Insulin resistance, or the body’s reduced ability to effectively use the hormone insulin, can significantly impact an individual's health and may progress to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if not managed properly. About 1 in 3 adults may experience insulin resistance.
When used as part of a healthy lifestyle, dietary supplements (along with a balanced diet and regular exercise) can support strategies that help maintain insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of more serious forms of diabetes.
This article explores some dietary supplements that may support insulin resistance management based on scientific evidence.
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What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance occurs when the body doesn’t respond as expected to the hormone insulin. The pancreas produces insulin to help regulate the amount of sugar in the bloodstream.
Insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, can affect how cells in the liver, fat, and muscles respond to insulin and receive glucose from the bloodstream. This can lead to higher blood sugar levels, which may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, insulin resistance is often manageable when detected early and addressed effectively.
Common Causes and Symptoms
The common causes and symptoms of insulin resistance include:
Causes
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity
- Excess belly and visceral fat (fat around the organs)
- Aging
- Family history of insulin resistance
- Dietary habits
- Medications (some steroid, psychiatric, hypertension, and HIV medications)
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Other hormone disorders
- Genetic conditions
Waist circumferences of 40 inches or higher in men and 35 inches or more in women are associated with insulin resistance.
A diet high in carbohydrates, added sugars, highly processed foods, and saturated fats may increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This type of diet can put stress on the pancreas to produce more insulin.
Symptoms
Many people with insulin resistance don't have any symptoms until their condition progresses to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. The symptoms associated with high blood sugar and diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Increased hunger
- Skin infections
- Vaginal infections
- Slow-healing sores or cuts
- Eye changes
- Skin tags
- Darkened skin patches
Individuals with these symptoms should see a healthcare provider for an evaluation. About 1 in 3 adults in the United States have prediabetes.
8 Supplements That May Support Insulin Resistance Management
The following dietary supplements may help support insulin resistance management, potentially reducing the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
#1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C may support insulin sensitivity due to its effects on blood glucose levels. Studies show that vitamin C supplements can support insulin production and secretion, help manage blood sugar, and support insulin resistance management.
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 75 milligrams for women, 90 milligrams for men, 85 milligrams during pregnancy, and 120 milligrams for nursing women. These are minimum amounts, but some individuals may need more.
#2. Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that may influence glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, particularly in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes. Researchers found that supplementing with 400 micrograms of chromium for eight weeks had beneficial effects on insulin resistance, low-density lipoprotein (LCL) cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.
#3. Probiotics
Probiotics may play a role in managing blood sugar levels and supporting insulin resistance management. Examples of the specific probiotic strains studied for their use in controlling blood sugar and supporting insulin resistance management are as follows: Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, and others.
Yogurt and other fermented foods are also good sources of probiotics.
#4. Inositol
Inositol is a key factor in cellular glucose uptake, and it may be particularly effective for supporting conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Studies confirm that inositol may help support insulin resistance management, as well as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, PCOS, and metabolic syndrome.
#5. Folic Acid
Folic acid (vitamin B9) supplements have also been shown to support insulin resistance management and improve glycemic control during diabetes management and prevention. Many multivitamin supplements also contain folic acid. Examples of folate-rich foods include meats, fortified whole grains, leafy greens, and other vegetables, such as avocados and legumes.
#6. Zinc
Research suggests that zinc supplementation (an average of 35 milligrams per day) may help manage blood glucose levels, support insulin resistance management, and fasting insulin. Zinc is often a staple in most multivitamin supplements and is found in the following zinc-rich foods: beef, oysters, crab, turkey, fish, shrimp, fortified breakfast cereals and other fortified whole grains, nuts, seeds, lentils, sardines, eggs, and dairy foods.
#7. Potassium
Low potassium has been shown to increase the risk of insulin resistance, fasting blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes. It’s important to get enough potassium through foods, dietary supplements, or both to support insulin sensitivity and lessen the risk of or better manage diabetes. Examples of potassium-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes, orange juice, milk, yogurt, and chicken.
#8. L-Carnitine
Carnitine, sourced from amino acids, is another dietary supplement that may support insulin sensitivity. Researchers found that ingesting 0.25 to 4 grams of L-carnitine daily may help manage insulin resistance, fasting blood sugar, and HbA1c.
Can Supplements Support Insulin Sensitivity?
Examples of research-backed supplements that may support insulin sensitivity (the body’s ability to properly use the hormone insulin) include:
- Cinnamon
- Fenugreek
- Flavanoids
- Fiber supplements
- Ginseng
- Biotin
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Magnesium
- Probiotics
- Resveratrol
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K
After discussing their health needs with their healthcare provider, individuals can consider taking a multivitamin supplement to meet many of their essential vitamin and mineral requirements.
While taking insulin resistance supplements may help support insulin sensitivity, they should complement lifestyle changes rather than replace them. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is a highly effective way to manage insulin resistance and lessen the risk of diabetes or better manage this common chronic condition.
Considerations Before Taking Supplements
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider prior to starting any new supplement regimen, particularly for individuals who take medications or have been diagnosed with diabetes or another chronic condition. Supplements can vary in bioavailability and may interact with medications, and they aren’t as tightly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as foods and medications.
Other Strategies to Support Insulin Resistance Management
In addition to supplementation, other natural approaches to enhance insulin sensitivity include:
- Increase physical activity, including both resistance and aerobic training.
- Get at least seven hours of sleep in each 24-hour period.
- Reduce stress using massage, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or deep breathing exercises.
- Achieve a healthy weight. Overweight and obese individuals may benefit from losing 5-7% of their initial weight to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Consume healthy fiber-rich foods like beans, peas, other legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
- Eat lean protein foods (Greek yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, organic meat, fish, and chicken).
- Choose heart-healthy fats (olive oil, other plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, avocadoes, and nut butter).
- Limit the following foods: refined carbohydrates, other highly processed foods, alcohol, sugar-sweetened drinks, fried foods, desserts, sugar-sweetened condiments, high-fat meats, and highly processed meats (hot dogs, sausage, etc.).
- Drink more water (about 16 cups of fluids daily for men and 12 cups for women). The urine should be clear or light yellow in color.
Consider eating large amounts of plant-based foods, as research suggests that plant-based diets may lessen the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
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Key Takeaways
The key takeaways from this article include:
- Combining insulin-resistance supplements with healthy lifestyle habits may help manage insulin resistance, support healthy blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes.
- Insulin resistance supplements include vitamin C, chromium, probiotics, inositol, folic acid, zinc, potassium, and L-carnitine.
- Healthy habits that may support insulin resistance management include getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, eating nutritious whole (high-fiber) foods, maintaining a healthy body weight, drinking more water, and minimizing stress. It’s also important to limit or avoid alcohol and quit smoking.
Individuals should check with a healthcare provider before trying any new dietary supplements, including insulin resistance supplements, to ensure utmost safety and effectiveness.
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