Medication Archives - Back To Nature Diabetic

Natural Alternatives to Ozempic®

You’ve probably heard of Ozempic and how it became famous on social media for quick weight loss. Surely, who can blame people for flocking to their doctor’s office for a prescription? You lose weight by injecting yourself once a week, not having to worry about dieting, counting calories, or exercising. And it manages blood sugar levels. What’s not to love? Even famous people like Elon Musk and Chelsea Handler have used it to lose weight. However, because there are issues with Ozempic, you might want to consider natural alternatives.

How Ozempic Works

Ozempic is a diabetic drug that works by mimicking the hormone called glucagon-like peptide, or GLP-1. According to their website, it helps your pancreas produce more insulin when your sugar is high. It also prevents your liver from making and releasing too much sugar. Ozempic can also slow down digestion and help you feel fuller.

Problems with Ozempic

While all of this sounds wonderful, there are issues with using Ozempic, such as:

Being prescribed to non-diabetics causes a shortage for those who need the drug
It can cause “Ozempic face” which is sagging and aging of the face
It can cause “Ozempic butt” which is sagging skin on the butt
Your insurance may not cover it and it’s expensive out of pocket
It may cause side effects such as diarrhea and nausea
There’s an increased risk of gallstones
In rare cases, Ozempic may cause pancreatitis or swelling of the pancreas

With that said, I am not against Ozempic. If your doctor thinks it’s right for you and it manages your blood sugar levels and helps you lose weight, then I’m all for it. However, if it’s hard for you to get, is pricey, or causes side effects, you can try natural alternatives instead.

How to Boost GLP-1 Naturally

There are many ways to boost GLP-1 naturally. For example, there are foods, antioxidants, and spices that influence or increase GLP-1 levels. They include:

Good fats such as avocado, nuts, olive oil, and eggs
High-fiber foods such as vegetables and whole grains
Tea
Curcumin
Cinnamon
Soybean
Resveratrol

(https://www.sciencealert.com/ozempic-is-a-weight-loss-sensation-but-these-foods-give-the-same-effect).

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34981502/#:~:text=In%20the%20current%20study%2C%20we,influence%20on%20GLP%2D1%20release

Quercetin

Quercetin is a plant pigment found in plants and foods. Human and animal studies show quercetin can directly stimulate GLP-1 secretion (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8235588/#:~:text=As%20dietary%20proteins%20are%20digested,in%20humans%20and%20animal%20models).

Additionally, many of the foods containing quercetin are also mentioned in this post for other benefits. They include onions, apples, and green tea.

Exercise

Exercising is one of the most natural and best things you can do for diabetes. It not only lowers high blood sugar, but it also aids in weight loss. Now research shows that exercise may improve GLP-1 resistance. In fact, endurance training improved cell sensitivity to GLP-1 in overweight women (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35935071/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20Along%20with%20improved%20glycemic,was%20not%20registered%20as%20such).

Oral Glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid, and a study shows it stimulates GLP-1 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15365617/). According to WebMD, it is likely safe in doses up to 40 grams, but can cause bloating, nausea, dizziness, and stomach upset. You should not take it if you have liver disease and it may interact with anti-seizure medications. Also, there isn’t enough information about whether it is safe for pregnant women. Therefore, you need to be cautious if you want to try it.

A Good Night’s Rest

A study showed that severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with lower GLP-1 (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jsr.12552).

Read my post on OSA and how to get a good night’s sleep at https://backtonaturediabetic.com/the-connection-between-diabetes-and-sleep-disorders/.

Berberine

Berberine is a chemical found in plants.

A Time article states, “Berberine cannot replicate the key mechanism of semaglutide and bond to GLP-1 receptors, making it a poor stand-in for drugs like Ozempic” and “Berberine can result in some modest weight loss.”

Yes, it’s true that berberine is not a substitute for Ozempic, but it can be a substitute for metformin. Both can reduce blood sugar and lead to modest weight loss. Read my post on how berberine is nature’s metformin here: https://backtonaturediabetic.com/why-berberine-is-natures-metformin

Keto and Intermittent Fasting

According to Dr. Frank Pescatore, it’s easy to mimic the benefits of Ozempic naturally. “By eating in ways that naturally boost the production of GLP-1—the same hormone in semaglutide shots. Delaying breakfast with intermittent fasting is a proven approach. Eating a keto diet is another. British research finds the calcium in cheese paired with the amino acids in meat stimulate GLP-1 release, making you less hungry” (https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/diet/ozempic-for-women-over-50-miracle-or-miss).

Reducing Uric Acid

Dr. David Perlmutter claims Ozempic works in part by lowering levels of uric acid, which is a waste product found in the blood. He states to limit foods that elevate uric acid, such as sweeteners, alcohol, gluten, beef, and organ meats.

https://www.zinio.com/explore/free/womans-world/june-5-2023-i605014/anti-acid-secret-to-easy-fat-loss-a156411#:~:text=Turns%20out%2C%20Ozempic%20works%20its,we%20eat%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20insists.

