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Apple Cider Vinegar for Type II Diabetes

| Modified on Aug 12, 2024
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Apple cider vinegar is an effective natural remedy to complement a holistic treatment of type II diabetes. Improving the diet, quitting smoking, and regular exercise are all important to healing diabetes naturally.

When you are using apple cider vinegar for type II diabetes, or any other health condition, you should use raw and organic apple cider vinegar. You should be able to find this online, in health food stores, or in larger grocery stores.

Apple cider vinegar improves digestion, making the body use nutrients more efficiently. It helps to regulate blood sugar. It has trace nutrients that can contribute to better health.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Type II Diabetes

Because each person is different, you will need to experiment to find the amount of apple cider vinegar that helps you to feel well. Try a lesser amount and increase as needed. Continue to monitor your blood sugar to see how this remedy is affecting you.

A typical apple cider vinegar tonic contains between 1 and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.  This is taken once or twice a day. Some find it helpful to take the tonic with meals. Others just sip the tonic throughout the day.

If the apple cider vinegar alone is too acidic tasting for you, you can add baking soda to the tonic. Add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda to each tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Some people add honey to the apple cider vinegar tonic, though some find that honey does not agree with their blood sugar levels!

Have you tried apple cider vinegar for type II diabetes? We would love to hear from you!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Posted by Kimberly (West Virginia) on 05/03/2015
 ★☆☆☆☆

Back ground: I weighed at the time I started this just 1 week ago - 251. I am female and this is grossly obese, I know. I had been under a lot of stress for over a month. I just happened to show up at the mall during a health screening. I agreed to have my glucose tested and iron levels with a normal finger prick. It had been way over 2 hours since I had eaten anything. My glucose tested 144. She told me I needed to get it checked. I never went to the dr instead I purchased my own tester and began testing first thing in the am. And then 1 hour after and then 2 hours after each meal. I began eating a diabetic diet. I drank 2 tbs apple cider vinegar in water after each meal. Here is the first morning test was 179mg. I panicked - this was my fasting morning. Second morning a little better but still up there 143. That day it jumped to 163 2 hours after a meal. I ate very healthy all week and found myself down to 143.

I stopped taking the apple cider vinegar as it did NOTHING to help my glucose levels. I at this point was under so much stress that my back started to tighten to the point I was in severe pain. I resorted to muscle relaxants and xanax to calm down and get the muscle to relax. As well as I am all ready on 40mg of celexa that I can NOT get off of as the side effects of being on them 10 years is horrible. I also ordered chelated magnesium, b6 in 100mg, vegan vit k, vitamin d, vitamin b2 100mg. I have been taking all this about 4 days now and I see results in my levels. Yesterday morning fasting reading 107 today morning fast 108. I am not sure if the lower levels are due to the stress is gone and I was deficient in the vitamins or the loss of 9 lbs. I am sure I am pre-diabetic so I am going to continue on this program I started and walk 30 minutes a day. So I really don't think apple cider vinager works for everyone but there are things that do work.

Replied by B
(San Fernando, Philippines)
05/04/2015

Hi Kimberly...If you want to reduce your blood sugar safely then you could just take Chanca piedra tea + 1/4 tspn cinnamon (from Ceylon) 4 times a day.

Or just supplementing regular daily doses of vanadium and/or chromium supplements will hugely help people suffering from diabetes type 2.

To also improve your insulin resistance problem, supplement the Iodine Protocol with all companion nutrients. And in case you think all these nutrients in this protocol are trivial or unnecessary, here is evidence concerning the usefulness of some these nutrients wrt diabetes:

Lugol's Iodine or Iodoral

Zinc -- Needed to actually make the insulin hormone. Usually deficient in diabetics.

Magnesium -- Usually deficient in diabetics. Low magnesium = High calcium in the body(dangerous).

Selenium -- Needed to manufacture glutathione which is the body's master anti-oxidant and detoxer.

