Managing blood glucose is no longer just for diabetics. Now, almost everyone wants to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and supplements offer them a favorable option.

Concerns surrounding sugar intake and regulation continue to rise in the United States. High blood sugar is typically associated with diabetes and the number of individuals with diabetes is at an all-time high. According to a 2015 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million people, or 9.4 percent of the U.S. population, had diabetes.

Due to these staggering statistics, diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the world. All the medication, medical visits and supplies add up. The average costs for someone diagnosed with diabetes is $16,752 per year, according to 2018 research by the American Diabetes Association.

While supplements are not meant to replace any necessary medications, many pre-diabetics and diabetics turn to supplements to help with the disease and possibly offset costs.

“This is why individuals are turning to complementary and alternative medicine, such as the use of herbs and other dietary supplements for supporting glucose levels,” said Jennifer Weinhardt, senior research and development specialist at Texas-based Bluebonnet Nutrition. “In fact, a recent study has estimated that up to 30 percent of patients with diabetes mellitus use complementary and alternative medicine.”

That said, blood sugar supplements are not just for those with diabetes anymore. We should all be concerned. Throughout the year, Americans’ sugar intake has increased dramatically. In 2008, the average American consumed about 77 grams of sugar per day (19 teaspoons or 306 calories). Each year, that number continues to creep up.

We all know the consequences. In addition to diabetes, increased sugar intake can lead to a plethora of other health issues including tooth decay, heart disease, liver disease and certain cancers. But it’s becoming increasingly more challenging to avoid sugar.

“Many years ago, the focus was on pre-diabetics and type 2 diabetics. Our goals were to improve sugar metabolism and insulin sensitivity,” said Mike Smith, MD, director of education at Florida-based Life Extension. “This focus is still important, but we also now realize that all of us are at risk of excess sugar consumption. There are hidden and added sugars in so many of our favorite products—sauces, dressings, breads and even pastas. I believe that the market is widening its audience by including non-diabetics that eat a mostly process diet and are consuming excess sugars.”

As a result, the pool of individuals turning to blood sugar supplements has truly expanded. On a worldwide scale, more and more consumers are becoming conscious of the long-term damaging effects of sugars.

“The current consumer trend is instead of just looking for a dietary supplement product to address blood sugar control, consumers are now looking at a combination of ingredients in such products that not only help them maintain healthy blood sugar, but also have the potential to ease diabetic complications,” said Bryan See, business development manager at Malaysia-based ExcelVite Sdn. Bhd. “This leads to growing market space for products with multiple ingredients to address overall well-being in the concept of preventive health care in diabetes irregular blood sugar level.”

Ingredients Consumers Are Looking For

It’s no surprise that the general wellness trend among consumers applies when they are looking to buy blood sugar supplements as well. Words like “natural” and “wholesome” tend to describe the types of supplements consumers are looking for. As a result, consumers want supplements with ingredients they can recognize and that are proven to help regulate blood sugar levels in conjunction with their diets.

“Consumers are looking for wholesome support to help manage blood sugar levels without turning to pharmaceuticals because of the negative side effects reported by many,” said Weinhardt. “Nutrition itself plays an essential role in the management of blood glucose and related complications, so it is no surprise that we see many whole food-based ingredients to help support healthy blood glucose levels already within the normal range.”

The manufacturers that spoke to Vitamin Retailer (VR) highlighted a number of ingredients consumers look for to help regulate blood sugar. A handful of those are below:

Bitter Melon

Commonly used in Asia and South America, bitter melon is believed to lower blood sugar because of its insulin-like properties. This plant contains many nutrients and works by helping cells within the body use glucose and move it to the liver, muscles and fat. There is limited data available on the impact of bitter melon in humans. Most testing has been done on animals.

Salacia

Native to India and Sri Lanka, the herb salacia has been shown to lower hemoglobin levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Chemicals in the herb work by preventing sugars in food from being absorbed. As a result, it can help combat the spikes in insulin levels individuals normally experience after a meal.

Chromium

Studies show chromium is an essential mineral to help regulate insulin. It is believed to work because research shows individuals with diabetes tend to have less chromium naturally within their bodies than those without the disease. Chromium ultimately helps thanks to its ability to reduce insulin resistance. Studies show daily supplements with anywhere from 200 to 1,000 mcg of chromium can improve blood sugar control.

