Diabetes and Supplements: Low Blood Sugar and Unproven Cures
Diabetes and supplements: what NCCIH and FDA say about weak evidence, hidden prescription drugs, low blood sugar, kidney cautions and "natural cure" claims.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Low blood sugar can be an emergency. MedlinePlus lists shaking, sweating, nervousness or anxiety, irritability or confusion, dizziness and hunger as symptoms, says they tend to come on quickly, and says severe hypoglycemia can cause serious complications. [1] If a person with diabetes is very confused, cannot be woken or has a seizure, call 911. Ask your diabetes care team what your own low-sugar plan is. Never stop or change diabetes medicine because of a supplement; ask the prescriber or a pharmacist.
What research shows, by product
| Product | What the source found | Evidence label |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium | Some studies suggest chromium, cinnamon or berberine might help with blood sugar control, but studies differ in size, formulation and length, so there are no clear conclusions. [2] A few reports of kidney damage, liver damage, muscle problems and skin reactions followed large doses. [2] | Promising but limited; safety reports |
| Berberine (a compound in several plants) | A 2021 review of 46 studies suggested possible benefit, especially as an add-on therapy, but included mostly studies among Chinese patients and some of poor quality; NCCIH says berberine may interact with some medicines. [2] | Promising but limited |
| Cinnamon | Review findings were limited by differences in studies; cassia cinnamon contains varying amounts of coumarin, which might cause or worsen liver disease. [2] | Mixed |
| Alpha-lipoic acid | A 2019 review of 10 studies found it no better than placebo at lowering blood sugar, cholesterol or triglycerides. [2] | No good evidence of benefit for blood sugar |
| Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng, root) | NCCIH says some evidence suggests it might lower blood sugar, and that research on blood sugar control in diabetes is inconclusive and conflicting. [3] | Insufficient and conflicting |
| Herbal supplements in general | NCCIH says it has no reliable evidence that any herbal supplement can help control diabetes or its complications. [2] | Insufficient evidence |
Related guides: berberine, chromium, cinnamon, bitter melon, Asian ginseng and alpha-lipoic acid.
Medicines and low blood sugar
NCCIH says that using herbal supplements such as cinnamon, St. John's wort or aloe with conventional diabetes drugs can cause unwanted side effects, and that people who take diabetes drugs should tell their providers about any herbal supplements. [2] The sources we read do not give a complete list of supplement and diabetes-medicine pairs, and "no report" is not the same as "no interaction." For medicine groups see supplements and diabetes medicines and how interactions work.Unproven "cures" and hidden drugs
- What FDA says about illegal products. FDA found products sold for diabetes as dietary supplements, ayurvedic products, over-the-counter drugs and unapproved prescription drugs. [4] FDA has not evaluated or approved the products in its warning letters as safe and effective for diabetes. [5]
- Hidden ingredients. In FDA lab tests, one product listed as a diabetes remedy contained undeclared glyburide, and glyburide is capable of producing severe low blood sugar. [4] FDA says products with undisclosed drug ingredients often claim to be "all natural" or "chemical free" alternatives. [4]
- Delay of care. FDA says these products can cause people with diabetes to delay seeking proper, timely treatment. [4]
- Marketing phrases. NCCIH cites FDA warnings about products that claim to be a "natural diabetes cure" or to "replace your diabetes medicine." [2]
See unsafe products and warnings and hidden drugs in supplements.
Kidneys
NCCIH says kidney disease has been linked to some dietary supplements, which is of particular concern for people with diabetes, and that someone with or at risk for kidney disease should have a provider closely monitor supplement use. [2] See kidney disease and supplements.Before you add anything
Bring the label and your medicine list, and keep reading how to talk with a health professional. Return to Existing Health Conditions.Frequently asked questions
Can a supplement replace diabetes medicine?
No source we read says so. NCCIH says it is very important not to replace medical treatment for diabetes with an unproven product. [2]
Does cinnamon, berberine or chromium lower blood sugar?
NCCIH says studies suggest they might help, but the studies are limited and differ, so there are no clear conclusions. [2]
Can a "natural" diabetes product contain a prescription drug?
Yes. FDA lab tests found metformin and glyburide that were not declared on the labels of tested products sold for diabetes. [4]
Which symptoms mean low blood sugar?
MedlinePlus lists shaking, sweating, nervousness, irritability or confusion, dizziness and hunger. [1]
Where do I report a bad reaction?
References
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine). Hypoglycemia. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US). Diabetes and Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US). Asian Ginseng: Usefulness and Safety. Read 2026-10-23.
- US FDA. Questions and Answers: FDA alerts companies to stop the illegal sale of products claiming to treat diabetes. Read 2026-10-23.
- US FDA. Illegally Sold Diabetes Treatments. Content current as of September 30, 2020. Read 2026-10-23.