5 worst supplements for type 2 diabetes, according to research

ahsan65@gmail.comSeptember 19, 2025

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5 worst supplements for type 2 diabetes, according to research

Note: The Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA) does not approve of security or efficiency supplements. Talk to a health professional to know if an additional supplement is suitable for your individual health and on any drug interaction or concern of potential safety.

A range of food supplements is marketed as the simple ticket to improve blood sugar, lose weight or support heart health, but experts generally advise people with type 2 diabetes to avoid most of them.

“There is not enough evidence to suggest taking supplements, and the effects differ depending on the person and their comorbidities,” explains Joyce Y. Lee, Pharmd, professor of health clinic at the University of California Irvine School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Supplements do not replace diabetes drugs prescribed by your doctor, and certain supplements can interact with such diabetes drugs, leading to high or low blood sugar.

The management of more effective blood sugar comes from lifestyle adjustments like eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, explains Dr. Lee. But if you are always curious about supplementation, know that several vitamins, minerals and plants must be avoided, and always consult your doctor before adding a food supplement to your well-being diet.

1. Beta Carotene

The carotene beta is a compound that turns into vitamin A in the body.

There is evidence that beta-carotene can be beneficial for metabolic health. An antioxidant, beta-carotene can decrease the risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes because of how it helps to neutralize oxidative stress that causes inflammation.

When consumed via whole foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes and dark leafy green vegetables, beta-carotene is safe and healthy.

However, Lee recommends not taking beta-carotene supplements.

“This is an additional supplement that has potentially contributed to cancer or worsen cardiovascular results,” she says. “I think evil prevails over the advantage, and if the patients mention the beta-carotene supplementation, I discourage it.”

2. Mélon Amer

As its name suggests, the bitter melon is a bitter, green fruit and pushing the vine that looks like a cucumber and contains compounds that can affect glucose metabolism.

The bitter melon supplements have been nicknamed “natural insulin”, but the reality is a little more troubled, explains Amy Kimberlain, RDN, CDCE, founder of Amy’s Nutrition Kitchen based in Miami.

“Studies are incoherent, which makes it difficult to draw precise conclusions on its safety and efficiency,” she said, recommending that people with type 2 diabetes approach this supplement with caution.

Taking bitter melon with other hypocharved drugs could potentially lower your blood sugar too much.

Lee also stresses that some people have a glucose deficiency – 6 -Phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a common genetic disorder which makes them more subject to anemia, which can be triggered by taking a bitter melon.

Your safest decision is to consult your prescribing doctor on the bitter melon, so that they can assess potential adverse reactions and medication interactions for you individually.

3. Chrome

Chrome, a mineral found naturally in whole grains, carrots, potatoes, broccoli and molasses, is important for the control of blood sugar because of the way it improves insulin function.

Problems can arise if you are deficient in chrome, although most people have enough in their diet.

As important as chrome is for metabolic health, there is no evidence that the intake of additional chrome via a food supplement will help a diabetic person.

“The American Diabetes Association does not recommend the supplement, because there is no clear advantage,” explains Kimberlain.

“In addition, chrome in the form of a supplement is not absorbed as [efficiently] As these are food sources. »»

Chrome supplements can interact with diabetes drugs such as insulin or sulfonylures, which too much reduces blood sugar when taken together.

There are also other potential health risks associated with chrome supplementation. “Chrome is generally not recommended, especially in people with pre -existing kidney and hepatic problems,” explains Lee. “Not everyone knows they have liver or kidney problems.”

4. Vitamin C

Foods rich in vitamin C such as strawberries, peppers and citrus fruits can be part of a healthy diabetes diet.

There is also evidence that vitamin C supplementation can support glycemic control and healthy blood pressure.

However, you may encounter problems with large doses of vitamin C, explains Lee. “Vitamin C in high doses could potentially mask the low levels of glucose, which can be a problem for people with diabetes who use tools and devices that measure their glucose, such as continuous glucose monitors,” she said.

Lee recommends taking more than 1,000 milligrams (MG) of vitamin C in the form of a day supplement, while reading the manufacturer’s suggestion on your CGM, as some models specify that problems can occur in doses of more than 500 mg.

If you want to take additional vitamin C, first talk to your doctor, especially if you use a CGM.

5. Cinnelle

Cinnamon is a spice that helps soften yogurt, oatmeal and coffee without adding sugar. Adding spices to your food is not a problem, and it can even help reduce post-meal blood sugar.

However, the type, shape and dose of cinnamon are important. “Although food quantities are safe, concentrated forms can affect liver health and blood sugar in an unpredictable way,” explains Kimberlain. Lee is suitable that cinnamon in food is perfectly well, but people should be cautious with high -dose cinnamon supplements.

Cassia Cinnamon, the most commonly used cinnamon type in the form of a supplement, is particularly worrying, as it can contain high levels of a chemical called Coumarin, which can be a safety problem for people with liver problems.

The biggest threat can be the fact that cinnamon has the reputation of an absorbent glow groovemia -based on an undertaking. “The effectiveness of cinnamon supplementation for diabetes or weight management remains uncertain and more rigorous research is necessary to confirm any potential advantage,” explains Kimberlain.

The point to take away

Many supplements sold with people with type 2 diabetes claim to improve blood sugar or heart health, but experts warn that they can be ineffective or even harmful.

Experts are discouraged using beta-carotene, bitter melon, chrome, high-dose vitamin C and cinnamon supplements due to safety problems, drug interactions or lack of proven advantages.

The safest approach to blood sugar management remains to stick to changes in medication and lifestyle that your clinician recommends, with supplements only taken by medical advice and supervision.