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.
Chromium Polynicotinate
Posted by Jon (Australia) on 03/15/2015
★★★★★
I really like Chromium polynicotinate. I take 100mg, twice a day with meals.
It is helping to reduce my sugar levels.
Chromium is enhances the effectiveness of insulin, needed to process sugars (glucose). Supplemental chromium reduces blood glucose levels.
I read somewhere that it's estimated that more than 90% of U.S. adults have a deficiency of the mineral chromium.
Make sure you take chromium polynicotinate, and NOT chromium picolinate!
"Nobody should take chromium picolinate."
Chromium polynicotinate is much more safe and effective.
Research has found large amounts of chromium picolinate cause chromosome damage, whereas chromium polynicotinate did not.
Since this mineral assists in the production of insulin, it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and can be beneficial both for people with hypoglycemia and diabetes. It is also critical to the synthesis of cholesterol, fats, and proteins.
Chromium Polynicotinateis more effective than any other type of chromium, as it binds the elemental chromium to niacin (vitamin B-3). This provides a biologically active form of chromium, which is safe and more absorbable in the body.
Consumers are urged to switch to a nontoxic form of chromium, such as niacinbound chromium, also known as chromium polynicotinate. Niacin-bound chromium is the safest and most bioavailable form of chromium. Most health food stores carry niacin-bound chromium polynicotinate.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 03/09/2015
Dear Neena,
I use Now Original Stevia Extract. It comes in a bottle with an eyedropper lid. It doesn't have anything extra in it. (You can buy it as an alcohol extract or a glycerin extract. I have used both.) And a drop or two is all I need in tea. A 2 ounce bottle lasts me a very long time.
The white powder stuff has other fillers in it and some people react to that.
~Mama to Many~
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 03/09/2015
Hello, Neena --- when buying Stevia one must be very careful. They mix it with these dangerous sweeteners that change their name every so often to fool the public. It does not have to be the green product but ask questions and see the print.
Just thought I'd warn you because when I got to know this, I was amazed at the way the consumer is cheated. Try a health store and good luck. Namaste Om
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Neena (Florida) on 03/09/2015
Hi, I have a question about the stevia. Do you buy the natural green stevia, or the one processed that comes like white sugar? Thank you
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Neena (Florida) on 03/09/2015
Hi, It is possible you respond on how many milligrams of the ALA, Magnesium Malate, CoQ10, and Pantithine and the way you take them? It will be very appreciated. Thank you!!!!
Cinnamon
Posted by Deanna (Aurora, Co) on 02/17/2015
so what brand of 500 mg capsules of cinnamon did you use?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chris (Falls Church, Va) on 02/16/2015
★★★★★
Recently diagnosed as a Type 2. Used Gluc meter to test results of Metaformin and then Metaformin with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV).
Taking 500mg of Metaformin in the morning and at night. Blood sugar 2 hrs. after the meal 110 - 115. In addition to Metaformin, if I take 2 TBS of ACV before the meal using a 1:5 ratio mixed with water, my blood sugar is 93 - 95 2hrs. after a meal.
Went without Metaformin and ACV at night and 3 hours after the meal, the blood sugar was 130. Before bed, took Metaformin and 2TBS of ACV. Morning reading before Breakfast was 86.
2 TBS of ACV before meals and bedtime is very effective at controlling my blood sugar. Before meals, it drives the 2 hour post reading down and additional 10 -15 points than when just using Metaformin. Before bedtime, I drives the blood sugar 20-30 points than when just using Metaformin.
Be careful not to drive your blood sugar too low using this before bedtime. I woke up one day with reading of 71. Find that balance point for yourself.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Timh (KY) on 02/15/2015 2048 posts
I am mainly using other nutrients for up-regulating metabolism; ALA, Magnesium Malate, CoQ10, Pantithine. One triple strength ACV daily is too much for my condition so I just take one tab occasionally. I never use the ACV liquid so I can't give any comparison, but I would recommend 1 triple strength ACV tab per day and slowly increase until desired effect.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Geevikram (Chicago, Il) on 02/14/2015
Hi Timh, Thanks for the reply. How did those pills work out for you? The general feeling here is that you should take the liquid form of ACV. Are the pill equally effective? Thanks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Timh (KY) on 02/14/2015 2048 posts
G: You can purchase ACV tablets at health food stores, which makes for an easier delivery.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Geevikram (Chicago, IL) on 02/12/2015
★★★★★
Today is my first day on ACV. My post-prandial sugar was off the charts. I would hit 200's and come down slowly. My A1C has never been less than 6.6. Yesterday (2/11/15), my pp sugar was 172 after 2.5 hours. I also took one glipizide (5mg) before food and 1000 mg of metformin after.
