Blood Sugar - Nutrients reduce blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and PCOS

Berberine and probiotics

Recent trials suggest it is possible to manage glucose levels in type 2 diabetes through diet. In this study, 409 people with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes took a placebo, berberine alone, probiotics alone, or these two together. The probiotics were lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.

After 12 weeks, those taking berberine together with probiotics saw a reduction in long-term average blood sugar levels (A1C), to 6.62 percent from 7.66 percent, or to 131 from 171. Those taking berberine alone saw slightly less, but similar improvement.

Those taking berberine also saw other benefits including reduced fasting blood sugar levels, lower triglycerides, and lower total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Reference: Nature Communications; 2020, Vol. 11, Article No. 5015

Curcumin for PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a condition where the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens—male hormones. Insulin resistance and greater chances for developing diabetes often accompany PCOS. In this study, 67 women with PCOS took a placebo or 500 mg of curcumin three times per day.

After 12 weeks, fasting blood sugar levels declined an average of 4.11 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) for curcumin compared to 0.35 mg/dL for placebo. Also, the male hormone precursor, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), declined 26.53 micrograms per deciliter of blood (mcg/dL) for curcumin compared to 4.34 mcg/dL for placebo.

Estradiol, the female sex hormone, had a slight increase in those taking curcumin compared to those in the placebo group. Doctors concluded curcumin safely reduced elevated blood sugar and male hormone levels in women with PCOS.

Reference: Phytomedicine, Vol. 80, January 2021, 153395