Product Reviews and Information for Diabetes

5/26/2023

Sweeteners & Diabetes

Which sweeteners are most suitable for people with diabetes? Find out in the Diabetes section of our article about sweeteners.

12/02/2012

Vitamin D and Diabetes Risk

A new study shows a strong association between lower levels of vitamin D in the blood and a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes (i.e., requiring insulin). The risk of diabetes was more than 3.5 times as great among people with low levels of vitamin D compared to those with higher levels -- although no additional benefit was found for people with the highest levels of vitamin D. Find out more -- including the specific level associated with the lowest risk of type 1 diabetes -- in the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review, which includes our test results for 51 vitamin D supplements. More >>

4/01/2015

Vitamin D for Diabetic Neuropathy

Supplementing with vitamin D can reduce pain and symptoms of diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy in people with type 2 diabetes who are vitamin D deficient, a recent study reports. More about the use of vitamin D in diabetes and many other conditions, as well as our product test results, are found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

8/02/2011

Vitamin D and Diabetes Risk

A recent report showed that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases when vitamin D intake is low. The increased risk of diabetes is even more dramatic when vitamin D in the blood is below adequate levels. Get the details in the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>.

5/30/2017

Olive Oil Helps in Pre-Diabetes

Adding extra virgin olive oil to a meal decreased the rise in blood sugar and increased insulin levels after the meal, according to a new study in people with pre-diabetes. Similar benefits with olive oil have been shown in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For details, see the "Insulin Control and Blood Sugar" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review, which includes our tests and comparisons of popular olive oils on the market.

4/01/2018

Type 2 Diabetes and Vitamin D

Maintaining an adequate level of vitamin D is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. But does giving vitamin D to people with existing type 2 diabetes help them with glucose control? Find out what research is showing in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.)

6/09/2019

Vitamin D for Diabetes Prevention

Does high-dose vitamin D help prevent people with pre-diabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes? See the results of a major new study in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

8/03/2019

Vitamin D & Diabetes

Vitamin D supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity in some people at risk for type 2 diabetes according to a recent clinical study. For details about this, as well as related research, see the Diabetes, insulin resistance and glucose control section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

6/23/2023

Vitamin D & Diabetes Risk

In people with prediabetes, does taking vitamin D improve blood sugar regulation and decrease diabetes risk? Find out what a recent study showed in the Diabetes, insulin resistance and glucose control section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

10/24/2023

Does Cocoa Lower Diabetes Risk?

Did supplementing with cocoa flavanols reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes? Find out what a large study found in the Blood Sugar, Insulin Resistance and Diabetes section of our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for cocoa and dark chocolate.

Also see our article about supplements and food for blood sugar control.

8/08/2024

Milk Thistle for Diabetes?

Does taking milk thistle lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes? Find out what a recent study showed in the Diabetes section of our Milk Thistle Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick among milk thistle supplements.

Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

10/07/2024

Curcumin for Diabetes?

Does taking curcumin improve blood sugar and insulin in people with type 2 diabetes? Find out what a recent study showed in the Insulin Resistance and Diabetes section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for curcumin supplements.

Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

4/14/2025

Vitamin D for Diabetes Prevention?

Did taking vitamin D for more than 5 years reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes among healthy older people in a major U.S. study? Find out in the Diabetes, insulin resistance and glucose control section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

And see our article: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

1/04/2022

Vitamin D for Diabetic Nerve Pain?

Can vitamin D supplementation reduce nerve pain or other symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as numbness and tingling, in people with type 2 diabetes? See what a new study found in the Diabetes section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

For information about other supplements that may help, see our answer to the question: Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica or diabetic neuropathy?

3/03/2021

Diabetes Risk With Selenium

High intake of selenium from the diet or supplements has been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Selenium Supplements Review.

4/04/2021

Diabetes & Sardines

Can eating sardines reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Tuna, Salmon & Sardines Review. Also see our Top Picks for sardines, canned salmon and tuna.

Learn about the effects of fish oil supplements on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity in our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

8/19/2021

Diabetes and Fruit Intake

Eating whole fruits is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and better blood sugar control. But how much fruit is associated with greatest benefit, and what's the role of apples, bananas, and citrus fruits? See what a recent study showed. It's all in our article: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control my blood sugar?

8/31/2021

Spirulina for Type 2 Diabetes?

Does taking spirulina help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes? See what a study found in the What They Do section of our Greens and Whole Food Powders and Capsules Review.

3/30/2019

Apple Cider Vinegar & Diabetes

Can apple cider vinegar help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Apple Cider Vinegar Review. Also see our Top Picks for apple cider vinegar.

