If you want to prevent Type 2 diabetes (the most common type), eat a healthy, low-fat diet and exercise regularly. Supplements that prevent diabetes will not work all by themselves. But they can help enhance your efforts for overall good health, as well as preventing Type 2 diabetes. Any supplement is medicinal. Ask your doctor before taking any. Follow the directions carefully and stop if you develop sudden side effects.
1. Selenium
This is the most popular and most studied of the supplements that prevent diabetes. It is almost slam-dunk diabetes prevention in rats. However, there have been conflicting reports about selenium's effectiveness in people. Some people swear by it; others swear at it. If you eat a well-balanced diet all the time, then you will get enough selenium in your diet.
2. Chromium
This is one of the most expensive of the supplements that prevent diabetes. However, it is often included in multi-supplement formulas targeted to preventing diabetes. This is popular among bodybuilders, as chromium reduces body fat without cannibalizing any muscle. Anything that helps lower body fat is helpful for preventing diabetes.
3. Glucomannan
This natural supplement that prevents diabetes does so because it is a whopping dose of fiber that dissolves easily in water. Fiber is encouraged in diabetic diets.
4. Cinnamon
This is one of the most promising of the supplements that prevent diabetes. Cinnamon extract helps the body absorb sugar better. And it has a nice aftertaste. You should take a pill rather than the cinnamon found in the baking aisle.
5. Bitter Melon
Some scientific studies suggest that bitter melon helps what a body's cells seek out, find and take in insulin. You need to take a pill of this in order to get the effects. You can not eat enough melons to get the required dosage.
6. Garlic
Yes, the vampire-repellent may also be one of the most economical and practical of the supplements that prevent diabetes. Garlic helps stimulate blood flow. This can react badly with some medications like blood thinners and birth control pills. Be sure to check with your doctor and pharmacist before taking garlic.
7. Magnesium
This is another trace mineral, but less expensive than chromium and usually a part of many multi-vitamins. Just how magnesium helps the body prevent diabetes is not clear. But many people with Type 2 diabetes also have low to non-existent levels of magnesium in their bodies. Coincidence?