Worried About Your Blood Sugar Levels? 3 Supplements To Consider

1 min

Dr. Weil recommends the following three supplements for people diagnosed with diabetes, or those whose blood sugar or fasting insulin levels are higher than goal ranges. They have been shown to help regulate glucose levels and promote heart health, issues many diabetics face. Talk with your physician about the best way to integrate these into your overall diabetes treatment program and always closely monitor blood sugar when making any supplement or medication changes with   the guidance of your provider.

1. Chromium. A trace element that plays a role in blood sugar regulation, chromium works with insulin to help transport glucose from the blood into cells.
2. Alpha-lipoic acid. This antioxidant can enhance glucose uptake, inhibit glycosylation (the non-enzymatic attachment of sugar to protein that is key in the widespread tissue damage of diabetes), and help promote and maintain eye health.
3. Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 (coQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that may help maintain a healthy heart, known to be at risk in diabetic patients.

Keep in mind that the best “supplement” for diabetes cannot be swallowed: It’s high intensity exercise. Your muscles are the tissues you have the most control of in terms of lowering blood glucose levels – the more they are challenged, the more energy they need. Work with your doctor to find out what you can tolerate and consider starting with wall slides to strengthen leg muscles, graduating to air squats and high intensity interval training (HIIT) regimens on fitness equipment.

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