Many different supplements for diabetes are on the market today that claim to provide a benefit. Some people use these supplements as complementary or alternative treatments for diabetes in addition to their standard diabetes treatment. This includes herbal medicines.

Although some supplements may be effective, others can be ineffective or even harmful.

People who use diabetes supplements need to let their healthcare providers know what they are doing.

This article focuses on several supplements that people try when looking for alternative diabetes medications, including:

* Alpha-lipoic acid
* Ginseng
* Vanadium
* Garlic
* Omega-3 fatty acids
* Chromium
* Coenzyme Q10
* Magnesium.

There is limited scientific evidence on the effectiveness of dietary supplements as alternative treatments for diabetes. The evidence that is available is not sufficiently strong enough to prove that any supplements or herbal remedies for diabetes discussed in this article have benefits for type 2 diabetes or its associated complications. A possible exception may be the use of omega-3 fatty acids to lower triglyceride levels.

If you decide to use supplements for diabetes, you should know that what you see on the label may not accurately reflect what is in the bottle. Some herbal supplements, for example, have been found to be contaminated; some tests of herbal supplements have found that the contents did not match the labeled dose on the bottle.

What Are Dietary Supplements?

Dietary supplements were defined in a law passed by Congress in 1994. These are products (other than tobacco) intended to supplement the diet that contain one or more of the following:

* Vitamins
* Minerals
* Herbs or other botanicals
* Amino acids
* Any combination of these ingredients.

Dietary supplements are intended to be taken in the following forms:

* Tablet
* Capsule
* Powder
* Softgel
* Gelcap
* Liquid.

These supplements are not represented for use as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or the diet. In addition, they must be labeled as being a dietary supplement.

Other important information about dietary supplements includes the following:

* Dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs, so there could be quality issues in the manufacturing process.

* These supplements can interact with prescribed or over-the-counter medicines and other supplements.

* “Natural” does not necessarily mean “safe” or “effective.”

* Consult your healthcare provider before starting a dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, or considering giving a supplement to a child.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA; also known as lipoic acid or thioctic acid) is a chemical that is similar to a vitamin. This diabetes supplement is an antioxidant — a substance that prevents cell damage caused by substances called free radicals in a process called oxidative stress. High levels of blood glucose are one cause of oxidative stress.

ALA is found in foods such as:

* Liver
* Potatoes
* Spinach
* Broccoli.

ALA can also be created in the laboratory. ALA supplements are marketed as tablets or capsules. It is theorized that ALA may be beneficial for diabetes because of its antioxidant activity.

Research Findings on Alpha-Lipoic Acid

The evidence on ALA as an effective supplement for type 2 diabetes and obesity is limited. A number of small studies have shown hints of beneficial effects. In a few of these studies, some possible benefit from ALA was seen in:

* Weight loss
* Glucose uptake in muscle
* Sensitivity of the body to insulin
* Diabetic neuropathy.

More research is needed to document whether there is any benefit of ALA in diabetes and to better understand how it works.

Side Effects and Possible Risks of Alpha-Lipoic Acid

While ALA appears to be safe for the general adult population, people with diabetes need to know that taking ALA supplements for diabetes might lower blood sugar too much, and thus they would need to monitor their blood sugar level carefully.

ALA may also:

* Lower blood levels of minerals, such as iron
* Decrease the effectiveness of some anti-cancer drugs
* Interact with some medicines, such as antacids.

Other possible side effects of ALA include headache, skin rash, and stomach upset.

Ginseng

Several types of plants are referred to as ginseng, but most studies on ginseng and diabetes have used American ginseng. Those studies have shown some glucose-lowering effects in fasting and post-prandial (after-meal) blood glucose levels, as well as in A1c levels (average blood glucose levels over a three-month period).

Larger and more long-term diabetes research studies are needed before doctors recommend using this diabetes supplement. Researchers also have determined that the amount of glucose-lowering compound in ginseng plants varies widely.

Vanadium

Vanadium is a compound found in tiny amounts in plants and animals. Early studies showed that this supplement normalized blood glucose levels in animals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A recent study found that when people with diabetes were given vanadium, they developed a modest increase in insulin sensitivity and were able to decrease their insulin requirements.

Diabetes research scientists want to:

* Understand how this supplement works in the body
* Discover potential side effects
* Establish safe dosages.

Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an herb used to flavor food. It can also be processed and made into dietary supplements. Garlic is used for medicinal purposes in some cultures. The chemical in garlic of most interest for health purposes is allicin, which gives garlic its strong taste and odor.

One of the claims for garlic is that the rates of certain diseases are lower in countries where a great deal of garlic is consumed. However, it has not been proven that this possible diabetes supplement (and not lifestyle or some other factor) is the reason.

Research Findings on Garlic

Few rigorous studies have been conducted on allicin or garlic for type 2 diabetes. Findings so far have been mixed in the research studies that have been done. Some basic scientific studies suggest that garlic has some biological activities that are relevant to the treatment of diabetes. However, scientific evidence so far does not verify that there is any benefit from this as a supplement for diabetes.

Side Effects and Other Risks of Garlic

Garlic is safe for most adults. However, it appears to interact with various types of drugs. For example, when combined with certain medicines used to treat HIV/AIDS (saquinavir and NNRTIs), garlic may decrease their effectiveness. Garlic may also interact with and affect the action of:

* Medications that are broken down by the liver
* Blood thinners (including warfarin)
* Cyclosporine
* Birth control pills.

