Controlling your blood sugar is critical for foot health. Elevated blood sugar levels damage the small vessels in the foot – starving the tissues of oxygen. This can lead to ulcers and amputation. Also, elevated blood sugar does great damage to the nerves of the foot and is a major contributor to Neuropathy. Below are some suggestions you may wany to check out. Ask your doctor about these supplements before taking them.
Berberine is a supplement that has been used in China for hundreds of years to help control blood sugar levels. It is generally very safe. The most common side effects are stomach problems such as an upset stomach or gas. Berberine helps control blood sugar in many ways. It decreases insulin resistance, increases metabolism, it decreases blood sugar production in the liver and slows the breakdown of carbohydrates of the gut. This also improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It lowers A1c by 12%. In a major review study of 14 articles with over a thousand patients, it has been shown to be as effective as metformin, glipizide and Rosiglitazone (Avandia.)
Suggested Dose: 400-500 mg each meal
Article: Berberine: A Powerful Supplement with Many Benefits
Ceylon Cinnamon is a common medicine with a long history of medical properties. It has been shown in some studies to lower fasting glucose levels by 10-29%. It also has other positive effects on cholesterol.
Suggested Dose: 1 to 3 grams per day
Article: 10 Evidence Based Health Benefits of Cinnamon
The supplement, Alpha Lipoic Acid, has been shown in some studies to help lower glucose levels. It is also quite effective in the treatment of Neuropathy in patients with Diabetes.
Suggested Dose: 300 – 600 mg per day
Almost every patient I test with Diabetes is low on Vitamin D. This supplement has been shown to lower blood sugar in some studies. Correction of all levels of Vitamin D has also been associated with improved Neuropathy symptoms and function.
Suggested Dose: Dosage varies depending on bloodwork results.
Study: Vitamin D supplementation reduces insulin resistance in Japanese adults: a secondary analysis of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Vitamin D for the treatment of painful, diabetic neuropathy
Chromium Picolinate is a micro-nutrient that works with insulin to help lower blood sugar. Some studies have suggested that it is effective. Other studies have shown that it really doesn’t have much effect. Higher doses seem to make the effect more consistent.
Suggested Dose: 200-500mcg per day
