Diabetes Patients Warned About Risky Supplements That Could Affect Blood Sugar

A significant majority of American adults use dietary supplements, with recent surveys indicating about 75% have used them at some point, while federal data shows 58% used at least one supplement in the past month. However, health experts are now cautioning that certain supplements can pose serious risks for people with diabetes.

Unlike prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, supplements generally aren’t FDA-approved before hitting the market. While the FDA does regulate them and can take action against unsafe or misbranded products, the oversight is less stringent than for pharmaceuticals.

For the nearly 38 million Americans living with diabetes, several common supplements could potentially disrupt blood glucose management or interact dangerously with medications, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“The primary concern with most supplements is not direct harm, but rather the lack of regulatory oversight,” explains Jordan Hill, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching in Colorado. This lack of consistent regulation can lead to issues with product composition and quality.

St. John’s Wort, commonly used as a natural remedy for mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and sleep issues, is particularly problematic for diabetic patients. “This herbal remedy can interfere with many diabetes medications by affecting the way the body breaks them down,” warns Dawn Menning, a California-based registered dietitian and certified diabetes care specialist. “This can make medications less effective and blood sugar management more difficult.”

Chromium supplements, often marketed for improving blood sugar regulation in people with type 2 diabetes, present another concern. Despite their popularity, Menning notes that research on their effectiveness is “mixed” at best. “Taking this supplement with insulin or oral diabetes medications may increase the risk of hypoglycemia,” she cautions, potentially causing dizziness, fatigue, and fainting.

Bitter melon supplements, which contain insulin-like compounds such as polypeptide-p, may also lower blood sugar levels too dramatically when combined with diabetes medications. Similarly, ginseng—though linked to improved cardiometabolic factors in some studies—could excessively lower blood sugar when taken alongside diabetes medications.

High-dose niacin (vitamin B3), often used to manage cholesterol levels, may raise blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. “I would caution against using high-dose niacin supplements because it can noticeably raise blood sugar levels and make it harder to keep A1c in an optimal range,” says Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian in New York.

Cinnamon supplements, particularly high-dose Cassia cinnamon, represent another potential danger. While some research suggests cinnamon can help reduce blood sugar and lower insulin resistance, consuming large amounts can enhance the effects of diabetes medications and cause blood sugar to fall dangerously low. Additionally, cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause liver damage when consumed in large quantities.

The American Diabetes Association recommends against β-carotene supplementation for diabetic patients due to its association with increased lung cancer and cardiovascular mortality risk. Aloe vera, when taken orally alongside diabetes medications, could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low while also potentially causing gastrointestinal side effects.

Health organizations have taken a clear stance on supplements for diabetic patients. The American Diabetes Standards of Care states: “Without underlying deficiency, there are no benefits from herbal or nonherbal (i.e., vitamin or mineral) supplementation for people with diabetes.” Similarly, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology advises caution with all unregulated nutritional supplements.

Experts unanimously recommend that diabetic patients consult with their healthcare providers before starting any supplement regimen to understand potential impacts on blood sugar levels, medication interactions, and overall diabetes management.

“For most supplements,” Menning concludes, “there isn’t evidence to support a beneficial effect on diabetes or its complications.” The consensus among medical professionals emphasizes that the risks often outweigh any potential benefits for those managing diabetes.