As always, if you want to take any of these supplements, consult your doctor and/or pharmacist first.
Nature Made Diabetes Health Pack one pack with breakfast
Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mg one with lunch and dinner
CoQ10 100mg one with breakfast
Gymnema Sylvestre 300mg one with dinner
Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500mg once daily between meals
L-Glutamine 500mg once daily between meals
Super B Complex one with dinner
Magnesium 250mg one with dinner
Calcium 500mg one with dinner
CLA two with lunch
Citrimax two before lunch
Nature Made Diabetes Health Pack
This vitamin and mineral pack contains some of the most popular supplements to help regulate blood sugar. I'm taking one pack in the morning with breakfast. Besides a multivitamin and mineral tablet, it contains:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid with Green Tea
An antioxidant which stimulates other antioxidants. There have been claims that is also increases blood flow to nerves and can help in repairing nerve damage and reducing symptoms. - Chromium
Necessary for proper carbohydrate metabolism. It is said that it also helps regulate blood sugar and can reduce the amount of insulin or oral medication required. - Selenium
An antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals. - Folic Acid
Important in maintaining heart health. - Vitamin C
An antioxidant that helps boost the immune system. - Lutein
Helps maintain eye health.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
An antioxidant reported to repair nerve damage and lower blood sugar. Recommended 600mg daily. I'm starting with what's in the vitamin pack plus 100mg with lunch and dinner.
CoQ10
An antioxidant which may improve insulin-producing beta cell function in type 2 diabetics.
Gymnema Sylvestre
An herb derived from leaves of a tree native to Africa and India. A dosage of 400mg daily has been reported to lower blood sugar levels, boost the production of insulin, and lower blood fat levels.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Improves blood flow and nerve function. Present in meat, nuts, dairy products and whole grains.
L-Glutamine
It is suggested as a means of reducing sugar cravings.
Super B Complex
Enhances the body's use of insulin and improves glucose metabolism.
Magnesium
Thought to improve insulin action and glucose tolerance. Recommended 320mg daily for females, 420 for males. Found in garbonzo beans, beet greens, fruit and whole grains.
Calcium
Appears to counteract reduced B12 absorption caused by metformin (Glucophage). Found in dairy products, kale, turnip greens and broccoli.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Appears to control blood glucose levels, is a potent fat figher, and may prevent heart disease.
Citrimax
Citrimax contains Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) which is found in some Asian fruts. It may reduce cravings for sweets and enhance the effectiveness of the body's own insulin. Be careful if Chromium is included. Chromium is also included with the Diabetic Health Pack. No more than 600mcg is recommended daily.
THE PLAN
I'm wary of taking too many pills. At some point they might counteract each other, so I'm starting simple:
Nature Made Diabetes Health Pack one pack with breakfast
CoQ10 100mg one with breakfast
Super B Complex one with lunch
Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mg one with lunch and dinner
