Insulin Resistance Supplements
What is Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. It is a common precursor to type 2 diabetes associated with other health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
While lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are the primary means of managing insulin resistance, some supplements have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. This article will explore some of the best insulin resistance supplements, how they work, and the evidence supporting their use.
Berberine
Berberine is a compound found in several plants, including the Chinese herb Huanglian. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism by activating an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK helps regulate energy metabolism in cells and promotes glucose uptake in muscles. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of berberine on insulin resistance, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, which found that berberine significantly improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a vital role in glucose metabolism. It is involved in regulating insulin signaling and glucose uptake in cells. Chromium supplementation has improved insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. A meta-analysis published in the journal Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics found that chromium supplementation significantly improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. It works by increasing glucose uptake in cells and enhancing insulin signalling. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of ALA on insulin resistance, including a randomized controlled trial published in the journal Diabetes Care, which found that ALA significantly improved insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral critical in numerous physiological processes, including glucose metabolism. It is involved in insulin signalling and glucose uptake in cells. Several studies have demonstrated that magnesium supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nutrients found that magnesium supplementation significantly improved glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bone health. It also plays a role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Several studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nutrients found that vitamin D supplementation significantly improved insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. They have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nutrition & Metabolism found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly improved insulin sensitivity in individuals with insulin resistance.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grapes, berries, and red wine. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism by activating an enzyme called sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). SIRT1 plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and helps regulate insulin signalling. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of resveratrol on insulin resistance.
