People living with diabetes need to be conscious of their diet and practice healthy eating habits. Keeping a check on blood sugar is important to prevent complications and maintain good health. However, as it is not possible for everyone to avoid carbohydrates completely, you need to find ways by which you can reduce your intake of sugars. Consequently, many people take the help of nutritional supplements in order to reduce their carbohydrate intake.
These are not drugs but rather food sources that have been fortified with vitamins and minerals. There are different types of supplements that diabetics can use – such as those that are starch neutral, those that lower glucose levels, pre-meal supplements and post-meal supplements. Understanding these details will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right supplement for you.
How do nutritional supplements help?
Nutritional supplements are food-based products that have been fortified with vitamins and minerals. These are safe for consumption and should not be confused with drugs that are prescribed for diabetes. People with diabetes often face challenges with their blood sugar due to a reduction in insulin production and can also face insulin resistance. Nutritional supplements can help to prevent and manage these issues.
Regular intake of these products can help to keep your blood sugar levels in control by providing you with energy and aiding in digestion. It is important to note that these supplements are not a substitute for insulin and cannot be used to lower your blood sugar levels. Additionally, these are not meant for diabetics who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
What are Starch Neutral Supplements?
Starch neutral supplements are starch-based products that do not metabolise or convert into sugar. This makes them an ideal option for people with type 2 diabetes who are on a low-carb diet. Starch neutral supplements can be taken in the form of cereal bars, bread, biscuits, pastas and granola bars. Apart from supplements you can also hire a personalized trainer as well who can increase your physical activity as well according to your health which is one of the best habit towards a healthy lifestyle.
The usual serving size of one of these is around 10-12 grams of carbohydrates. Cereal bars, bread, and granola bars are good sources of B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. Cereal bars and bread may also have added sugar which makes them less suitable for people with diabetes.
- Starch Neutral Supplements
These are one of the most popular types of nutritional supplements for managing blood sugar levels. There are different types of starch-based supplements available in the market such as corn starch, potato starch, wheat starch and rice starch. Starch neutral supplements are starch-based products that do not metabolise or convert into sugar or glucose. Hence, they may help to lower your blood sugar levels. These supplements are usually recommended for people with type 2 diabetes since they are not as effective in lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes. Starch neutral supplements are usually consumed before meals as they may help to reduce your appetite. They are safe to be taken as a long-term supplement and are less likely to cause any side effects.
- Carbohydrate-neutral supplements
These are also a type of starch-based supplements that do not metabolise or convert into sugar. As the name suggests, these supplements are recommended for people with type 2 diabetes who are on a low-carb diet. Cucumber, celery and lettuce are some of the most common carbohydrate-neutral supplements that you can find in the market. These supplements are generally used before meals and may not be as effective as starch neutral supplements in lowering blood sugar levels. They are safe to be taken as a long-term supplement and are less likely to cause any side effects. However, it is important to note that these supplements do not metabolise into glucose and will not provide you with energy.
- Glucose Lowering Supplements
These are starch-based supplements that are naturally low in carbohydrates. They are recommended for people with type 2 diabetes who are on a low-carb diet. Cauliflower, broccoli and lettuce are some of the most popular glucose lowering supplements that you can find in the market. Cauliflower is a common glucose lowering supplement that is rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins E, B6, B2 and C. Cauliflower may help to lower your blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose produced in the liver. It is important to note that broccoli is not as effective in lowering blood sugars as compared to cauliflower.
- Pre-meal Supplements
Pre-meal supplements are starch-based products that are low in carbohydrates. They are generally recommended for people with type 2 diabetes who are on a low-carb diet. Pre-meal supplements are generally used a few hours before a meal or before an hour of eating by people with diabetes. This is to ensure that the nutrients found in the supplements are absorbed by the body before the meal is consumed. Wheat and corn are the most common pre-meal supplements that you can find in the market. Wheat is rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, B6, B2 and niacin. It may help to prevent fatigue by enhancing your metabolism. Wheat may lower your blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose produced in the liver.
- Post-meal Supplements
Post-meal supplements are starch-based products that are low in carbohydrates. They are generally recommended for people with type 2 diabetes who are on a low-carb diet. Post-meal supplements are generally taken after you have consumed your meal by people with diabetes. This is to ensure that the nutrients found in the supplement are absorbed by the body before your blood sugar levels start to rise. Chia seeds, flax seeds and almonds are some of the most common post-meal supplements that you can find in the market. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, B6, B2 and magnesium.
They can help to improve your metabolism, enhance brain function and strengthen your bones. Almonds may reduce your blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose produced in the liver.
- Starches That Lower Blood Sugar
Cauliflower – Cauliflower is a common glucose lowering supplement that is rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins E, B6, B2 and C. Cauliflower may help to lower your blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose produced in the liver. Cauliflower can be used in the form of a post-meal supplement by people with type 2 diabetes who are on a low-carb diet. Rice – Rice is a common starch neutral supplement that is low in carbohydrates. It can be used in the form of a pre-meal supplement by people with type 2 diabetes who are on a low-carb diet. Rice is a good source of vitamins B1 and B3, minerals like potassium and magnesium, and fibre. Rice can be used in the form of a post-meal supplement by people who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and are on a low-carb diet.
- Glucose Disposal Supplements
These are starch-based supplements that are naturally low in carbohydrates. They are recommended for people with type 2 diabetes who are on a low-carb diet. Cucumber, celery and lettuce are some of the most common glucose disposal supplements that you can find in the market. Cucumber is a common glucose disposal supplement that is rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamins B1 and B6, and magnesium. Cucumber can be used in the form of a pre-meal supplement by people with type 2 diabetes who are on a low-carb diet. Post-meal supplements like cucumbers can help to lower your blood sugar levels by enhancing your body’s ability to process glucose.
Conclusion
Nutritional supplements are safe to use and are an excellent option for people with diabetes who are on a low-carb diet. However, it is important to select the right supplement for you depending on your health condition and requirements. Moreover, it is advisable to speak to your doctor before taking any nutritional supplement to ensure that it is safe for you.