Based on authoritative sources, several dietary supplements and natural products have shown promise in managing diabetes by improving blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. Here are some of the most notable ones:

1. Chromium: Known to help improve fasting blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. It's considered one of the most effective supplements for diabetes management¹.

2. Vitamin D: Linked with improved glucose control and lower insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes².

3. Cinnamon: Regular use has shown to reduce fasting plasma glucose levels. It's often recommended for its blood sugar-lowering effects³⁴.

4. Fenugreek: Contains soluble fiber, which helps control blood sugar levels. Studies indicate it can reduce fasting plasma glucose, though the effects are modest³⁵.

5. Alpha-Lipoic Acid: It's an antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress and has been reported to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism⁶.

Other supplements that have been studied but show variable effectiveness include:

• Vitamin E: Some evidence suggests it can help manage hyperglycemia, but recommendations should be made cautiously⁷.
• Propolis, aloe vera, milk thistle, ginger, and nettle: These have shown various degrees of effectiveness in managing blood glucose levels in some studies⁸.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially for managing a condition like diabetes.

Footnotes

1. Jiayue Xia, "Comparative effects of vitamin and mineral supplements in the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials," PubMed, 2023. ↩

2. Esmaeil YOUSEFI RAD, "The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Glucose Control and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Diabetes Type 2: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study," PMC, 2024. ↩

3. Zera Yilmaz, "Supplements for Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of the Literature," PubMed, 2016. ↩ ↩²

4. Alireza Hekmat-Ardakani, "The effects of dietary supplements and natural products targeting glucose levels: an overview," PubMed, 2022. ↩

5. Jennifer Dixon Smith, "Natural products for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and comorbid conditions," PubMed, 2024. ↩

6. Lourdes V. Cross, "Safety and Efficacy of Dietary Supplements for Diabetes," PMC, 2021. ↩

7. Raedeh Basiri, "Key Nutrients for Optimal Blood Glucose Control and Mental Health in Individuals with Diabetes: A Review of the Evidence," PMC, 2023. ↩

8. Alireza Hekmat-Ardakani, "The effects of dietary supplements and natural products targeting glucose levels: an overview," PubMed, 2022. ↩