I read about the benefits of ACV in this forum and buy the one with mother in it. Two spoons of ACV diluted and had before food. I also took metformin 500 mg before and after food. (Didn't want to stop suddenly) 1 hr after lunch sugar was 125.2 hrs after lunch, sugar was 118.3hrs later, sugar is 134. This tells me that sugar is being released slowly into the blood stream. Interestingly, I typically work out(not a lot) everyday. Today, I did not and still got this result. I can only imagine the effect, if I were to actually work out.
As an aside, how do you guys manage to drink ACV before lunch at work?
Honey
Posted by Kara (New York, Ny) on 01/27/2015
★☆☆☆☆
I think the only way to know if honey raises blood sugar is to eat it and take a blood sugar reading first thing in the morning. I can't eat honey because it raises my blood sugar too high.. more so than sugar. I became pre-diabetic after adding honey to my tea. I stopped doing that and now take small amounts of organic brown sugar. My blood sugar is back to normal.
Honey
Posted by Andrea C (Wales) on 01/27/2015
★★★★★
Hi all, I was researching about the effect of honey on blood sugar levels, I am not Diabetic but other Family members are. But that wasn't the reason for my search either it was to do with another health matter. Anyway I found this information on the Informa Health care website, and it says honey is OK for Diabetics.
So I'm posting the information below ( RAW NOT NORMAL STORE HONEY) so you can read it for yourself.
Love Andrea C xxx
At Informa Healthcare, we answer your need for fast, convenient access to high-quality, high-impact scientific research.
Effects of natural honey consumption in diabetic patients: an 8-week randomized clinical trial Objectives. We investigated the effect of natural honey on body weight and some blood biochemical indices of diabetic subjects.
Methods Forty-eight diabetic type 2 patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the honey group received oral natural honey for 8 weeks, and the control group did not take honey. Before the onset of the study (week 0) and after 8 weeks, weight measurements were taken and fasting blood samples were drawn.
Results After adjustment for the baseline values, there were no significant differences in the fasting blood sugars between the two groups. Body weight, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride decreased (P = 0.000), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased significantly (P < 0.01) in honey group. The levels of hemoglobin A1C increased significantly in this group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that 8-week consumption of honey can provide beneficial effects on body weight and blood lipids of diabetic patients. However, since an increase in the hemoglobin A1C levels was observed, cautious consumption of this food by diabetic patients is recommended.
Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 09/21/2014
Marilyn, you seem to be on a tolerable dosage for you, but, like a recent poster wrote, if you cut way back on carbs - esp. refined ones - and add some mild exercises, you would probably benefit more.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marilyn (Ontario, Canada) on 09/20/2014
I have just begun taking ACV and wonder how long it takes to work. I am able to take 2 tbls per day. I am prediabetic and want my numbers below 6.0 Any advice would be appreciated as I don't want to have to take medication.
Thank you
Cinnamon, Coenzyme Q-10, Chromium
Posted by Robert (Wayne, Michigan, USA) on 09/18/2014
How much of each pill do you take?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gary (Bellevue, Wa, US) on 08/18/2014
★★★★★
Thanks to the clarity and simple instruction Keely provided at 2:26 AM, with blood sugar showing 226 (non fasting), I took 3 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar in 12 oz water with 1/2 packet of stevia. Then, at 4:23 AM, I checked my glucose again. It was down to 200. Slept from that time (no exercise) until 7:30 am and at 8:28 I tested fasting bs and found it at 138. AMAZING!!! Metformin can't touch this performance. THANKS Keely! I will keep this up and see how it goes over the next month.
Bitter Melon
Posted by Melissa (Dalhart Texas) on 05/05/2014
Would strawberry work if it is a little bitter?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dedubbya (North Carolina) on 02/21/2014
That's really interesting. I will have to check on that.. lol
High Blood Sugar Recovery Drink
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 12/10/2013
★★★★★
High blood sugar recovery drink: I've never been diagnosed as diabetic, but when I eat a lot of sugar I get sick and achy all over and a sore throat. This is my rescue remedy, first thing in the morning when I wake up feeling icky.
2 cups hot milk, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Imagine yourself sitting by the fire place under a red plaid flannel blanket all toasty warm. It's like that. :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elaine (Ky, Usa) on 08/07/2013
Vinia, Apple Cider Vinegar should not be a problem with your meds. It won't negate their effect. But, since some people find ACV to improve their sugar situation, it could decrease your need for the medication. The safest thing to do would be to start small with the ACV. You don't want to suddenly have your sugars too low. So, try 1/2 t. in water once a day for a few days. Then take it twice a day. The next week, try 1 t. in water twice a day. The next week, try 1 1/2 t. in water twice a day, etc. Monitor how you feel and how your sugar is doing. Elaine
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vinia (Las Vegas Nevada) on 08/07/2013
I have Type II Diabetes and am taking Januvia at present, which was just increased to 100 mg. I am wondering if it will be safe for me to try Apple Cider Vinegar even if I am taking Januvia?
