For many, maintaining healthy blood sugar is an uphill battle, but a combination of the proper diet, herbal remedies and supplementation can make it an obtainable goal.

High blood sugar is often associated with diabetes, which is a common concern among consumers. On its website, the National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) features helpful information on how to check blood sugar (blood glucose), along with future steps.

For instance, starting with the basics, it begins with a blood glucose meter. This device pricks the finger; blood sugar could also be measured via the A1C, which is a test done in a laboratory or at the provider’s office. NIDDK reports that the most common times for checking blood sugar would include:

• When one first wakes up (fasting)
• Before a meal
• Two hours after a meal
• Bedtime

For those who have diabetes, target blood sugar levels should be between 80 and 130 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), while two hours after the start of the meal it should fall below 180 mg/dL.

Supplement manufacturers are doing their part to help consumers successfully maintain healthy blood sugar levels and avoid those spikes if possible.

Beneficial Ingredients

Part of being able to properly address healthy blood sugar means that ingredients replicate insulin and assist with glucose support.

“Tried and true ingredients for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels are minerals such as chromium and vanadium, herbs such as cinnamon, which mimic insulin and allows an increase in glucose transport to the cell, the ayurvedic herb Gymnema sylvestre, which bonds to the same receptor sites as sugar is absorbed, meaning the digestive tract absorbs less sugar, fenugreek due to its fiber content which in turn slows glucose absorption, and the herb bitter melon and banaba, which helps regulate blood sugar levels,” said Chris Crawford, vice president of education at LifeSeasons in Texas.

“Those dealing with blood sugar issues have a propensity to deal with other significant issues such as circulation and vision acuity,” he added. “This is one reason that some formulas have supporting nutrients that are helpful for not only the user but the retailer as well. Meaning, the consumer benefits because they are exposed to additional nutrients for various issues, and the store because they are presenting a solution-oriented formula to their customer. With other supportive nutrients, it also allows an educational opportunity to the store to increase the breadth of education to the consumer looking to find a solution.”

There is more than what meets the eye when it comes to blood sugar maintenance—it is a major contributor to weight gain. As a result, combating blood sugar can mean tackling weight issues as well.

“Blood sugar ingredients continue to be researched and discovered because blood sugar imbalances are at the center of weight gain,” explained James LaValle, RPh, CCN, author of Cracking the Metabolic Code and scientific advisor with Wakunaga of America (California), manufacturer of Kyolic for blood sugar balance. “Unfortunately, consumers want a compound that works elegantly without effort, and frankly, until they include lifestyle changes, they will be met with mixed success. Ingredients like irvingia, cinnamon, Gymnema sylvestre, alpha lipoic acid, magnesium, niacin, chromium, bitter melon, salacia and fenugreek still dominate the market. New ingredients like Pterocarpus marsupium emerge out of traditional cultures—in this case ayurveda. Many of the adaptogens help blood sugar as they can modulate cortisol, the stress hormone. Many times, it is a matter of getting an adequate dose to create a positive effect as well.”

As LaValle referenced, part of the process of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels involves lifestyle changes, which can include nutrition along with supplements.

“There is an ever-growing body of scientific evidence about complementary and alternative treatments that may help those manage healthy blood glucose/sugar levels that are already within the normal range,” noted Jennifer Weinhardt, BS, MS, research & development specialist with Texas-based Bluebonnet Nutrition. “Consumers are looking for natural support to help manage these without turning to pharmaceuticals because of the negative side effects reported by many. Nutrition itself plays an essential role in the management of blood glucose and related complications, so it is no surprise that we are seeing many whole food-based ingredients to help support healthy blood glucose levels already within normal range. For example, Bluebonnet’s Targeted Choice Blood Sugar Support Vegetable Capsules contain a unique blend of sustainably harvested or wild-crafted herbal/botanical extracts (bitter melon fruit extract, gymnema leaf extract and patented, branded Cinnulin PF cinnamon bark extract), chelated chromium, plus alpha lipoic acid to help promote healthy blood sugar levels and insulin balance, as well as protect the nerves, which are often affected by diabetes (e.g., diabetic neuropathy).”

From a retailer perspective, there is one herb that has gained traction, with the marks to prove it.

According to retailer Dianna Singh, integrative health coach and owner of both Elk Grove Vitamins and Cameron Park Vitamins in California, “there has been one ingredient in particular that we carry that our customers are seeing amazing results with, Hintonia latiflora—a very impressive herb that has been clinically studied for over 60 years. In this country, addressing an issue that affects the majority, word of mouth is the best form of resource any company or business can relate to. The reason for popularity would reflect on results.”