8/21/2020

Caution With Melatonin & Diabetes

Research is raising concern regarding the use of melatonin by people with diabetes. For more details – as well as other concerns with melatonin – see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Melatonin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for Melatonin.

7/23/2019

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Diabetes

Several studies have looked at the effects of consuming extra virgin olive oil on improving blood sugar control. The most recent study looked at whether it could delay the need for glucose-lowering medication in people with type 2 diabetes. Get the results in the What It Does section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.

4/23/2017

Olive Oil Lowers Diabetes Risk

Consuming a certain amount of olive oil daily reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 13%, according to a new study. Consuming more than this amount did not reduce the risk further. Get the details, and see our tests of popular oils, in the "What It Does" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review >>

8/29/2019

Can Yogurt Reduce Diabetes Risk?

Increasing yogurt intake, particularly in place of certain other dairy foods, may decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For details about this and other effects of yogurt, see the Fermented Dairy Foods section of the Probiotics Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.

9/10/2019

Apple Cider Vinegar for Type 2 Diabetes?

Studies have shown that taking apple cider vinegar with or before a meal can reduce the subsequent rise in blood sugar. But does apple cider vinegar improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes? Find out what a recent study showed in the Blood Sugar Control section of the Apple Cider Vinegar Review. Also see our Top Picks for apple cider vinegar.

2/11/2020

Fish Oil for Diabetes?

There is mixed evidence as to whether fish oil helps people who have diabetes. Get the details, including those of a new study, in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

2/08/2020

Red Yeast Rice and Diabetes?

The use of statin drugs, like lovastatin (Mevacor) is associated with an increase in the risk of developing diabetes. But does red yeast rice carry the same risk? See what a large study found in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Red Yeast Rice Review. Also see our Top Pick for red yeast rice.

8/07/2018

Vitamin D and Blood Sugar Control

A recent study adds to the growing evidence that obtaining and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can help with blood sugar control. For details about this and studies regarding vitamin D and diabetes, see the Diabetes, insulin resistance and glucose control section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D supplements.)

9/04/2018

Fish Oil & Diabetes

In a major study, fish oil was given to people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for several years to see if it would reduce serious cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and stroke. Find out what happened in the Heart Attack and Stroke section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.)

10/09/2018

Cocoa for Diabetes?

Cocoa flavanols may help control blood sugar, but do they offer benefits to people with diabetes? See what recent studies are finding in the What It Does section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products).

4/15/2017

Probiotic Reduces Diabetes Risk In Pregnancy

Taking a certain type of probiotic during pregnancy reduced the risk of gestational diabetes, according to a new study. For details see the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>

4/15/2017

Chocolate May Reduce Diabetes Risk

"Occasional" consumption of chocolate was associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes among certain postmenopausal women, according to new study. For details about this and other effects of chocolate, see the "What It Does" section of the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements Review >>

2/27/2018

Ginseng Role in Diabetes

Results of a recent study suggest that a form of ginseng can help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Ginseng Supplements Review.

7/12/2014

Vitamin D & Calcium for Diabetes Due to Pregnancy

A new study found supplementation with a combination of vitamin D and calcium improved fasting blood sugar levels, serum insulin levels, and insulin sensitivity in women with gestational (pregnancy-related) diabetes. For more details, including dosage, as well as our tests and comparisons of vitamin D and calcium supplements, see the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Vitamin K, Magnesium) >>   

8/26/2012

Curcumin May Help Prevent Diabetes

Past research has suggested a potential role for curcumin (from turmeric) in blood sugar control. A recently published placebo-controlled study of curcumin given daily to people with prediabetes (those with blood sugar levels somewhat higher than normal) produced dramatic results in reducing the percentage of such individuals progressing to diabetes. Get the details in the latest update to ConsumerLab.com's Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review -- which includes quality ratings of products and other potential uses of curcumin. More >>

4/20/2016

Diabetes Cured With Low Cal Diet

A recent study found that type 2 diabetes was reversed in 40% of people who followed an 8-week, very low calorie diet consisting mainly of a diet shake. Get details about the study in the "What It Does" section of the Protein Powders and Drinks Review – for Body Building, Sports & Dieting >>

11/10/2023

Magnesium for Diabetes?

Does magnesium supplementation improve insulin sensitivity or blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes? See what a recent study found in the our Magnesium Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for magnesium.

Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

8/11/2023

Kombucha for Diabetes?

Does drinking kombucha help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes? Find out what a recent study showed in the Kombucha section of our Probiotic Supplements Review.

Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

2/07/2023

Whey Protein for Diabetes

Whey protein seems to help control blood sugar levels, and a recent study suggested that it may do more than just slow gastric emptying and increase insulin levels. Get the details in the Diabetes section of our Protein Powders and Shakes Review. Also see our Top Picks for whey protein.

3/25/2022

Multivitamin for Diabetes

We learned this week that our Top Pick multivitamin for people with diabetes has been discontinued. See our Update about this and alternatives. Also see our other Top Picks among multivitamins.

3/29/2022

Mulberry Leaf for Diabetes?

Can taking mulberry leaf extract reduce blood sugar or improve insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes? Find out what a recent study suggests in our updated answer to the question: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control my blood sugar?

4/22/2022

Cinnamon for Lowering Blood Sugar?

Does taking cinnamon powder or extract help control blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes? See what the latest study, and earlier studies, have found in the Blood sugar, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes of our Cinnamon Supplements Review.

Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control my blood sugar?

10/28/2024

Wellmune for Diabetes?

Does taking Wellmune (which contains beta-glucan) improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes? Find out what a recent study showed in our article about supplements and foods for controlling blood sugar.

8/29/2024

Sucralose & Diabetes

Does using sucralose (Splenda) instead of sugar in coffee and tea improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes? Find out what a recent study showed in our article about sugar substitutes, which includes our Top Picks among sweeteners.

8/02/2022

Metformin and B-12 Deficiency

If you take metformin for diabetes, be aware that you are at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency. See the latest guidelines to monitor for this in the B-12 section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.

3/07/2023

Amla Extract for Blood Sugar?

Did taking amla extract reduce fasting blood sugar or HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes? Find out in our article about the health benefits of amla extract.

Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

6/06/2023

Berberine's New Popularity

Berberine is being called "nature’s Ozempic" – referring to the type 2 diabetes drug also used for weight management. But is there evidence to support this? See our Berberine Review to find out what it can do, if it's safe, how products rate on quality, and our top choices.

6/09/2023

Menthol Rubs for Pain?

Do menthol rubs like Biofreeze and Vicks VapoRub really reduce pain, including diabetes-related nerve pain, and are rubs with capsaicin any better?

12/16/2022

Gymnema & Sugar Cravings

Did supplementing with gymnema (which may alter taste perception) curb sugar cravings and reduce food intake in a recent study? Find out in our updated CL Answer about supplements for reducing appetite and weight.

Also see our CL Answer about supplements for blood sugar control to learn about use of gymnema in people with diabetes.

1/31/2023

B12 Deficiency & Metformin

If you take metformin to treat diabetes, be aware that you are at higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Recent laboratory research suggests a possible reason for this, as discussed in the ConsumerTips section of our B Vitamins Review. Also see our Top Picks among B12 supplements.

8/22/2023

Green Tea and Blood Sugar

A laboratory study showed how green tea might help control blood sugar. Get the details in the Blood Sugar Control/Diabetes section of our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea.

Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

8/22/2023

Melatonin and Blood Sugar Control

Melatonin supplements may affect blood sugar control and insulin function in people with type 2 diabetes, according to recent studies. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Melatonin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for melatonin.

6/27/2023

Allulose & Blood Sugar

Does using the sweetener allulose along with sugar help lower blood sugar and insulin levels after a meal? Find out what a recent study showed in the Diabetes section of our article about sweeteners.

Also, find out what the main ingredient is in BetterStevia Organic Glycerite. Hint: It’s not stevia.

5/02/2023

Cinnamon for Lowering Blood Sugar?

Did taking capsules of true (Ceylon) cinnamon reduce fasting blood sugar or HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Cinnamon Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and spices.

12/12/2023

Fish Oil & Retinopathy

Does taking fish oil decrease the risk of developing retinopathy in people with diabetes? See what a major study found in the Retinal Disease section of our Fish, Krill, and Algal Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among omega-3 supplements.

3/12/2024

Green Tea & Blood Sugar

Does green tea reduce fasting blood sugar levels? See what a recent study showed in the Blood Sugar Control/Diabetes section of our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea.

4/19/2024

Acetyl-L-Carnitine for Nerve Pain?

Is acetyl-L-carnitine recommended to reduce nerve pain in people with diabetes? Find out in the What It Does section of our Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements Review.

Also see: Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica, diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia?

11/14/2024

Hemp Seed Benefits?

What are hemp seeds and does eating them help with heart health, diabetes, or boosting testosterone? Find out in our article about the benefits, safety, and what to consider when picking a product.

