Magnesium appears to help manage blood sugar levels among people with diabetes. Also, those who tend to consume less magnesium typically have poorer blood sugar regulation and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes than people who consume higher amounts [1]
A 2020 study found that people with diabetes are more likely to have a zinc deficiency than those without the condition. The researchers also suggest that individuals with glycemic control issues also led to lower zinc levels. Similarly, a 2021 study also states that low zinc levels are a good indicator of issues with glycemic control in older adults with type 2 diabetes.
Another 2019 meta-analysis also suggests that a moderately high dietary zinc intake could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 13%. A 2020 meta-analysis indicates that low dose, long-duration zinc intake from supplements and food may reduce risk factors for the condition. [2]
Manganese appears to play a role in regulating blood sugar
Manganese is heavily concentrated in the pancreas. It’s involved in the production of insulin, which removes sugar from your blood. Thus, manganese may contribute to the proper secretion of insulin and help stabilize blood sugar.[3]
The antidiabetic effect of banaba leaves is one reason why they’re popular.
Researchers attribute this effect to several compounds, namely corosolic acid, ellagitannins, and gallotannins.
Corosolic acid lowers blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity, enhancing glucose uptake, and inhibiting alpha-glucosidase — an enzyme that helps digest carbs. That’s why it’s claimed to have an insulin-like effect.
In addition to corosolic acid, ellagitannins — namely lagerstroemin, flosin B, and reginin A — also improve blood sugar levels. They promote glucose uptake by activating glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), a protein that transports glucose from the bloodstream into muscle and fat cells.
Likewise, gallotanins seem to stimulate the transportation of glucose into cells. It’s even hypothesized that a type of gallotanin called penta-O-galloyl-glucopyranose (PGG) has higher stimulatory activity than corosolic acid and ellagitannins. [4]
Bitter melon is linked to lowering the body’s blood sugar. The consumption of bitter melon can help your cells use glucose and move it to your liver, muscles, and fat. The melon may also be able to help your body retain nutrients by blocking their conversion to glucose that ends up in your blood stream.
In those with diabetes, either the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or cells do not respond to insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar and fight diabetes by imitating the effects of insulin and increasing glucose transport into cells.
It can also help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity, making insulin more efficient at moving glucose into cells. [7]
Gymnema sylvestre is considered to have anti-diabetic properties.
When consumed prior to a sugary food or beverage, gymnemic acid blocks the sugar receptors on your taste buds.
Research shows that Gymnema sylvestre extracts can reduce the ability to taste sweetness and thus make sweet foods less appealing
Similar to its effects on your taste buds, Gymnema sylvestre can also block receptors in your intestines and thus sugar absorption, lowering your post-meal blood sugar levels.
In one study, Gymnema appeared to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.
The study concluded that reducing blood sugar after a meal resulted in a decrease in average blood sugar levels over time. This could help decrease long-term complications of diabetes.
Gymnema’s role in insulin secretion and cell regeneration may also contribute to its blood-sugar-lowering capabilities.
Higher insulin levels mean that sugar is cleared from your blood at a faster rate.
If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, your body tends to not make enough insulin, or your cells become less sensitive to it over time. This results in consistently high blood sugar levels.
Gymnema sylvestre may stimulate insulin production in your pancreas, promoting the regeneration of insulin-producing islet cells. This can help lower your blood sugar levels. [8]
Studies connecting juniper berries with treatment for diabetes have been limited to lab and animal testing. The initial results, though, seem promising.
A study in rats with diabetes observed that supplementing with juniper berry extract significantly reduced blood sugar and increased heart-protective HDL (good) cholesterol.
Similarly, another study on the antidiabetic effects of Chinese juniper berry extract found that it significantly reduced blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in rats with diabetes.
Researchers believe that these antidiabetic effects are due to the berries’ high concentration of antioxidants.[10]
Several studies have found that white mulberry and its components may help improve blood sugar management.
One small study in 24 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking mulberry leaf extract 3 times daily for 3 months significantly reduced blood sugar levels after meals, compared with a control group.
In another study in 12 healthy adults, a compound isolated from mulberry leaf extract was shown to improve blood sugar regulation after 12 weeks.[11]
[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-magnesium-good-for-my-blood-sugar-levels-if-i-have-diabetes#1
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/zinc-and-diabetes-type-2#is-it-beneficial
[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manganese-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5
[4] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/banaba-leaf#benefits
[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/bitter-melon-and-diabetes#bitter-melon-and-diabetes
[6] https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2012/apr/substance-in-liquorice-root-could-help-treat-diabetes-90297125.html
[7] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cinnamon-and-diabetes#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
[8] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gymnema-sylvestre-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
[9] https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/cayenne-pepper-blood-sugar-5763.html
[10] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/juniper-berries#3.-May-have-antidiabetic-properties
[11] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/white-mulberry#health-benefits
[12] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/alpha-lipoic-acid
[13] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266656622200034X
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