Market Status

With healthy blood sugar being a relevant concern for many, the market presents positive results. Education is critical in sustaining awareness.

“The state of the market is quite strong because the need is so strong,” said Cheryl Myers, chief of scientific affairs and education for Wisconsin-based EuroPharma. “I think that self-directed health-food store customers are aware that the right nutrients can help them balance glucose levels. I think the challenge is to broaden that education so that people can get blood sugar under control earlier in their lives.”

Bonnie Boroian, founder and CEO of Blissfully Better, Florida-based makers of Sea Salt Caramel Thins that are made using only low glycemic coconut nectar as the sweetener (according to its website), described education as a two-way street featuring both consumer demand and manufacturer response.

“It [the market] is definitely growing,” she explained. “As public awareness of the health risks associated with sugar has risen in recent years, manufacturers have responded to consumer demand by producing products with less added sugar and with more natural sugar alternatives. Manufacturers have been trying combinations of more natural sweeteners that have less impact on blood sugars like monk fruit (lo han guo), erythritol, xylitol, stevia, and of course coconut sugar and coconut nectar.”

Unfortunately, the frequency of diabetes is projected to rise in upcoming years due to plethora of surrounding factors.

“Diabetes mellitus,” said Weinhardt, “is considered as one of the five leading causes of death in the world and is a major global health concern with a projected rise in prevalence from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million in 2030. It is a syndrome of disordered metabolism, usually due to a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Being a major degenerative disease, diabetes is found in all parts of the world, and it is becoming the third most lethal disease of mankind and increasing rapidly. It is the most common endocrine disorder, affecting 29.1 million Americans as of 2012, which represents 9.3 percent of the U.S. population and as many as 200 million individuals worldwide. While diabetes has a whole host of chronic medicines to treat it and its symptoms, complementary and alternative medicine, such as the use of herbs and other dietary supplements, are on the rise. A recent study has estimated that up to 30 percent of patients with diabetes mellitus use complementary and alternative medicine.”

This growing demand for blood sugar products could partially be attributed to the popularity that items such as energy drinks and other similar objects bring. However, Crawford laid out specific ways to help combat them.

“The global glucose market continues to grow every year,” he said. “According to The Market Research Report, forecasts for 2015 to 2020 are poised to grow at a very intense rate. The largest market for glucose is in the food and beverage industry, especially in the growing demand in energy drinks, bakery goods and confectioneries. North America is the largest consumer of this highly addictive additive. Keeping blood sugar levels balanced is an important part of maintaining health and vitality. This is done by consuming a wholesome diet of low-glycemic whole fruits, vegetables, protein and complex carbohydrates. Also important is maintaining a healthy lifestyle including managed stress levels, optimum sleep, physical exercise and strong social support. This is difficult to do in today’s world, so many people are turning to dietary supplements to optimize blood sugar levels that promote glucose balance.”

Research on natural ingredients that address blood sugar appears promising, Crawford noted. “About 9.4 percent of Americans have diabetes, but about one in four people who have diabetes don’t know it. The NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) and others are currently funding research on the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements for diabetes,” Crawford added. “This has led to positive findings on the effectiveness of several ingredients included in our Glucose Stabili-T formula, including alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, cinnamon, fenugreek and others. There is an urgent need to continue to fund this type of research and improve our formulations as we gain new knowledge. LifeSeasons is committed to this effort.”

Advice for Retailers

Supplements targeted at blood sugar support may be effective, but another hurdle lies in being able to successfully market the products. Having the proper education is fundamental.

“As far as ideas to provide retailers to help market their products,” Singh said, “educate, educate, educate! Trainings and materials are by far the best resources you can give. In my opinion, EuroPharma is the top of the industry in their education and trainings; there is no competition.”

Part of this manufacturer’s reputation is derived from advising retailers to not only use attention-grabbing end caps, but to have them effectively communicate what it truly takes to tackle blood sugar issues. “Well-designed end caps and special product sections can do a lot to draw people in,” advised Myers. “If you have signage that says ‘blood sugar’ making it easy to find the right supplements, it’s going to get a crowd. It is, after all, a very common concern.

“I think it’s good to make a case to customers that blood sugar concerns are a holistic matter—diet, lifestyle and supplementation are all equally important parts of getting blood sugar numbers back to a healthy level,” she continued. “Of course, with that in mind, I would always encourage anyone with a chronic illness, and/or who is taking a prescription drug to discuss any supplement additions to their regimen with their prescribing physician.”

