Supplements for Diabetics? - Diabetes Message Board

whackedback · 06-15-2005, 04:00 PM

I've already incorporated Cinnamon into my pill routine since I think that it most likely can do me no harm, and could possibly help. However, I recent got an e-mail from one of the online drugstores that I use, and they mention two supplements, Chromium Picolinate and Alpha lipoic acid. I was wondering if anyone here used these or knew what they were and if they should be used or not. Thanks.

wb

SamQKitty · 06-17-2005, 08:26 PM

WB,
I have been trying to answer this post of yours for days now...for some reason it comes back "web site not responding"...grrr! I'm trying this one more time (only 'cause it's you!).

Both Cinnamon and Chromium Picolinate have been in the news re their effects on reducing blood glucose levels. I do know several people on another board who've tried the cinnamon and found that, while it did lower their glucose levels, the effect was minimal (5-15 points). You have to take at least 1/4 teaspoon 3 times a day.

Several people also tried the chromium picolonate with similar results.

As for Alpha Lipoic Acid and Gamma Lipoic Acid (ALA and GLA), those are used by some diabetics to treat neuropathy. They do NOT lower blood glucose levels, but rather work to repair nerve damage.

I hope this posts!!!

Ruth

Edited to say...yippee!

lane413 · 06-18-2005, 11:12 AM

I recently read an article that said both ala & chronium picante was very good for diabetes. I read this article in my Diabetes Forecast magazine. Nature Made makes a vitamin/supplement with both of these in it. I saw it in the drugstore and it cost about $10.

I am a new diabetic and wondered if that would work, so i asked my dietitian and she said some diabetics have success with it. I've never tried it. Like, my mom & grandmom, i use a high fiber diet. I read also that diabetics benefit from high fiber diets.

debemak · 06-18-2005, 01:09 PM

Alpha Lipoic Acid worked so well at lowering my blood glucose, I was able to go off insulin and onto metformin. I take it in combination with acetyl l-carnitine and evening primrose oil. I also supplement with biotin since it depletes the body of it. Dr. Bernstein in his book, the Diabetes Solution supports this. I take the extended release form of it, 600 mg. 3x a day.

DM

whackedback · 06-20-2005, 06:20 AM

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the info.

wb