Also see our test results for:

• Hemp protein
• Hemp seed oil
• Hemp milk
• Hemp extract

2/24/2025

Goldenseal, Metformin Interaction

Be aware goldenseal might reduce the absorption of the diabetes medication metformin, according to a recent study. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of our Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for berberine and goldenseal.

3/03/2025

Herb for Hair?

Does taking jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) improve hair thickness? Find out what a recent study showed in our article about supplements for hair.

Also see: Does Gynostemma pentaphyllum really work as an AMPK activator and help for diabetes, high cholesterol, or weight loss?

7/31/2021

Gynostemma for Weight?

Can taking Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract help reduce weight? We've added information about this to our article about Gynostemma (which is also promoted for diabetes and high cholesterol treatment).

10/23/2021

Vitamin K and Coronary Artery Calcification

Can supplementing with vitamin K1 slow coronary artery calcification? See what a new study among people with diabetes found in the What It Does section of our Vitamin K Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin K supplements.

5/04/2021

Glutathione for Blood Sugar?

Does taking glutathione improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes? Find out what a recent study showed in our answer to the question: Do glutathione supplements work to prevent aging or for other conditions?

1/31/2021

B12 for Diabetic Neuropathy?

Can high-dose vitamin B12 improve nerve function and reduce pain in people with neuropathy due to type 2 diabetes? See what a new study found in the B12 section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin B12.

10/03/2020

Vitamin C for Foot Ulcers?

Can taking vitamin C help heal foot ulcers in people with diabetes or vascular disease? Find out what a new study showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin C Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin C.

10/24/2020

Vitamin D & Pregnancy

Maintaining sufficient blood levels of vitamin D during pregnancy is associated with better health for both mother and baby, including a decreased risk of gestational diabetes, according to a new study. Get the details in the Pregnancy section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

8/30/2016

Resveratrol for Blood Sugar?

Despite preliminary studies which found resveratrol to help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, a larger long-term study found no benefit. Find out more in the "What It Does" section of the Resveratrol Supplements Review >>

7/12/2014

Whey Protein for Blood Sugar Control?

Drinking a whey protein shake before a meal improves blood sugar and insulin response in men and women with type 2 diabetes, according to a new, preliminary study. Get more details, plus our tests of protein supplements, in the updated Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>

6/24/2012

Fish Oil for Strokes and Heart Attacks?

A recent study with fish oil supplements found no reduction in strokes and heart attacks among people with diabetes and poor glucose control. Does this mean fish oil doesn't help with cardiovascular disease? Not necessarily. See the updated Fish Oil (Omega-3) Supplements Review. More >>

6/30/2013

Vitamin D & Depression

Women with depression and type 2 diabetes were given high-dose vitamin D for several weeks in a small, pilot study. By the end of the study, vitamin D levels in the blood had risen considerably and mood was significantly improved, as was blood pressure. Although just a pilot study, this is not the first study to suggest that vitamin D may help with depression. For more details, as well as test results and comparisons for 55 vitamin D supplements, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

3/11/2012

When Not to Take Selenium

A researcher has advised not to take selenium if your selenium level is already adequate. Supplementation in people with adequate to high serum levels of selenium may increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. For details, see the update to the Concerns and Cautions section of the Cancer Supplements Review. More >>

8/19/2012

Low Vitamin D Levels and Obesity -- A Dangerous Combination

A new study links low blood levels of vitamin D in obese individuals to a greatly increased risk of insulin resistance (a condition linked to type 2 diabetes). The results add to the growing list of reasons to make sure you maintain a sufficient level of vitamin D. Get the details in the latest update to ConsumerLab.com's Vitamin D Supplements Review. More >>

8/19/2012

Can Resveratrol Help Control Blood Sugar?

A new clinical study suggests potential benefits for people with type 2 diabetes taking one of the resveratrol products evaluated by ConsumerLab.com. Get the details in the latest update to ConsumerLab.com's Resveratrol Supplements Review. More >>

1/11/2011

Insulin Sensitivity and Magnesium

A recent study found that magnesium supplementation improved fasting glucose levels in insulin insensitive, obese people. While a similar effect has been seen in magnesium deficient people, the new study found benefit in people who had normal magnesium levels. The research suggests that magnesium may help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in some people. See the Magnesium Supplements Review for the type and dose of magnesium used and more >>

4/13/2014

Resveratrol for Glucose Control

A recent review of clinical studies shows that resveratrol can help with glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it is not the general fountain of youth originally hoped. For more information about resveratrol, including our tests of resveratrol supplements, see the updated Resveratrol Supplements Review >> 

