In a healthy pancreas, the insulin hormone is released in response to rising blood sugar, or glucose levels, after we eat. Insulin is responsible for pushing glucose from the blood into the cells, where it can be used for energy.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus make little to no insulin, often due to genetics. This condition generally manifests early in life and requires lifelong treatment with insulin.
Conversely, type 2 diabetes mellitus is a lifestyle-related condition that develops over time. Poor dietary habits, obesity, and physical inactivity are the main contributors. Inflammation results, affecting the ability of cells to respond to the insulin hormone. In turn, blood sugar levels remain elevated. This is known as insulin resistance.
This phenomenon explains why those with blood sugar imbalances often experience hunger. Lack of glucose in the cells > poor energy production > increased hunger.
Gradually, the pancreas secretes more and more insulin in an effort to make the cells respond, ultimately tiring and losing the ability to function. In the late stages, type 2 diabetics may require insulin therapy, as the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to overcome the cell’s resistance.
So, how can we combat insulin resistance?
Fundamentally:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Regular physical activity
Supplementally:
Before I go any further, keep in mind that you cannot out-supplement lifestyle. Natural medicine does not work unless you do.
Now then, let’s review a few of the well-researched natural therapies often used when addressing blood sugar imbalances:
- Chromium is an essential mineral shown to increase the number of insulin receptors on cells and improve insulin sensitivity. It plays a crucial role in the metabolism of glucose, lipids, and carbohydrates. As if we don’t have reason enough to eat loads of broccoli daily, consider at least 1 cup regularly for a hefty dose of chromium.
- Berberine is a plant-derived constituent, extracted from various herbs such as goldenseal and Oregon grape. Having an impressive medicinal profile, it has been shown to reduce blood sugar and blood pressure, promote insulin secretion, improve insulin sensitivity, regulate lipids, and support blood vessel integrity. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, adding to its merit and favorable outcomes in chronic disease.
- Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant made both by the body and found in various food sources, include red meat, organ meats, broccoli, and spinach. This nutrient helps to regulate glucose, reduce blood lipids, and combat symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage resulting from chronically elevated blood sugar that causes nerve pain, often in the feet.
- Gymnema sylvestre, an herb native to India, has well-established blood sugar-reducing effects. It has also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and improve hemoglobin A1c (a marker indicative of average glucose levels over the past 3 months).
- Other natural supplements studied for blood sugar support: Cinnamon, white mulberry leaf, fenugreek, and vanadium.
Insulin resistance is an unfortunately common condition in our society today. Although a healthy lifestyle is the best foundational medicine, further support through nutraceuticals, herbal medicine, or pharmaceuticals may be warranted. Always consult with your healthcare provider in determining the best plan for you.
Disclaimer: This does not replace medical advice from your personal practitioner. All information discussed above is for educational purposes only.
References
- Khodavirdipour A, Haddadi F, Keshavarzi S. Chromium Supplementation; Negotiation with Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperlipidemia and Depression. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2020;19(1):585-595. Published 2020 Mar 5. doi:10.1007/s40200-020-00501-8
- Cao C, Su M. Effects of berberine on glucose-lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome. Exp Ther Med. 2019;17(4):3009-3014. doi:10.3892/etm.2019.7295
- Och A, Och M, Nowak R, Podgórska D, Podgórski R. Berberine, a Herbal Metabolite in the Metabolic Syndrome: The Risk Factors, Course, and Consequences of the Disease. Molecules. 2022;27(4):1351. Published 2022 Feb 17. doi:10.3390/molecules27041351
- Ebada MA, Fayed N, Fayed L, et al. Efficacy of Alpha-lipoic Acid in The Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Iran J Pharm Res. 2019;18(4):2144-2156. doi:10.22037/ijpr.2019.1100842
- Gaytán Martínez LA, Sánchez-Ruiz LA, Zuñiga LY, González-Ortiz M, Martínez-Abundis E. Effect of Gymnema sylvestre Administration on Glycemic Control, Insulin Secretion, and Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance. J Med Food. 2021;24(1):28-32. doi:10.1089/jmf.2020.0024