Craig Hays, organic chemist and quality assurance manager for Oregon-based Yerba Prima was in agreement. Communication between retailer and customer cannot be overemphasized, as ultimately, it allows for the best purchasing decision to be made by the consumer.

“Educational information in almost any form is critical,” he said. “I do not think most people are well informed about what natural products are out there—some that have been used for hundreds of years. Before they jump on a new product that may not have long-term studies to show the impact they can have on the whole body, look into natural medicines and remedies.”

Evolution of Research

Myers noted the importance of clinical research. “All research is interesting, but human research is the most valuable—evaluations by professionals of how natural ingredients affect blood sugar status,” she said. “It is certainly why we feel so strongly about Sucontral D, and why it has become one of our most popular supplements.”

At Yerba Prima, “it is about natural remedies,” Hays noted. “For instance, when it comes to controlling blood sugar, natural therapies like using Psyllium have proven out over time to be reliable. Often taken for digestive health to promote regularity and maintain normal cholesterol levels, including a proper balance of HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol, another benefit of psyllium whole husks and powder is that it slows uptake of nutrients in the intestines and moderates a rise in post-prandial blood sugar.”

Over time, studies have evolved in the sense that more factors are being considered when trying to determine the cause behind blood sugar concerns.

“Blood sugar is still a critical number to evaluate a person’s health status. Recent research has demonstrated that even when your blood sugar is in normal range you can have a heightened risk of developing diabetes,” LaValle explained. “A Kaiser Permanente study of over 46,000 people tracked for a decade showed that for every point over 84, the risk of diabetes goes up 6 percent. Today, we look at the complex picture of all that happens as blood sugar gets disturbed. Higher amounts of small particle LDL cholesterol, which is more atherogenic, is produced. Blood pressure can go up. Changes in the immune system occur that actually present as if a low-grade infection is in the body. The bottom line is that most people still do not know their blood sugar level. Other markers like hemoglobin A1C (HMG A1C) also provide valuable insight into long-term glucose control.”

Data collection techniques, along with other factors, have become more thorough—this has allowed for greater safety and efficacy.

“Today, the tools for data collection and study designs are much more sophisticated,” said Jamie Langston, BSN, RN, CCRP and chief research officer at LifeSeasons. “An ‘effectiveness study’ is intended to show the health impact of a treatment in actual real-life application. For example, in our Glucose Stabili-T study, the patients are monitored on a monthly basis by two experienced clinical nurses. Data on compliance with prescribed medication, supplement or placebo, blood glucose, physical activity, blood pressure and body weight are recorded monthly and entered into the statistical database by two research scientists under the supervision of a biostatistician. Results are able to be continuously monitored. We also used Fitbits to help collect data and were able to draw labs within the comfort of the patient’s homes getting almost immediate results.

“When designing a study, we look at the gold standard of patient care and build on scientific data to provide possible outcomes for the patients, paying close attention to safety and outcomes,” continued Langston. “Blood sugar research is no longer about collecting data for the good of scientific inquiry—it is about benefiting the client and providing valuable information to the practitioner.”

Langston further provided three factors explaining why research studies of food supplements have historically been “unconvincing:”

1. Study sample sizes are too small (10-30 subjects)
2. Study duration is too short (90 days)
3. Study lacks appropriate control of variables (confounding of effects creates ambiguity in the results)

Overall, not only has it been simple for consumers to monitor blood glucose, but the published research on the subject matter has offered optimism to what lies ahead in the field.

“It’s been about 100 years since Sir Frederick Banting discovered insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and its therapeutic potential,” Boroian noted. “Today, anyone can purchase a blood glucose monitor and test their blood sugar at home with a prick of a finger. Technology to check your tears for glucose using a smart contact lens, or monitor your sweat with color changing ink may be available in the not-too-distant future. With obesity, diabetes and all the health problems associated with them at epidemic proportions today, tremendous resources are being devoted to blood sugar research. There have been several breakthroughs in recent years and more on the horizon.” VR

For More Information:

Blissfully Better, www.blissfullybetter.com
Bluebonnet Nutrition, www.bluebonnetnutrition.com
EuroPharma, Inc., www.europharmausa.com
LifeSeasons, Inc., www.lifeseasons.com
Wakunaga of America, www.kyolic.com
Yerba Prima, www.yerba.com

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