Berberine
Human and animal research demonstrates that 1500mg of berberine, taken in three doses of 500mg each, is equally effective as taking 1500mg of metformin or 4mg glibenclamide, two pharmaceuticals for treating type II diabetes.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema Sylvestre found in India, Africa, and Australia. It contains 12 saponins forming the active chemical is gymnemic acid which has a potent effect on insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal. Gymnema also is suspected to also regenerate damaged pancreatic beta cells. These cells are the only site of insulin production in the body.
Alpha Lipoic acid
ALA is the universal antioxidant naturally found in minute amounts in meats, heart, kidney, liver, and some fruits in vegetables. It's antioxidant capabilities can neutralize hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen, two of the most destructive free radicals. ALA can also help to regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
This “Insulin mimetic” can activate glucose uptake without insulin. It also up regulates glycogen synthesis pumping up your muscles.
Cinnamon Extract
Cinnamon both supports insulin and also has insulin mimetic properties. It supports the uptake of glucose and can increase GLUT4 levels. GLUT4 is the insulin-regulated glucose transporter found in adipose (fat) tissues and muscle.
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium is an essential trace nutrient needed for carbohydrate metabolism. Chromium is another agent that can directly affect insulin sensitivity by activating GLUT4.
Biotin
This water-soluble B vitamin is important for carbohydrate metabolism. Biotin was included in The Ultimate GDA as more of an insurance plan, based on some research that suggests that ALA may actually compete with biotin for absorption, possibly causing a biotin deficiency. There is also evidence that biotin may work synergistically with chromium to improve glucose metabolism (37).
Bitter Melon
Bitter Melon contains compounds that activate a protein called AMPK that regulates fuel metabolism and enabling glucose uptake. These are processes which are impaired in diabetics.
Phellodendron amurense
"Amur Cork Tree" contains berberine which has been shown to have anti-diabetic activity. While early indications are outstanding more research needs to be done. Berberine is also found in Oregon Grape, Barberry and Goldenseal.
Vanadyl Sulfate
Vanadyl sulfate is thought to help muscle cells uptake glucose. Food sources tend to be best but supplements are also an option. Food sources rich in vanadium include pepper, dill, radishes, eggs, vegetable oils, buckwheat and oats. Vanadyl supplemental use should be approached with caution.
BMOV (Bis-Malto-Oxovanadium) is an organic form of the mineral vanadium.
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has long been valued for its nutritive properties as a folk remedy and it's affects on blood glucose levels has been clinically researched to be positive.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek appears to be able to slow down the rate at which sugars are absorbed into the body. This is greatly beneficial in regulating blood sugar levels. Additionally, studies indicate that 4-hydroxyisoleucine (an amino acid) found in fenugreek may induce or promote the production of insulin when blood sugar levels are elevated.
Cissus quadrangularis
Has lots of anecdotal information about it's ability to cause significant reductions in weight and blood glucose levels. More research needs to be done to verify these claims. If you want more information read Timothy Ferriss' Four Hour Body.
Magnolia officinalis
Magnolia bark is not a glucose disposal agent but a supporting agent in the "battle of the bulge". It is used as a general anti-stress and anti-anxiety agent to help control cortisol levels.
Banaba
A tree native to Southeast Asia has been used in traditional medicine in the Phillipines as a treatment for diabetes. The leaves are high in corosolic acid, which has been shown to improve glucose control in human and animal studies. It appears to do this by stimulating glucose uptake in muscle cells.