Niacin

Niacin is a naturally occurring B-vitamin that is used to convert food into energy inside the body. It can be found in foods like milk, meat and cereal grains. Studies are mixed on the effectiveness of niacin, with some showing a negative impact on diabetics. It is believed that taking a combination of niacin and chromium can lower blood sugar. Of course, always suggest consumers consult a doctor who can speak to their specific case and needs.

Aged Garlic Extract

Studies show that garlic traditionally has many health benefits. One of those benefits includes aiding blood sugar control. In one study, individuals who consumed garlic extract saw positive results in as little as two weeks, according to Food & Nutrition Research 2017.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Naturally made in the body, this antioxidant can also be found in yeast and a handful of veggies and meats. Studies show ALA supplements can help the body make use of its own insulin to lower blood sugar and reduce nerve damage symptoms common to people with diabetes. ALA is another case where studies vary widely, so more research needs to be done to confirm these benefits.

Curcumin

Curcumin, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, has positive effects on blood sugar levels, according to various studies. Phil Bolden, co-president of California-based Vida Lifesciences, said curcumin is the main ingredient in one of his popular products, Liposomal Curcumin. “Studies have shown that people with prediabetes who took curcumin were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes,” Bolden said. “Studies have also shown that people taking curcumin with prediabetes, their condition slowed down or was even reversed. This study has also noticed that curcumin appeared to improve function of the beta cells that make insulin in the pancreas.”

Clove

The flower buds of the clove tree, clove is a versatile spice that has also been found to have a number of health benefits. Studies show cloves can help regulate blood sugar. It works by increasing the uptake of sugar from the blood into cells, improve cells production and secretion of insulin.

Maqui Berry

Native to South Africa, the maqui berry is an exotic fruit that has been used medicinally for centuries. Since the berry is loaded with antioxidants, studies show it may help fight inflammation—one of the symptoms of diabetes. For those with pre-diabetes, the super fruit has been shown to reduce risk of diabetes by lowering blood LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels and regulating blood sugar levels.

White Kidney Bean Extract

As the name implies, the extract comes from white kidney beans, which are believed to have a handful of health benefits. Of those, there is some data to support white bean extract helps fight insulin resistance and can reduce the risk of diabetes. This is another case where studies are limited.

Gymnema Leaf Extract

The gymnema leaf is a tropical plant native to India, Africa and Australia. The plant is believed to have anti-diabetic properties. As a supplement, studies show taking gymnema leaf with other diabetes medications can help lower blood sugar. Additionally, the extract also seems to aid in producing/increasing insulin levels. For those who do not have diabetes, the plant is also believed to reduce sugar cravings.

Cinnamon Bark Extract

Several studies have linked cinnamon to better blood sugar levels. As with all supplements, it’s important to remind consumers to check with their doctors to ensure they are careful of the interactions that may occur from mixing supplements.

Resveratrol

Found in a variety of plants like nuts, grapes and vines, resveratrol has a number of healing properties. It is known to have antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial effects. Some studies in animals show that resveratrol has a positive impact on preventing high blood sugar. The impact on humans is not fully known.

Magnesium

Considered an essential nutrient, magnesium is believed to improve insulin sensitivity in those that are diabetic. Research has found that those with diabetes tend to suffer from magnesium deficiencies. Studies also show diets high in magnesium may reduce a person’s risk of diabetes. There is a large variety of types of magnesium available in supplements, so it is hopeful to have some knowledge to steer consumers in the right direction.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but highlights what a consumer may be looking for. Consumers are much more informed than ever before. They do not have to rely solely on the manufacturer and retailer information to decide if a product is right for them.

“These products work through multiple paths,” said Cheryl Meyers, chief of scientific affairs and education at Wisconsin-based EuroPharma/Terry Naturally. “[Supplements can] reduce inflammatory damage that is instigated by high blood sugar, they slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream, they help keep sugar metabolism running smoothly, and they structurally support the nerves and blood vessels that are most likely to be affected first.” These are just a handful of concerns consumers may be trying to address.

Obviously, this can all be quite challenging, noted one retailer. “The challenge is finding the proper product for each specific need,” said a longtime wholesale merchandise manager and e-commerce retailer. “Also, convincing consumers to continue to comply with the dosage directions, because continued use and compliance is important.”

Tips for Retailers

While it’s great that consumers can be more resourceful and do their own research, they may come with improper information. That’s where you come in as a retailer.

