Certain supplements, including cinnamon and aloe vera, may help lower blood sugar. However, further research is still needed to understand the exact effects.

Some supplements may have a beneficial effect on blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. However, research into supplement efficacy in managing the condition is often mixed.

Remember that you may experience different results than what studies have found based on factors such as duration, supplement quality, and your individual diabetes status.

Though supplements should never replace medications used to treat prediabetes and diabetes, some may provide beneficial effects when used alongside medications.

In most cases, dosage instructions and potential drug interactions will be listed on the supplement packaging. However, if you’re unsure of how much you should take, a healthcare professional can help.

Here are 10 supplements that may help lower blood sugar.

Cinnamon supplements are either made from whole cinnamon powder or an extract. ResearchTrusted Source suggests they can help your body better respond to insulin, which in turn may help lower blood sugar and improve diabetes control.

The common Cassia variety of cinnamon contains coumarin, which may harmTrusted Source your liver if consumed in high amounts.

Ginseng is a flowering plant commonly found in North America. A 2024 reviewTrusted Source found that it may help to decrease post-meal blood sugar in healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes.

Ginseng should be avoidedTrusted Source if you are taking immunosuppressant drugs or blood thinners, like warfarin, as it can decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

Damage to your gut bacteria — such as from taking antibiotics — is associated with an increased risk of several diseases, including diabetes.

Probiotic supplements, which contain beneficial bacteria or other microbes, offer numerous health benefits and may improve your body’s handling of carbohydrates.

Probiotics are unlikely to cause harm, but in certain rare circumstances, they could lead to infections in people with significantly impaired immune systems.

Aloe vera may also help those trying to lower their blood sugar.

Supplements or juice made from the leaves of this cactus-like plant could help lowerTrusted Source fasting blood sugar in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Aloe can interactTrusted Source with several medications, such as the heart medication digoxin, which is why it’s important to check with a doctor before use.

Berberine isn’t a specific herb but rather a bitter-tasting compound taken from the roots and stems of certain plants, including goldenseal and Phellodendron.

A 2021 review and meta-analysisTrusted Source found that berberine could help reduce fasting blood sugar without the risk of hypoglycemia.

However, berberine may cause digestive disturbances, such as constipation, diarrhea, or gas. It may also interact with some medications, so check with a doctor before taking this supplement.

Vitamin D deficiency is considered a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Studies have found that increasing your intake of vitamin D may improve the function of pancreatic cells that make insulin and increase your body’s responsiveness to insulin.

Vitamin D may trigger mild to moderate reactions with several types of medications. A doctor or pharmacist can provide guidance on whether a supplement is safe for you to take.

Gymnema Sylvestre is an herb used as a diabetes treatment in the Ayurvedic tradition of India.

Studies have found that it may reduce sugar absorption in your gut and significantly reduce fasting blood glucose by 1.57 milligrams per decilitreTrusted Source.

This herbcan enhance the blood sugar effects of insulin, so only use it only with a doctor’s guidance if you take insulin injections.

Low blood levels of magnesium are commonTrusted Source in people with type 2 diabetes and are more common in those who don’t have their blood sugar under good control.

Taking magnesium supplements may help to promote healthy insulin production and insulin action in your body’s tissues.

Magnesium supplements may interact with several medications, such as diuretics and antibiotics. Before beginning magnesium supplements, consider checking with a doctor or pharmacist for any potential drug interactions.

Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, is a vitamin-like compound and powerful antioxidant produced in your liver and found in some foods, such as spinach, broccoli, and red meat.

Taking ALA supplements alongside prescription diabetes treatment may helpTrusted Source decrease fasting blood sugar and A1C, though it may take a few months to experience these effects. It may also protect against oxidative damage caused by high blood sugar.

ALA may interfere with therapies for hyperthyroid or hypothyroid disease. Avoid very large doses of ALA if you have vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency or live with an alcohol use disorder.

Chromium deficiency reducesTrusted Source your body’s ability to use carbs — converted into sugar — for energy and raises your insulin needs. This means chromium supplements may enhanceTrusted Source the effects of insulin or support the activity of pancreatic cells that produce insulin.

Certain drugs — such as antacids and others prescribed for heartburn — can reduce chromium absorption. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on any potential drug interactions.

Many supplements — including cinnamon, ginseng, and vitamin D, may help to lower blood sugar.

Before beginning a supplement, consider checking with a doctor or pharmacist for any potential drug interactions. Some of the above supplements may interact with medications and raise the risk of blood sugar dropping too low.