Niacin or niacinamide (higher dose)

B Vitamins -- Diabetics can have major B Vitamin deficiencies -- especially B12

The Guide to Supplementing Iodine

Replied by Ali
(Wales)
10/17/2015

Some people have found that mixing Cider Vinegar or lemon juice and Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking SODA) helps bring their blood sugar down. It is best taken at least half an hour before or two hours after eating, twice a day. The dose is about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or ACV and about half a level teaspoon of Bicarb mixed. Add water to about a small glassful when it stops fizzing and stir well. The ACV needs to be non-pasteurised with the 'mother', as it is important to have the enzymes intact. Do a search on here for Ted's Lemon/bicarb mixture....

Replied by Kimberly
(Wv)
10/18/2015

Thank you so much. I all ready take many of these but need to add the iodine protocal. I have to find out what that is. I also need to add some other things on this list you gave. Will be back to let you know how it is going.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Donna (Mont Clare, Pa) on 01/31/2015

Just wonder how to get those two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar before meals to control blood sugar. Does one mix it it with Tea or water? I know about salad dressing but what about other ways? DOES vinegar have any effect on A1C levels??

Replied by Es
(Oregon)
04/11/2015

Hi Donna, I take the apple cider vinegar in about 4 to 8 oz of water with a pinch of salt. If I don't add salt, I couldn't take it, because it tastes awful to me. I also found out that if I take it on an empty stomach, gives me a stomach ache, but it's probably only me. I would take it before lunch and then before dinner, if you want to take it to lose weight, otherwise I don't think it matters, as long as you take it at least twice a day. If you stop eating at least 3 hrs before bedtime (I do 4 hrs), it helps you to lose weight also. At times I would still take a small snack (small piece of cheese, an apple, or a yogurt), if I couldn't control myself. What also helped me, was to drink water if I felt hungry. I've read that sometimes we confuse thirst with hunger. I hope this helps.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Prashanthi (Newark De) on 01/29/2014

My father is a diabetic patient. He has type II diabetes. He got his diabetes when he was around 35-40 years of age. His blood sugar levels are as follows:

fasting sugar : 290

after lunch: 381

He is taking the following medications for diabetes:

Glyciphage 1mg tablet morning and evening

Insulin injection 25 units morning and evening

Recently I came to know about the benefits of apple cider vinegar. I got apple cider with mother. I am not sure about the dosage. Can you please suggest how much my father should take in the beginning taking in to account his blood sugar levels and the medications he is taking. Thank you.

Replied by Gavin
(Northland)
09/05/2014
★★★★★

Shock horror! I was diagnosed with type 2 after I kept getting boils on my back. After I went to the Doc he said I was diabetic, and put me on two metaformin tabs a day, plus statins asprin and BP. tablets. After buying a blood glucose monitor, and checking my fasting blood sugar in the morning, It was always around 7 to 8 the doc said it should be around 6.After an evening meal it would go up to 8 or nine. So I decided to start drinking ACV with meals. I had the same meal for two days. The first day the lowest I could get the Blood glucose reading, was 8 after a meal, and getting up in the morning it was reading a bad 8.9. So I drank about 8 oz of water with some ACV about two capfuls. Two hours later it was 7 and by lunch time when I had another dose it was down to six. Two hours after the evening meal when I had another dose usually its 8 plus this reading, shocked me a bit as it was 5.8. So something very interesting is happening. So I thought I would report in with another positive. incidentaly I stopped taking the statins as the muscle ache was getting hard to handle. But the ACV has been reported to lower the tryglicerides, so its a work in progress.

Replied by Zark
(Emerald City)
09/21/2014
★★★★★

This works nicely. I have this remedy to a friend with diabetes and he reports that it works well. He uses this daily now.

Replied by Gavin
(Northland)
11/02/2014

I've stopped taking he Metaformin, the blood test, came out that the triglycerides had dropped and the fasting Bs. had improved significantly.The ACV. definiatly is working, but it seems to work better if before bedtime you take a drink of Metamusil, with the ACV. The Morning BS. has been reading 6.5. Then hovers around 5 to 6.5 throughout the day. Depending on food consumption.

