Several supplements have been studied for their potential to aid in blood glucose control, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes:

1. Vitamin D: Vitamin D supplementation has shown some effectiveness in reducing glycemic markers such as HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), fasting blood sugar, and insulin resistance measures like HOMA-IR¹. However, the evidence is of low certainty, and more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

2. Chromium: This mineral is known to potentially enhance insulin action, and various studies suggest that chromium supplementation may reduce fasting serum glucose concentrations, HbA1c, and insulin levels². Chromium picolinate is a common form used in supplements.

3. Zinc: Zinc has been identified as another mineral that might help reduce blood glucose levels, including fasting blood sugar and HbA1c¹.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These have been researched for their potential effects on insulin sensitivity, although results are mixed and often of low certainty¹.

5. Cinnamon and Fenugreek: Both have been traditionally used and boast some evidence of modest blood glucose reduction. For instance, cinnamon has shown a decrease in fasting plasma glucose³.

6. Vanadium and Niacin: These supplements have been indicated in managing blood lipid levels which can be beneficial in a broader metabolic context for individuals with diabetes⁴.

It's important to note that the evidence surrounding these supplements varies and often shows a low to very low certainty, highlighting the need for further research. Additionally, supplements should not replace prescribed medications or lifestyle changes but may be considered as complementary options under healthcare provider advice.

Footnotes

1. Asma Kazemi, "Comparison of nutritional supplements for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and network meta-analysis," PubMed Central, 2022. ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. Office of Dietary Supplements, "Chromium", NIH, 2022. ↩

3. Zera Yilmaz, "Supplements for Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of the Literature," PubMed Central, 2016. ↩

4. Jiayue Xia, "Comparative effects of vitamin and mineral supplements in managing T2DM," PubMed Central, 2023. ↩