Prediabetics Should Avoid These 5 Supplements That Disrupt Blood Sugar
Some dietary supplements may affect blood sugar levels, the effectiveness of diabetes medications, or the accuracy of certain glucose monitoring devices. Niacin, chromium, fenugreek, vitamin C, and vitamin E are among the supplements that people with diabetes or prediabetes should discuss with their doctor or pharmacist before use.
Some dietary supplements may affect blood sugar levels, the performance of diabetes medications, or the accuracy of some blood sugar measuring devices. Niacin, chromium, tea grass, vitamin C and vitamin E are among the supplements that people with diabetes or pre-diabetes should consult their doctor or pharmacist about their consumption.
According to Ambassador Arjan, some nutritional supplements may make blood sugar control difficult or even cause blood sugar measurement results to be misinterpreted. According to a pharmacist, niacin, chromium, tea grass, vitamin C, and vitamin E are among the supplements that people with prediabetes or diabetes should use with caution.
Ambassador Arjan wrote: Blood sugar control is important to reduce the risk of diabetes. But taking some supplements may affect blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, or the accuracy of glucose measuring devices.
Niacin or vitamin B3 is used in some conditions to help improve blood lipids; including increasing good cholesterol (HDL), decreasing triglycerides and decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL).
However, niacin consumption can impair blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in some people, especially those with prediabetes, and cause high blood sugar. Some studies have also shown that niacin treatment may increase the risk of diabetes to some extent.
The exact mechanism of this effect is not yet fully understood, but long-term use of niacin may increase insulin resistance in the liver, adipose tissue, and muscles.
2. chrome; A supplement whose overdose can be dangerous
Chromium may improve insulin sensitivity in some people; However, taking too many supplements containing this substance can backfire and affect blood sugar control.
Some studies show that consuming high amounts of chromium without medical supervision may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. People who take blood sugar-lowering drugs, such as insulin or metformin, should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this supplement.
3. tea grass; Herbal supplement with the possibility of drug interaction
St. John's wort is an herbal supplement commonly used to help treat depression. However, information about its effect on diabetes and blood sugar control is still insufficient.
This plant may affect the metabolism of diabetes drugs, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. Its simultaneous use with drugs such as metformin can interfere with the action of the drugs. Also, in some conditions, it may increase the secretion of insulin and cause a further decrease in blood sugar.
People who take medication to control blood sugar should not use this supplement without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
4. Vitamin C; The possibility of error in blood sugar measurement
Vitamin C is essential for the health of the body and the normal functioning of the immune system; But taking high doses of its supplement may interfere with some blood sugar measuring devices.
According to some researches, vitamin C can show a number higher than the actual value in some blood sugar measuring devices. Such an error may cause a person to think their blood sugar is higher than it really is and make an incorrect decision about the amount of medicine if they are taking blood sugar-lowering drugs.
Of course, this interference depends on the type of device and measurement method and does not necessarily occur in all devices. People with diabetes should ask their doctor or pharmacist about taking high doses of vitamin C and its compatibility with the device they are using.
5. vitamin E; Conflicting evidence about effects on blood sugar
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, but its supplemental effect on blood sugar control in people with prediabetes and diabetes still needs more research.
Some studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation may help control blood sugar and improve insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. In contrast, some other studies have reported a significant increase in blood sugar after taking this supplement in groups of people with type 2 diabetes in Asia.
Taking high doses of vitamin E may also affect the results of some blood tests. Therefore, people with prediabetes or diabetes should not use high doses of this vitamin without consulting a doctor.
How to reduce the risk of diabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar is above the normal range, but has not yet reached the threshold for the diagnosis of diabetes. Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
The most important measures are:
Having a balanced and varied diet
Blood sugar monitoring if recommended by the doctor
Taking prescribed medications as prescribed by the doctor
Supplements are used in many cases to compensate for nutritional deficiencies; However, getting nutrients from a balanced diet is usually the priority. On the other hand, many supplements and multivitamins are not approved for efficacy and safety before release like drugs; Therefore, it is important to choose authentic products and consult with health professionals.