I'm pretty sure that for people that don't seem to be getting any benefit, it might be that the effect is cumulative and dose dependent. Who said two tablespoons were the dose? each individual varies. I know from personal experience that if a higher dose is taken the Urine turns yellow. I'm pretty sure this is caused by the fat that the vinegar is dissolving, including the fat that is blanketing the Pancreas, which prevents the insulin cells from working.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Darlene (San Antonio, Texas... Bexar) on 07/12/2013
 ★★★★★

I started taking apple cider vinegar, liquid or tablets and apple juice plus 1-2 tbsp. of coconut a day for some time, I was having problems with my Gall stones. I went to see my Dr. about the gallstones and he said that he wanted my blood tested for Diabetes and my thyroid. (I have had type 2 diabetes for some time), I went to the earth clinic.com on the computer and they suggested that I take 1/4 of a cup of apple cider vinegar (which equals to about 8 apple cider vinegar tablets) and 1 cup of apple juice a day. Well, time passed and I didn't hear about my test, so I called, they said that every thing was OK, I told them that I had diabetes, she said well you don't have it now, this was about two months ago. Yesterday, I went to my eye Dr. He said that I didn't have diabetes in my eyes anymore. I was taking the vinegar and coconut oil for one gallstones and it healed me for diabetes. So praise the Lord.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ashu (Amritsar, Punjab - India ) on 12/26/2011

Hello, Can you please tell me how I can use ACV, because I am a diabetic Patient and my normal fasting sugar is 200. Please suggest me how I can control my sugar.

And also please tell me if I use ACV after then there is any type of side effects.

Regards, ASHU

Replied by Maria
(Gippsland, Australia)
01/13/2012

Hi Ashu, Have a look at the Diabetes 2 page it has Ted's suggestions as well as others including ACV https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/diabetes.html Bitter Melon is great for reducing sugar and can be taken in capsule form. You do need to cut out the processed foods including white flour. All the best.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ann (Homestead, Florida, Usa) on 12/02/2011

Hi, I have been told that I have pre-diabetic levels and I wondered how much Apple Cider Vinegar you have to take to help take these levels down?

Thank you

Replied by Liz
(Caledonia, Mi)
12/03/2011

Ann, You might also look into Turmeric to help with preventing diabetes. I was researching it for another topic and recall seeing that it was used for that. Good luck!

Replied by Lou
(Tyler, Tx)
08/26/2013

Apple Cider Vinegar in capsule form is great if you're on the go!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Christine (Perth, W Australia) on 10/26/2011

Hi Jennifer, My husband was diagnosed with diabetes in Sept. He immediately started drinking the juice of half a lemon with water daily, cut out all sugary foods, sometimes had half a capful of ACV with water and within less than 10 days, his points dropped from 13 to 6. The doctor was quite astounded. He also quit the medication because of being unable to go to the loo. Now he mainly has the ACV.

Replied by Lou
(Tyler, Tx)
01/26/2012

Coconut capsules will help him go.

Replied by Dee
(Nashua, Nh)
08/28/2016

Christine…Did your husband drink the lemon water throughout the day, or all at once? How much ACV is he taking now?

It's been about 5 years since you posted. How is your husband's diabetes being treated now?

Thanks.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Donnajz (Arnold, California, Usa) on 07/23/2011
 ★★★★★

I found your website in June, 2011. For nine years I have had type 2 diabetes. On July 18, 2002 I went into a diabetic coma and my BS was 1171. By the grace and mercy of God and the Doctors I survived. I have been on insulin for nine years. On June 19, 2011 I started drinking 2 glasses of water, 12 oz each with one tablespoon of acv, I sip it with a straw during the day. As the days went by I started feeling better and within weeks I noticed I had to use less insulin. Now, instead of taking 3 to 4 units of humilin I only need one with my breakfast of egg and toast. In the last few days, this being July 23, I realize I need less of my night time insulin--lantus.

My BS dropped to 54 last night and I had to drink a regular soda pop to bring up my BS. This morning my BS was 129. On July 29th I have a Doctor's appointment to get my A1C test. I will write back and let you know the results. My last A1C was 7.1. I am feeling like my old self and have more energy and a better attitude. I will be 67 years old in Sept.