Other possible side effects of garlic include:

* Stomach disorders
* An odor on the breath or skin
* Diarrhea
* Skin rash
* An allergic reaction.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s for short) are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that come from food such as:

* Fish
* Fish oil
* Wheat germ
* Walnuts
* Certain dietary supplements
* Some vegetable oils (primarily canola and soybean oil).

As possible natural remedies for diabetes, omega-3s are marketed as capsules or oils, often as fish oil.

Omega-3s are important in several bodily functions, including:

* Moving calcium and other substances in and out of cells
* Digestion
* Fertility
* Growth
* Cell division
* Blood clotting
* Relaxation and contraction of muscles.

Omega-3s have been the subject of much attention in recent years because of studies finding they may be useful for such purposes as:

* Lowering triglyceride levels
* Decreasing the rate of heart disease
* Reducing inflammation.

Some countries and organizations have issued formal recommendations on the intake of omega-3s through:

* Meals
* Oils
* Supplementation.

Omega-3s have mainly been of interest as diabetes supplements because having the condition increases a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke.

Research Findings on Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Randomized clinical trials have found that omega-3 supplementation reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease and events, such as heart attack and stroke, and slows down the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). However, these studies were not done in populations that were at higher risk, such as those with type 2 diabetes.

There is somewhat more literature available on omega-3 supplementation as a possible remedy for diabetes than for most other alternative treatments for this condition. The Cochrane Collaboration published a 2001 analysis of 18 randomized placebo-controlled trials on fish oil supplementation in type 2 diabetes. The authors found that fish oil lowered triglycerides and raised LDL cholesterol, but had no significant effect on fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol. (The authors did not identify and include studies with cardiovascular outcomes, but noted that this is an area for further research.)

In 2004, another analysis was published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of 18 studies on omega-3 fatty acids for a number of measurable outcomes in type 2 diabetes. This study confirmed virtually all the Cochrane authors’ findings, except for finding no significant effect on LDL cholesterol.

Additional studies are needed to determine whether omega-3 supplements are safe and beneficial for heart problems in people with type 2 diabetes. Studies that look specifically at heart disease outcomes in this population are needed.

Side Effects and Possible Risks of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s appear to be safe for most adults at low to moderate doses. Some safety questions have been raised about fish oil supplements because certain species of fish can be contaminated with substances from the environment, like:

* Mercury
* PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
* Pesticides.

Fish oil is on the list of food substances that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers “generally recognized as safe.” How well a product is prepared is another factor for consumers to consider.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take fish oil supplements. Fish oil in high doses can possibly interact with, and affect the action of, certain medications, including blood-thinning drugs and drugs for high blood pressure.

Potential side effects of fish oil include:

* Belching
* Stomach disturbances
* Nausea
* A fishy aftertaste.

Chromium

The benefit of added chromium as an alternative diabetes treatment has been studied and debated for years. Several studies report that chromium supplementation may improve diabetes control. Chromium is needed to make glucose tolerance factor, which helps insulin improve its action. Currently, there is insufficient information on the use of chromium in the treatment of diabetes, so no recommendations for diabetes supplementation yet exist.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral. Foods high in magnesium include:

* Green, leafy vegetables
* Nuts
* Seeds
* Some whole grains.

Various magnesium supplements are marketed as tablets, capsules, or liquids.

Although the relationship between magnesium supplementation and diabetes has been studied for decades, it is not yet fully understood. Studies suggest that a deficiency in magnesium may negatively affect blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Scientists believe that such a deficiency interrupts insulin secretion in the pancreas and increases insulin resistance in the body’s tissues. Evidence suggests that a deficiency also may contribute to certain diabetes complications. A recent analysis showed that people with higher dietary intakes of magnesium (through consumption of whole grains, nuts, and green, leafy vegetables) had a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, often referred to as CoQ10 (other names include ubiquinone and ubiquinol) is a vitamin-like substance. It helps cells make energy and acts as an antioxidant. Meats and seafood contain small amounts of CoQ10. As a diabetes supplement, CoQ10 is marketed as tablets and capsules.

Research on Coenzyme Q10

There have been few studies on CoQ10 and type 2 diabetes so far. The evidence is not sufficient to evaluate CoQ10’s effectiveness as an alternative treatment for diabetes. It has not been shown to affect blood glucose control. In theory, it might have use against heart disease in people with diabetes, but well-designed studies looking at heart disease outcomes are needed to answer this question.

Side Effects and Other Risks Associated With Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 appears to be safe for most of the adult population. However, it may interact with and affect the action of some medicines, including warfarin (a blood thinner) and medicines used for high blood pressure or cancer chemotherapy.

Other possible side effects of CoQ10 include:

* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Loss of appetite
* Heartburn.

Diabetes Supplements: Final Thoughts

It is important to not replace scientifically proven diabetes treatments with supplements that are unproven. The consequences of not following one’s prescribed medical regimen for diabetes can be serious, perhaps even life-threatening.

To ensure a safe and coordinated course of care, people should inform their healthcare providers about any supplements for diabetes that they are currently using or considering. Prescribed medicines for diabetes and all other major health conditions may need to be adjusted if a person is also using supplements. Pharmacists can provide information about supplements as well.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people who are considering using diabetes supplements to treat a child, should use extra caution and be sure to consult their healthcare provider before doing do.

If people with diabetes decide to use supplements and notice any unusual effects, they should stop taking these products immediately and contact their healthcare provider.

Read More

Natural Remedies for Diabetes Coenzyme Q10
Natural Remedies for Diabetes an Introduction
Alternative Treatments for Diabetes
Oral Medications for Diabetes
An Overview of Diabetic Medication
Treating Diabetes an Overview
Diabetes and Exercise
Herbal Medicine for Diabetes
Diabetes Supplements