Optimizing glucose regulation includes several pathways. It starts with limiting the absorption in the gut and then release of insulin from the pancreas, the sensitivity of insulin receptors on cells and final specific glucose utilization pathways.
Regulation of any of these areas will lead to improvement of fasting glucose, Hb1Ac levels ( a marker for effective glucose regulation over the last 3 months), lowering of cholesterol levels and free fatty acids and more.
As part of your health optimization journey focused on losing weight, getting your BMI in range of 18.9 to 24.9 the right lifestyle strategies must be applied. In doing so you do reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and even cancer amongst some of the conditions of unregulated glucose levels. Any of these conditions can be devastating and for the most part avoidable.
Success even with the right strategies of nutrition, fasting, exercise or even sleep might be challenging. In that event, you may not have all the information you need to understand what is actually happening in your body and therefore missing the very thing that can make the difference.
That is why I do tell my clients – we need to keep looking and of course that does require additional tests like with Viome or the DNA Company if you have not done those yet.
And of course – you can also minimize/eliminate the consumption of processed foods and refined sugars as a start!
In the meantime however, there are certain supplements that will come in handy but I do wish to emphasize, keep on figuring out what is really happening that can be modified by lifestyle choices.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Increase insulin secretion
Increase glucose utilization
Inhibits glucose absorption in the intestines
Shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides
Consume ten minutes before a carbohydrate containing meal
Berberine
Found naturally in certain plant and used in traditional Chinese medicine for various conditions.
Helps regulate blood sugar: lowers fasting glucose and Hb1Ac
Reduces absorption of sugar in the gut
Reduces cholesterol, LDL
Supports heart health
Improves liver function
Helpful with the metabolic syndrome
Used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
Aids in weight management
Reduction of inflammation
Recommended dosing between 500mg to 1500 mg
Divided doses with meals
Bitter Melon (bitter gourd)
Taxonomically known as Momordica charantia – a tropical vine closely related to zucchini, pumpkin and cucumber.
Shown to regulate blood sugar levels
May have cancer-fighting properties
Decreases cholesterol levels
Helps with weight loss
Reduction in inflammation
Antimicrobial
Activates cellular machinery to regulate energy production
Kion has a great formulation for bitter melon: Shop Kion Lean (getkion.com)
Dosing varies but usually within thirty minutes of your highest carbohydrate meal.
Any of these supplements may help you with the regulation of your blood sugar. The most important part is to continue to monitor the effects with either lab work, a constant glucose monitor (CGM), with the assistance of a health care professional to guide you. Any supplement may also have side effects. I do always recommend, investigate for yourself if any of these supplements should be tried.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Dr. Rademaker and any associates do not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