God Bless Earth Clinic for this site and all of you who have contributed your thoughts, ideas, questions and replies. One more thing, I have been oil pulling since March 11, 2011 after my daughter told me she was doing it. I use organic coconut oil. I have not missed one morning of oil pullling. Again, thank you all, especially Earth Clinic. I appreciate you so much.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lisa Van'twout (Los Angeles, Ca) on 06/12/2011 32 posts

I noticed ACV doesn't work for everyone. Something to consider. Are any of you taking statin drugs for high cholesterol or glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis? Both of these are known to raise blood sugar and for some even cholesterol. That is another subject but thought I would mention it. I just went off statins 3 weeks ago and already my arthritis is 75% better. Waiting to get my 1AC results back on the sugar.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Neecy 58 (Lincolnton, Nc, Usa) on 08/08/2009
 ★★★★★

ACV has really done wonders in stabilizing my blood sugars. Prior to using the information I found on this site about ACV my fasting blood sugar were running about 250 to 290 even though I didn't eat anything after 8 pm. I don't drink sodas, no white flour, use stevia, eat lots of veggies, chicken and fish. I started off with 2 TSP. ACV in vegetable juice before I went to bed and noticed an immediate drop the next morning. I am also on metformin 1000 AM and PM and actos 45 in AM. I've increased my ACV to 2 TBS twice a day in vegetable juice as my morning drink and evening "cocktail" and 2 TBS added to a liter of water which I drink at work. I've been trying to reduce my prescription med but it seems my numbers increase slightly when I do that so I'll just leave well enough alone right now. This morning my FBS was 114. Also, before this I also suffered from hypglecemic seizures. I'd be feeling alright, start to feel a little off kilter and then wake up on the floor or in the ER. Fortunately this never happened while I was driving but I gave up riding my motorcycle this year because I was so afraid I'd have an episode while on my bike. Since I've started taking the ACV I've been able to feel the physical effects of my blood sugar dropping and take steps to bring it back up. I've also notice a slight improvement in my eyesight. This website has literally saved my life. Thank you so much

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jennifer (Private, USA) on 10/28/2008
 ★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar was used to help aid diabetes. Apple Cider Vinegar does help a little in treating diabetes. It has helped to keep blood glucose levels in a normal range for someone who does not have diabetes, for example. However, it works best in this case in combination with the current medicine for type 2 diabetes. It was taken without taking medicine but the glucose levels were a little too high, however, again, in this case it works perfect in combination with current medicine for type 2 diabetes. It is taken once in the morning and once at night, each dosage the same amount. Two tablespoons of liquid apple cider vinegar with anywhere from half a cup to a full cup of water. Though it is now taken with crystal light/koolaid instead of water because it helps the flavor a lot. It does not taste bad at all. Hope this helps.

Replied by MannaCandace
(Phoenix, AZ)
03/31/2009

READ what is in Crystal Light (Crystal Light is usually sweetened with aspartame) and how bad aspartame is for you.

Replied by Shel
(Eugene, OR)
04/02/2009

I am amazed at how few people are aware of the existence and benefits of Stevia. I am a blood type O and don't like vinegar or anything pickled, etc., so I was leery of drinking ACV. I just add a few drops of lemon liquid Stevia and it makes a refreshing, entirely tolerable drink. Add to that, Stevia is good for you and very easy to become accustomed to. I'm a sugarholic and never could stand any artificial sweeteners (maybe because they're all poison??) but I adjusted to Stevia in no time. The flavored liquids are good for absolutely everything and the powder is wonderful for baking.

Replied by Brian
(Barrie, Ontario Canada)
04/06/2009

Yes, aspartame is an ACCUMULATIVE toxin, if you need something sweet to take the edge of of the ACV, use an organic fruit juice or Stevia, Agava nectar etc.

Replied by Tapdnsr
(Bfe, Kentucky)
12/02/2012

no, no, no, no, no. Never ingest artificial sweeteners for any reason, but especially if you have diabetes. They make it worse... And can even cause it. instead use organic stevia, which not only beneficial for its sweetening properties, but also because it has a positive effect on diabetes itself.

Replied by Lou
(Tyler, Tx)
03/17/2014

How about giving Coconut Palm Sugar a try? It's available at health food stores. I'm using it and it tastes fine.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Faith (St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) on 09/09/2008
 ★★★★★

I must say when I heard about Apple Cider Vinegar I was curious. I went out the same day and purchased a bottle. I'm a type 2 diabetic and I must say that I feel a lot better since taking it, my monthly cycle has changed to a more normal cyle. It used to be very heavy the first two days...no more.

