebo. How it worksBerberine may improve insulin sensitivity and enhance sugar uptake from your blood into your muscles, which helps lower blood sugar. PrecautionsBerberine may cause digestive disturbances, such as constipation, diarrhea, or gas. Berberine may interact with several medications, so check with your doctor before taking this supplement. RELATED VIDEOSWatch More6. Vitamin DVitamin D deficiency is considered a potential risk factorTrusted Source for type 2 diabetes. In one study, 72% of participants with type 2 diabetes were deficient in vitamin D at the start of the study. After two months of taking a 4,500-IUTrusted Source supplement of vitamin D daily, both fasting blood sugar and A1C improved. How it worksVitamin D may improve the function of pancreatic cells that make insulin and increase your body’s responsiveness to insulin. PrecautionsVitamin D may trigger mild to moderate reactions with several types of medications, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance. 7. GymnemaGymnema Sylvestre is an herb used as a diabetes treatment in the Ayurvedic tradition of India. How it worksGymnema Sylvestre may reduce sugar absorptionTrusted Source in your gut and promote cells’ sugar uptake from your blood. PrecautionsThis herbcan enhance the blood sugar effects of insulin, so use it only with a doctor’s guidance if you take insulin injections. 8. MagnesiumLow blood levels of magnesium are common in people with type 2 diabetes and are more common in those who don’t have their blood sugar under good control. How it worksMagnesium is involved in normal insulin secretion and insulin actionTrusted Source in your body’s tissues. PrecautionsAvoid magnesium oxide, which can increase your riskTrusted Source of diarrhea. Magnesium supplements may interact with several medications, such as some diuretics and antibiotics, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. 9. Alpha-Lipoic AcidAlpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, is a vitamin-like compound and powerful antioxidant produced in your liver and found in some foods, such as spinach, broccoli, and red meat. Taking ALA alongside prescription diabetes treatment may help decrease fasting blood sugar and A1C. How it worksALA may improve insulin sensitivity and your cells’ sugar uptake from your blood, though it may take a few months to experience these effects. It may also protect against oxidative damage caused by high blood sugar. PrecautionsALA may interfere with therapies for hyperthyroid or hypothyroid disease. Avoid very large doses of ALA if you have vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency or live with an alcohol use disorder. 10. ChromiumChromium deficiency reducesTrusted Source your body’s ability to use carbs — converted into sugar — for energy and raises your insulin needs. How it worksChromium may enhanceTrusted Source the effects of insulin or support the activity of pancreatic cells that produce insulin. PrecautionsCertain drugs — such as antacids and others prescribed for heartburn — can reduce chromium absorption. The Bottom LineMany supplements — including cinnamon, ginseng, other herbs, vitamin D, magnesium, probiotics, and plant compounds like berberine — may help lower blood sugar. Remember that you may experience different results than what studies have found based on factors such as duration, supplement quality, and your individual diabetes status. Discuss supplements with your doctor, especially if you’re taking medication or insulin for diabetes, as some of the above supplements may interact with medications and raise the risk of blood sugar dropping too low. Sometimes, your doctor may need to decrease your diabetes medication dose at some point. Try only one new supplement at a time and check your blood sugar regularly to follow any changes over several months. Doing so will help you and your doctor determine the impact.
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