Turmeric
Posted by Pat (Or) on 07/29/2013
Thank you for your suggestion of turmeric. Unfortunately my medication of effexor blocks the effeciency of turmeric. (as per past information from this site) Is there any information I can get on the benefits/side effects of taking kratom.... or any other supplements that might help me lower my blood sugar? I am using coconut oil and Apple Cider Vinegar as well.
Thai Herb Kratom
Posted by Pat (Oregon) on 07/27/2013
★★★★★
I have not been able to get my prescription for metaformin renewed due to no insurance and the cost of blood test etc. (I am trying to get into services of the free clinic)
My problem is that I am 320 pounds, and without the metaformin my blood sugar avers at 190 to 200 in the morning.(this is with an hour walking everyday)
My son gave me an herb called Kratom. I have reserached the amount and caution for the effects, etc. Last night I took a teaspoon before I went to bed and my blood sugar was 126 this morning. I got the same results a few days ago when I went to bed with 250 blood sugar, the next morning it was 135.
I would like to take small portions of this herb, maybe every other day, just teaspoon at night to help keep my blood sugar low until I can get a prescription for metaformin. (I takes about two months to get into free clinic here)
My question: would this be a safe way to keep my blood sugar balanced? ( also take 250 g of effexor, but have researched and it seems safe with my medication.) I would appreciate any information on this. Thank you.
Urine Therapy
Posted by Dannyo1966 (Dickinson, North Dakota) on 04/14/2013
WARNING!
Urine has a high level of urea which is a form of organic nitrogen. Organic Nitrogen is toxic to the body which is why your body expells it in the urine. You should not drink urine.
Flax Seed Oil Capsules Warning Elevated Blood Sugar
Posted by Koekoe (South Africa, North West) on 11/27/2012
Hi just want to let you know that the same thing happened to me when I statrted using flaxseed oil. Elevated Blood sugar readings!
White Distilled Vinegar
Posted by Kowekoe (South Africa, North West) on 11/27/2012
Yeh!! So glad it helps. I just started to drink it this morning because I can't stand the taste of ACV. Thank you for posting it!!!!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Michael (Athens, Ohio) on 11/25/2012
★★★★★
Eating 1 T of virgin coconut oil and then doing moderate exercise like walking for 15 to 30 min will also bring your BS down possibly even more than ACV. ACV does nothing for me but VCO will bring me into the 80's from 170. If you read Dr. Richard Bernstein or Ron Rosedale you will learn that eating that a high carb roll is really bad for you and not woth doing because it is whipping your beta cells to produce more insulin and they will eventually burn out and die and then you will become a type 1 diabetic and need insulin.
Bitter Melon
Posted by Hok1628 (Oakland, Ca) on 11/21/2012
★★★★★
Researchers have shown that bitter melon extract can reduce blood sugar levels in animals and humans - important in the control of diabetes, where blood sugar levels can get dangerously high.
Link for more info..http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2008/April/23040802.asp
http://www.bitter-gourd.org/health-benefits/
Cinnamon
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 10/14/2012
I'm no expert on this subject, but a tablespoon could be excessive. I think it's harmful to the liver.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 10/07/2012
Expirement with peppermint tea. As a bonus you get the water intake you don't get with the oil. Peppermint is known to lessen appetite, could it be due to the influence on sugars?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Keely (Atlana, Ga-usa) on 09/18/2012
★★★★★
My blood glucose was 241 last night. I took three teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water, added two packs of stevia which is also suppose to lower blood sugar. I then exercised, nothing that big, but I invested in a kettlebell. $29 bucks. I did some kettle bell swings, a little arm work, you know, just enough to get my heart beating a little fast, but really I didnt do that much. I tested an hour later and my blood sugar was 121!! I couldnt believe it! I woke up this morning, tested and my blood sugar is 122!! Its been a long time since my blood sugar has been that low upon waking!! This will be my new routine every night!!