The manufacturers that spoke with VR offer their best advice to get blood sugar products flying off the shelf:

• Make it Easy, said Meyers of Europharma/Terry Naturally. Given the fact that needs to regulate blood sugar are becoming increasingly common, selling supplements for blood sugar mainly requires messaging that helps to direct consumers to the right place. “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 said.

• Be Upfront. Although you want to make sales, that should not happen in lieu of reminding customers to consult a doctor prior to beginning any new supplements—especially if they plan to use the supplements in conjunction with medications. “Supplements should be recommended for relatively healthy people who want to prolong good health,” said Jay Levy, director of sales of California-based Wakunaga of America, Ltd. “Particularly if they feel at risk for conditions such as cardiovascular health or diabetes. However, inevitably, people with diabetes will turn to supplements as a complementary therapy, hopefully with guidance from a physician.”

• Provide Samples. Most people are skeptical and/or hesitant the first time they try a new product. Providing samples can offer consumers an opportunity to get a feel for the product and how it works with their body before committing to a bigger purchase.

• Have Signage. This may seem obvious, but it can make a world of difference. If you have signs in the store that point people to blood sugar supplements, they are probably more likely to check them out. Other ideas include building blood sugar supplements into displays with other products that toot overall health and wellness.

• Educate Customers. Most manufacturers can provide stores with materials and/or literature to have on hand for consumers who ask about their products. Additionally, retailers should try to have broader conversations with customers about why they may want to consider taking blood sugar supplements. “Conversations about why optimal blood sugar levels are important for overall health and longevity will widen your potential customer base,” said Life Extension’s Smith. “Educate customers on the hidden and added sugars—resulting in excess sugar consumption by many Americans. And for pre-diabetics and diabetics, besides helping them to improve sugar metabolism and insulin sensitivity, discuss options for preventing glycation (a dangerous reaction between sugar and cellular proteins leading to dysfunction) and reducing oxidative stress.” Knowledge can also be important, so retailers can reinforce what they do not know and to again steer consumers to consult their doctors. “For example, if a customer is taking a prescription anti-diabetic drug such as rosiglitazone or metformin, bitter melon or salacia may lower blood sugar levels too much,” said Levy. “Blood sugar levels should be monitored closely under the care of a physician.”

Product Highlight’s

Here’s a brief rundown of the blood sugar supplements offered by the manufacturers that spoke to VR for this story:

BlueBonnet Nutrition offers a wide variety of supplements to address various health concerns for all ages. For blood sugar needs, BlueBonnet offers Targeted Choice Blood Sugar Support Capsules to help contain blood sugar levels and Targeted Choice Blood Pressure Support to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. For those that do not have pre-diabetes or diabetes the Cinnulin PF Cinnamon Bark Extract Capsules is an option to help maintain healthy blood sugar.

The mission of EuroPharma Inc./Terry Naturally Brands is to provide clinically effective nutritional supplements and remedies that improve the health of America, one person at a time. Meyers specifically highlighted the Sucontral D to help balance blood sugar levels and Clinical Essentials to support healthy heart functions.

ExcelVite Sdn. Bhd is a Malaysia-based manufacturer for palm nutraceutical ingredients. For Blood Sugar, See suggests two of their products: EVNol SupraBio to support healthy cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation markers and fatty liver in adults with metabolic syndrome and EVTene.

Life Extension offers consumers more than 400 science-based nutritional products. Smith recommends the company’s Glycemic Guard to help consumers maintain healthy blood sugar levels after eating.

The U.S. base of Canadian company Aurora Nutrascience, Vida Lifescience produces all natural nano-sized liposomes. In August, the company introduced the new Liposomal R-Alpha Lipoic Acid for daily blood sugar maintenance.

Wakunaga of America, Ltd is a private, family-owned health and wellness company that offers a variety of dietary supplements. For blood sugar needs, Levy suggests Kyolic Blood Sugar Balance. VR

For More Information:

Bluebonnet Nutrition, www.bluebonnetnutrition.com
EuroPharma Inc./Terry Naturally Brands, www.europharmausa.com
ExcelVite Sdn. Bhd., www.excelvite.com
Life Extension, www.lifeextension.com
Vida Lifescience, http://vidalifescience.com/
Wakunaga of America, Ltd., www.kyolic.com

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