In 2017, the National Diabetes Statistics Report reported that the total number of individuals with diabetes was over 30 million in the United States, accounting for 9.4% of the population. Nearly one-quarter of these cases were undiagnosed. (3) The most prevalent form of diabetes, type 2 diabetes, accounted for 90-95% of all cases. (4) Similar statistics were reported in Canada, with 7.3% of the population being diagnosed with diabetes in 2017. (22) Diabetes prevention and management may involve both lifestyle modification and medication to reduce complications of the disease and risk of mortality. (6)

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose (sugar). Diabetes can occur as a result of insulin resistance, insufficient insulin secretion, or both. Insulin resistance, a state in which the body’s cells resist the action of insulin, or insulin deficiency resulting from insufficient secretion, results in hyperglycemia, mineral and electrolyte imbalances, and irregular metabolism of lipids and protein. (21) Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in several ways, including by stimulating the uptake of glucose in muscle for energy. (10)

Outlined below are three primary types of diabetes, which include gestational, type 1, and type 2 diabetes. (6) Certain forms of diabetes may also occur as a result of genetic defects in beta cells or insulin function, endocrine diseases, and/or exposure to certain medications or chemicals. (21)

Gestational diabetes is characterized by glucose intolerance that is recognized and diagnosed during pregnancy. In most women with the condition, signs of gestational diabetes occur during the third trimester. (21)

Type 1 diabetes (T1D), also known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys beta cells of the pancreas. The beta cells are responsible for producing, storing, and releasing insulin, so their destruction typically leads to insulin deficiency. It is primarily diagnosed in children or adolescents but can occur at any age. (15)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and relative impairment in insulin secretion. In individuals with T2DM, the body attempts to release more insulin to help regulate elevated blood sugar levels. However, insulin resistance prevents glucose from entering cells and blood glucose levels may remain elevated. This leads to beta cell failure over time and insulin deficiency progresses. In T2DM, metabolic syndrome is often present. Metabolic syndrome is a group of symptoms including hypertension, vascular endothelial dysfunction, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. (21)

Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes, accounting for 90-95% of all cases. (4) Unlike T1D and gestational diabetes, T2DM can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle modifications, which can help prevent complications of the disease. (13)

Causes and risk factors for type 2 diabetes

There are a number of causes and risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including:

• African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific
• Islander descent
• Age 45 or older
• Depression
• Family history of diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High levels of triglycerides
• History of gestational diabetes, heart disease, or stroke
• Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• Overweight or obesity
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Sedentary lifestyle (14)

Type 2 diabetes symptoms and complications

The signs and symptoms of T2DM include:

• Being more prone to infections
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Healing more slowly
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Increased urination
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Unexplained weight loss
• Very dry skin (16)(5)

If left unmanaged, type 2 diabetes may also lead to certain complications, including:

• Birth complications with gestational diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Dental diseases
• Nephropathy
• Neuropathy
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Retinopathy
• Stroke (18)

Ingredients for blood sugar support

In order to address and manage type 2 diabetes, it is essential to support balanced blood glucose levels. Target blood glucose levels typically range from 80 to 130 mg/dL before a meal and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after the start of a meal. (12) Research has shown that the nutrients and botanicals included below may help improve blood glucose levels.

Berberine

Berberine is a constituent of Rhizoma Coptidis (Huang Lian), which comes from the dried rhizome of plants in the Ranunculaceae family. (7)(23) It is an alkaloid that makes up approximately 5.2% to 7.7% of Rhizoma Coptidis. (7) Examples of plants that contain berberine include Oregon grape, goldenseal, and European barberry. (11)

Berberine demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects and antidiabetic actions that include improving insulin resistance, increasing insulin secretion, and improving dyslipidemia. (7) Berberine has also been shown to significantly improve levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with T2DM and dyslipidemia compared to placebo. Research has found berberine treatment to be safe and effective in patients with type 2 diabetes. (7)(25)

Chromium picolinate

Chromium is a trace mineral used in the body to metabolize carbohydrates and lipids. People with glucose intolerance and diabetes may have a higher requirement for chromium. (1) While chromium can be found in certain foods, such as brewer’s yeast, beef, turkey breast, and broccoli, levels of chromium will vary based on agricultural and manufacturing conditions. (17)

A form of the mineral known as trivalent chromium or glucose tolerance factor was first discovered in brewer’s yeast. One type of trivalent chromium, chromium picolinate, is commonly available as a supplement. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that chromium picolinate supplementation in individuals with T2DM lowered fasting glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C. Hemoglobin A1C is hemoglobin bound to glucose and is used as a measure of glycemic control in diabetic patients. (2) Another study found that acute chromium supplementation taken with a carbohydrate-containing meal improved glucose metabolism after the meal in some subjects. (8)

Psyllium husk

Psyllium husk comes from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. The active component of the husk is called arabinoxylan, a highly branched carbohydrate. (24) Psyllium husk is a water-soluble fiber commonly used to treat constipation. (20) When psyllium is consumed, it forms a gel and slows the rate at which digestive enzymes mix with chyme (partially digested food) in the digestive tract. This slows the absorption of glucose, which may result in lower blood glucose following meals. Other beneficial effects of psyllium husk include lowering cholesterol levels and reducing symptoms of diarrhea and IBS. (9) Psyllium husk was found to be well-tolerated in type 2 diabetes patients. (19)

The bottom line

Dietary and lifestyle modifications are key to the management and treatment of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. Dietary supplements, such as berberine, chromium picolinate, and psyllium husk, may help regulate blood glucose. A protocol using natural supplements can be used therapeutically on its own or as an adjunct to existing treatment. If you’re a patient, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to find out if these supplements are right for your wellness plan.

If you’re a practitioner, view our blood sugar support protocol.