I also started the pulling oil...that too is great. My mouth feels so clean all day. Just started it so I haven't really seen anything major, but I will report back. Thanks Earthclinic.

Replied by Serafin
(Covina, California,los Angeles County)
05/28/2011
★★★★★

I agree with you on oil pulling, its just very sad that when I discovered oil pulling my dentist almost pulled out most of my teeth, but for those who got problems with Gums and still have a lot of teeth I would suggest oil pulling for at least 20 minutes( gurgle for 20 minutes) in the morning and you will never have cavities and soft gums at all. And for those who have ulcer take 2 teaspoon of VCO (virgin coconut oil) and within two weeks you can see a big difference you will be completely cured, no relapse

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dianna (Austin, TX) on 08/25/2008

i started to take the ACV in the morning and afternoon for my diabetes. and it really worked well (sometimes too well) to lower my blood sugar. also my head felt clearer and i just felt good. BUT - for some reason it gave me very bad gas and bloating. i tried various ways of taking it - with BS and without - before a meal, during, afterwards, to no avail - for the entire 2 weeks i tried it i had a very bloated tummy and gas so bad i could not sleep. also i was using it on my skin. during this time i developed a lot of huge pimples and noticed that i was getting a yellowish tint to my skin. so i stopped taking the ACV and it took several days for the gas and bloating to go away. now i am using the lime juice remedy without any gas or side effects. oh well, i really liked the idea of the ACV - but for some reason my body doesn't like it.
Dianna

Replied by Sharrieff
(Atlanta, GA)
11/20/2008

Diana from Austin, TX writes about the side effects of ACV. My comment is that most likely the issues that you brought up are the result of the ACV pushing toxins out of your body. When you stop taking the ACV, the toxins stop releasing, however they are still in your body. Perhaps you could take it three days a month until you detox your body.

Replied by Dianna
(Austin, Tx)
12/31/2008

thanks for your feedback! i'm taking the ACV again - but this time VERY diluted - 1/3 a teaspoon in a liter of water 2 or 3 x a day. i know that is a lot of water - but at this strength i don't get the bloating and it is lowering my blood sugar and i feel that it is doing something - maybe i will be able to work up to a stronger dose eventually.

also, at this level it doesn't cause me teeth to be sensitive as it was before.

btw - do you think that 1/3 a teaspoon in a liter of water is still bad to be drinking for several hours a day on your teeth enamel? i can hardly taste the vinegar - but it seems to be helping in other ways.

Replied by Pattys
(Houston, Texas)
11/11/2010

I heard that ACV will deteriorate the tooth enamel and that if you use a straw the ACV won't get on your teeth too much. Also rinsing your mouth out after the drink may help some.

Replied by Lou
(Tyler, Tx)
03/17/2014

Fennel seed tea will help with gas and bloating.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jos (Ridgewood, NY) on 08/14/2008
 ★★★★★

I started using Acv about a week ago, glucose reading are between 110-135. Fantastic! If you have diabetes you must try it! 2 tablepoons during meals, mixed with a glass of water.

Jos

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sherri (St.Louis, Missouri) on 07/17/2008
 ★★★★★

ACV for diabetes. I take 2 tablets of metformin in the morning accompanied by 1 actos..also hyzzar for B/P. In the evening I again take another metformin. Now.. Per each meal I take two tablspoons of ACV _____s organic unfiltered ACV, with a 1/4 cup of very cold water. Do this for at least two weeks straight before you start testing your sugar two hours later.. it will perform the extraodinary. My sugar levels on the average are extremely high, but this has helped immensely in lowering my numbers. You must continue to be faithful in your diet and at least test your sugars early in the morning and or in the evening.. For testing of the ACV, make sure to test two hours later but give the vinegar a chance to get into your system and detoxify your body.. It will help lower your sugars but don't do an over kill on the eating and expect miracles. If your a diabetic, you must learn to eat right and take care of yourself.. Good luck. Sherri


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