11/14/2014

Ginseng for Lower Blood Sugar

A new study found that a certain kind of ginseng helps lower blood sugar levels in people with impaired fasting glucose. For more about this study and related studies on blood sugar and diabetes with other types of ginseng (which have had mixed results), see the Ginseng Supplements Review >> 

11/22/2014

Turmeric for Memory

A new study shows a modest benefit of turmeric on short-term memory among older individuals with pre-diabetes. Details about the study and dosage used, as well as results of our tests of popular products, are found in the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review >> 

3/07/2015

Vitamin D Helps in Pregnancy

A new study showed that giving vitamin D to women with low levels of vitamin D resulted in a dramatic reduction in pre-term labor, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes compared to untreated women. For details, see the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

11/16/2018

Probiotic Lowers Eczema Risk in Children

The risk of eczema in children was reduced by 54% when a specific probiotic was taken by mothers during pregnancy and then by their infants, according to a new study. The probiotic also reduced the incidence of gestational diabetes among the mothers. For details, see the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.)

10/15/2019

Vitamin D & Blood Sugar Control

Maintaining moderate levels of vitamin D may aid blood sugar control, but, according to a recently published study, high-dose vitamin D supplementation may not help. For details, see the Diabetes, insulin resistance and glucose control section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

2/08/2020

Glucosamine and Blood Sugar

Glucosamine (used to treat osteoarthritis) is a type of sugar, so does its daily use affect blood sugar levels and one's risk of developing diabetes? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Joint Health Review. Also see our Top Picks for Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Boswellia supplements.

7/21/2020

Cinnamon for Prediabetes?

Does taking a daily cinnamon supplement help control blood sugar in people with pre-diabetes? See the results of a recent study in the What It Does section of the Cinnamon Supplements & Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and among cinnamon spices.

2/04/2017

Many Benefits of Magnesium

An analysis of studies involving more than one million people found that rates of stroke, heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and death were lower when intakes of magnesium were higher. For details see the "What It Does" section of the Magnesium Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

1/04/2020

Curcumin for Blood Sugar Control?

Preliminary research suggests that curcumin (from turmeric) taken with meals can reduce the increases in blood sugar and insulin levels that occur after eating. But does curcumin help people with pre-existing type 2 diabetes? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks among turmeric and curcumin products.

6/24/2015

Problem with Too Much Krill Oil

Researchers recently gave overweight men a very large daily amount of krill oil (with a smaller amount of fish oil) with the hope it would improve their insulin sensitivity. Unfortunately, the opposite happened, suggesting that the oil could increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Details about the study, including dosage, are found in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>

3/15/2017

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Juice Plus+?

Chronic systemic inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. A recent clinical trial assessed the product Juice Plus+ for its ability to reduce this inflammation in obese men and women. The abstract of the published study indicates that it works, but the results tell a different story. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Greens and Whole Foods Powders, Pills, and Drinks Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

3/29/2017

Vitamin E/Selenium & Alzheimer's

A long-term study among men in the U.S. found that giving high doses of vitamin E and/or selenium did not significantly affect their risk of developing dementia. The study was part of a larger study which found that these supplements increased the risk of prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, hair loss, and dermatitis. For details, see the "Alzheimer's disease/dementia" section of the Selenium Supplements Review >>

2/12/2019

Vitamin C for Blood Sugar Control

High-dose vitamin C was found to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes in a recent study. For details, see the What It Does section of the Vitamin C Supplements Review. Also see our latest Top Picks for vitamin C.

10/20/2016

Vitamin D Sweet Spot

Having the right blood levels of vitamin D has many proven benefits, but too little and too much vitamin D can be problematic. A new study shows this also to be true in people with diabetes with regard to a type of nerve damage that can affect blood pressure and heart rate. For details see the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

6/26/2018

Ubiquinol for Blood Sugar Control?

Does giving ubiquinol (the active form of CoQ10) to people with type 2 diabetes help with blood sugar control? Find out in the What It Does section of the CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among CoQ10 and ubiquinol supplements.)

4/01/2012

Vitamin D and the Risk of Death

In a six-year study of over 10,000 people in Kansas, the risk of death was found to be 164% higher among those with lower levels of vitamin D in their blood. These people were also more likely to suffer from hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes than those with higher levels. Only 29% of the people in the study had the higher level of vitamin D. For details, including the level of vitamin D associated with lower risk of death, ways to boost vitamin D, tests of vitamin D supplements, and more, see the Vitamin D Review >>