Urine Therapy
Posted by Aravin (Banglore, Karnataka, India) on 07/17/2012
Hi All, This is my first post to the group. Could someone please advice, if drinking urine has any effects on reducing blood sugar level. I have been practicing this for almost two months now. Everytime I go for a test I drink a glass of urine and check the sugar level and it gives a good result to me and the sugar level are well in control at around 100-120. But sometimes I feel due to over stress my sugar level rises. Do I need to follow urine threapy my whole life for a complete cure for this disease? Or is it enough if I just continue for a couple of more months? Thanks in advance.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/15/2012
ACV, a couple of dashes of cinnamon, and a packet (or teaspoon if you have the loose kind) of stevia make an amazing drink, tastes like apple pie in a glass, and it is really healthy. You get the benefit of the ACV and cinnamon plus a very tolerable taste with no added sugars. Hint - these are the ingredients in the 'apple cinnamon' drink the "famous ACV company" sells. It is yum, and $2 a bottle at the natural foods store, or pennies at home. Try it and test your glucose 1 hr later and let us know.
pH Meter Testing
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/13/2012
You all have inspired me. I got a glucose meter from CVS last week, and have been playing with it, especially right before bed. I am not diabetic, but I don't want to be one! So to me, glucose monitoring every now and then is something I am commited to doing. I learned my glucose rises real easy, so need to watch it but still under 125 (75-121 readings) so far. Still searching amazon for a pH meter or kit, but am amazed at what I have learned on the importance of balanced pH. Thank you Ted, and everyone!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/05/2012
Where to buy ACV: I got my 32 oz bottle of the 'famous' brand of Organic apple cider vinegar from my local Kroger for $4. I found it in the "Nature's Market" section of the store by the organic salad dressings shelf - ironically which is right next to the pharmacy and vitamins. Better value there than I have seen most places.
My FBS (at 8 am this morning) was 75, and was 95 tested 2 hours after a vegetarian indian lunch. Want to use glucose levels and ACV favorably for weight control.
Cinnamon
Posted by Theresa (Brooklyn, New York) on 04/28/2012
★★★★★
Thanks so much. My sugar reading went from almost 300 to 205 within a couple hours it dropped quite fast. I boiled black pepper green tea and powdered cinnamon together and then I placed the cup of tea in the freezer and drank it cold. I am on the way to lower sugar readings again. Thanks so much. It worked.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pest Control (Atlanta, Usa) on 03/27/2012
★★★★★
I am a fan of using apple cider vinegar! I have never used it for back pain relief but I make a drink mixture weekly to use for my blood sugar. I am diabetic, and it helps to regulate blood sugar levels! I have a recipe that I think it pretty good and will taste better than the one listed here. Try this:
1 1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons raw Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Stevia packet
1 tablespoon on cinnamon
enjoy!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Benni (San Diego, Ca - California) on 01/07/2012
★★★★★
I am pre-diabetic who, with rampant diabetes on both sides of the family, has been monitoring my blood sugar faithfully, and several times a day for the past few months.
The main reason I was doing this was to see if anything other than a low carb diet would work to control my blood sugar. (So far, NO - except the ACV).
On a low carb diet (no more than 30 g of carbs per day = ketosis for the past 5 weeks) my daily blood sugar runs in a very strict band of 100-113. Some days I've tested it 5 times hoping it would fall ower. On a regular diet, my blood sugar is in the 90-175 range.
I've been taking 1 tsp ACV 3x/day for only two days and today my blood sugar has registered at 69 and 85.
Also, yesterday I started the Borax 1/8th tsp in a liter of water drunk throughout the day, so that may have contributed as well.
For the past week, I've been trying various remedies for chronic fatigue. I didn't take the ACV for my blood sugar but rather for increased energy (seems to be working) so only looked it up on Earth Clinic as regards blood sugar after realizing the dramatic drop.
If anything changes (I. E. sugars go up again as magically as they came down, I'll post an update.)
Psyllium
Posted by Kennysgramma (Eastern, Indiana) on 01/02/2012
★★★★★
There is a history of blood sugar issues, both diabetes and hypoglycemia, in my mother's family. I have an insatiable sweet tooth and know I could fall to either of these diseases. After turning 50, I noticed that eating sweets, especially on an empty stomach, would put me to sleep. Eating sweets before bedtime would interupt my sleep with heart palpitations and sweating. Actually, eating anything high on the glycemic index would do the same. I found that taking 2 tsp of psyllium hulls combo powder mixed with water (lots of water - at least 20 oz) before bed alleviates these symptoms completely. Yes, I do have to visit the bathroom most nights, but what a small price to pay.
White Distilled Vinegar
Posted by Marjie (Suttons Bay, Mi, Usa) on 12/22/2011
The best Vinegar to use is Apple Cider Vinegar. It is Raw & Unfiltered, with Mother in it. It is used for so many ailments including Urinary Tract Infections, weight loss, lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol/Triglycerides, cramps, headaches, This product will kill Viral Infections such as colds, the Flu, staph, use on cuts to clense and heal, and many many other ailments. It is extremely healthy/beneficial to the body!
