Blood Sugar and Metabolism

In the Blood Sugar and Metabolism collection we bring together food supplements with chromium, berberine, cinnamon and other plants and nutrients related to carbohydrate metabolism, from brands such as Thorne, NOW Foods, Design for Health, Solaray, Nutergia, Kyolic, BioCare, Good n'Care, NutriNed, Ecogenetics and Alphagem. You will find capsules, tablets, drops and gemmotherapy macerates.

Food supplements do not treat diabetes and do not replace medication, a suitable diet or medical follow-up.

Glucose in the blood

Where it comes from and where it goes

Glucose is the main sugar circulating in the blood and comes mostly from the carbohydrates in food: bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, fruit and sugars. After a meal, blood glucose rises and insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps cells use it for energy or store it.

Habits that matter

Choosing whole grains, pulses and vegetables, which are rich in fibre, cutting down on sugary drinks, spreading carbohydrates across the day, being physically active, sleeping enough and keeping a healthy weight are the measures with the greatest impact on glucose levels.

Types of products

Chromium

Chromium is a trace element found in foods such as whole grains, meat, broccoli and yeast. It comes in capsules and tablets, mostly as chromium picolinate, and as drops. Doses vary widely between products, so check the label for the amount of chromium per serving.

Berberine

Berberine is a yellow compound found in the root of plants such as Indian barberry (Berberis aristata) and Oregon grape. It comes in capsules, alone or combined with turmeric, MCT oil or cinnamon.

Combined formulas

Formulas that combine chromium with Ceylon cinnamon, aged garlic extract (Kyolic), bitter melon, salacia, alpha-lipoic acid, B vitamins or zinc, and packs that bring several products together.

Gemmotherapy

Complexes of bud and shoot macerates from plants such as juniper, bilberry, black mulberry, olive and cinnamon, as drops.

Precautions

• If you take diabetes medication (tablets or insulin), talk to your doctor before taking any of these supplements. Do not stop or change your medication on your own.
• Berberine interacts with many medicines, because it changes the liver enzymes that break them down. It can cause digestive discomfort. It is not suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding or for children.
• Alpha-lipoic acid and bitter melon may add to the effect of glucose-lowering medicines.
• High doses of chromium are not suitable for people with kidney or liver disease. Do not exceed the daily dose on the label.
• Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which in large amounts can affect the liver. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, ask a health professional for advice.

If you are very thirsty, urinate often, lose weight for no apparent reason, feel persistently tired or have blurred vision, talk to your doctor.

See also the Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Health and Liver and Antioxidants collections.