Supplements for blood sugar control
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.
98
Electrolyte replacement (clinical)
94
Psyllium husk (soluble fibre)
94
Oat beta-glucan (cholesterol)
89
Fibre (general dietary)
88
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine, clinical)
86
Psyllium husk (Plantago ovata)
82
Magnesium
79
Inositol myo-form (PCOS/metabolic)
78
Glycine
76
Resistant starch (prebiotic)
76
Cluster dextrin (HBCD)
75
Myo-inositol
74
Benfotiamine (fat-soluble B1)
72
Benfotiamine
72
D-Chiro Inositol
71
CoQ10 (ubiquinone, classic form)
70
Glucomannan (konjac root)
69
Amalaki/Amla (Emblica officinalis, standardised)
69
Capsinoids (CH-19 sweet pepper)
68
Taurine
68
Taurine (cardiac and metabolic)
66
Fenugreek seed extract (Testofen / standardised)
65
Curcumin (bioavailable form)
64
Milk thistle (Silymarin)
64
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Educational reference, not medical advice. Discuss any supplement change with a qualified clinician before acting on this list.