Supplements for blood sugar

Berberine, inositols, ALA, cinnamon — what works, what doesn't.

Berberine 500 mg three times daily reduces HbA1c by ~0.7% in trials — comparable to low-dose metformin. Myo-inositol restores ovulation and improves insulin sensitivity in PCOS. Alpha-lipoic acid has neuropathy and modest glucose data. Cinnamon (Ceylon) has small, inconsistent effects. Bitter melon, gymnema, and fenugreek have limited evidence. CRITICAL: combining glucose-lowering supplements with insulin or sulfonylureas raises hypoglycemia risk substantially — adjust meds only with your prescriber.

Evidence summary

The numbers on the cards are the same composite as the supplement pages: efficacy, safety, research, onset, cost, and drug-interaction ratings, from 20 to 100. The strongest records on this page are Electrolyte replacement (clinical), Oat beta-glucan (cholesterol), and Fibre (general dietary). A higher score is a stronger record in the database, not a personal recommendation.

Who should be careful

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, and anyone taking a prescription drug should talk with a clinician before using this list.
Do not stack products from this list that sedate, thin the blood, or lower blood sugar with medicines that do the same thing.

Comparisons and topic guides

Electrolyte replacement (clinical)

Hydration · Exercise · Heat illness

Tier 1

Oat beta-glucan (cholesterol)

LDL cholesterol · FDA health claim · Soluble fibre · Heart health · Evidence