We know that maintaining healthy blood sugar is important for our overall well-being. Still, according to the CDC, an estimated one in three people is prediabetic. This means that their blood sugar levels are high enough to put them at serious risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which then increases the risk of all sorts of scary cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Experts recommend a number of everyday habits that help keep blood sugar levels stable and healthy—from avoiding sugar-spiking foods like refined carbs and candy to focusing meals more on proteins and healthy fats.
In addition to these lifestyle considerations, those looking to support healthy blood sugar levels can also add specific supplements to their daily regimen. Here are nine to check out.
KAL Blood Sugar Defense
This popular product from KAL combines a number of synergistic ingredients (which means ingredients that work together to support a common goal). Some of its star players include zinc, chromium, cinnamon, alpha lipoic acid, fenugreek, and bitter melon, among others.
Never heard of chromium? This essential mineral supports the function of insulin, the hormone released to regulate blood sugar, and helps the body break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In fact, people with type 2 diabetes have been found to have lower levels of the mineral.
Cinnamon is another common player in supplements formulated for blood sugar support, since it may also help the body use insulin more efficiently, per the Mayo Clinic.
The other staple ingredient in KAL’s formula is alpha lipoic acid. This fatty acid has antioxidant properties and may also promote healthy blood sugar levels and insulin function.
Nature’s Way Blood Sugar Manager
Along with a few of the other herbs (such as bitter melon) commonly found in blood sugar support products, this option from Nature’s way boasts high amounts of a particular form of chromium that is an important cofactor for insulin (called chromium picolinate). It also offers a punch of antioxidants from vitamin A.
The Vitamin Shoppe brand Ultra Sugar Aid
Made with the same special form of chromium as the previous formula, Ultra Sugar Aid promotes glucose metabolism and blood sugar health with ingredients like alpha lipoic acid. It also contains high doses of vitamin C and magnesium, plus fenugreek, an herb shown to support blood sugar levels in people with trouble maintaining balance.
Glucocil Total Blood Sugar Optimizer
This doctor-formulated supplement has been a fan favorite since 2008. It contains a long list of players known to promote healthy blood sugar levels and insulin production and sensitivity, and reduce the absorption of sugars and carbs. In addition to B vitamins, vitamin D, and that magical form of chromium, Glucocil also incorporates omega-3s and a proprietary blend of cinnamon, alpha lipoic acid, and more.
Nordic Naturals Omega Blood Sugar
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in multiple aspects of our health—and this specialty formula combines 455 milligrams of EPA and 315 milligrams of DHA with chromium, alpha lipoic acid, and vitamin E to support healthy metabolism, blood sugar, weight, and cardiovascular health. If you take omegas (or are interested in starting) this combo supplement offers a powerful array of benefits that’ll do your health good in multiple ways.
Life Seasons Glucose Stabili-T Blood Sugar Support
In addition to the usual suspects (like chromium, cinnamon extract, and alpha lipoic acid), this Life Seasons supplement also contains gymnema sylvestre extract (which can help with sugar cravings) and bilberry mirtoselect (which provides antioxidant support) for those looking to maintain healthy blood sugar and overall well-being.
Vthrive The Vitamin Shoppe brand Advanced Blood Sugar Support
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line blood sugar support at a reasonable price point, this advanced formula combines 200 milligrams of alpha lipoic acid, 300 milligrams of organic Ceylon cinnamon, 500 milligrams of berberine (a plant compound known for its metabolic health benefits), and 500 micrograms of Chromax Chromium (a branded form of chromium picolinate).
The Vitamin Shoppe Brand Cinnamon Extract
If you need a simple way to support healthy blood sugar without adding a number of different nutrients and supplements to your routine, start with this simple cinnamon extract. Every serving offers 500 milligrams of cinnamon extract to help manage blood sugar levels naturally.