Food and spices the doctor recommends are:

leafy greens
apples
cruciferous vegetables
celery
onion
squash
bing cherries
tart cherry juice
green tea with lemon
garlic
ginger
turmeric
allulose sweetener

Most of these natural alternatives have already been shown to help diabetics lose weight and control blood sugar. For example, exercising, eating vegetables, and drinking tea are excellent for blood sugar control and weight loss. That they may also boost GLP-1 makes them even better.

Conclusion

Ozempic is all we seem to hear about nowadays. While it’s appealing to take a weekly shot to manage blood sugar levels and lose weight, there are many reasons you might not want to, or cannot, take it. As a result, you may want a more natural approach to boosting GLP-1.

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“You know, if you are on Ozempic and eat junk, processed foods, too much sugar, you are not going to really change your eating habits. And we know that what leads to disease are ultra-processed foods and sugar. So, learning to also change your food habits is key.” – Arianna Huffington

Disclaimer

Please remember this is not medical advice or intended to replace your doctor’s advice. This is my experience with the natural supplements that have helped me manage my diabetes. They are not intended to cure any disease. Please do not self-diagnose. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying new treatments.

Also, natural does not mean safe. Many natural remedies have side effects and can interact with medication and supplements. It should be noted that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements but treats them like foods and not medication. Unlike drug manufacturers, supplement makers do not have to show their products are safe or effective.

I ask you to please keep an open mind; be a diabetic detective and do your own research; work with your healthcare team; see what works best for you, and monitor your blood sugars.

Diabetes Apps and Resources to Make Your Life Easier

Technology can make our lives easier, and this includes apps to help us manage diabetes. Here are 22 apps in six categories, including automated insulin dosing, blood sugar tracker, community, diabetes-related data, emergencies, and nutrition. I have included the app descriptions from their websites or Google Play. I’ve also posted the pdf list on a new page, Diabetes Apps, for easy reference.

Name	Category	Description
Tidepool	Automated Insulin Dosing	Tidepool Loop is the first fully interoperable automated insulin dosing app, cleared by the FDA, that originated as a patient-led initiative.
Glucose Buddy	Blood Sugar Tracker	We make staying healthy simple by giving you the tools and support to get on-top and stay in-control of your blood sugar balance.
Glucose Tracker – Diabetic Diary	Blood Sugar Tracker	Diabetes diary will become an indispensable glucose buddy for anyone with gestational diabetes, type 1 or type 2. The glucose diary will allow you to track regular hemoglobin, sugar levels, pressure, insulin reminder, and also add tags, medications, condition, and weight to each record.
OneTouch Reveal	Blood Sugar Tracker	Together, the OneTouch Verio Reflect® or the OneTouch Verio Flex® meter and the OneTouch Reveal® app help you manage your blood sugar.
SugarMate	Blood Sugar Tracker	The Sugarmate™ app is designed for smartphones and smart devices and provides people living with type 1 diabetes, or caregivers, alerts and intuitive data visualization based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
BEAT Diabetes	Community	BEAT Diabetes has been produced with clinicians and patients to support people who might develop diabetes, or have developed it.
Bezzy T2D	Community	Bezzy members are excited to meet you, share advice and stories about their experiences living with type 2 diabetes.
BlueLoop	Diabetes-Related Data	BlueLoop provides iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android users the ability to document, store and share diabetes information in real-time: blood glucose, carbohydrates, medication (insulin, Lantus, Metformin, etc.), notes and more.
DiabetesConnect	Diabetes-Related Data	DiabetesConnect lets you quickly and easily document your complete diabetes data and create your diabetes documentation in just a few clicks. Blood sugar, meals, insulin, medications and much more can all be recorded with DiabetesConnect. Have your levels on hand day and night.
Diabetes: M	Diabetes-Related Data	Whether you are Type 1 or Type 2, have Gestational Diabetes or just want to help and monitor a family member, this is the logbook app for you. The application tracks almost all aspects of the diabetes treatment and provides you and with detailed reports, charts and statistics. You can send the reports to your supervising physician via email.
Health2Sync	Diabetes-Related Data	Health2Sync provides a personalized digital care service based on all the data and daily activities you have recorded.
mySugr	Diabetes-Related Data	mySugr is made by people with diabetes, for people with diabetes. When it comes to taming the diabetes monster, we want to be your partners in crime! The mySugr app stores all your important diabetes data from connected devices, integrations, and manual entries, in one convenient place.
One Drop	Diabetes-Related Data	The whole-person solution for managing diabetes, blood pressure, heart health, and weight.
Medical ID	Emergencies	Medical ID helps first responders access your critical medical information from the Lock screen, without needing your passcode. They can see information like allergies and medical conditions as well as who to contact in case of an emergency.
Carb Manager	Nutrition	Personalize your low-carb journey and meet all your important health goals. We’re more than just a Keto calorie counter. Carb Manager integrates seamlessly with FitBit, Garmin, and hundreds of other apps and devices via Apple Health and Google Fit.
Diabetic Recipes app	Nutrition	Get tasty and healthy diabetic recipes, with step-by-step recipe instructions, recipe videos, nutritional information and more.
Figwee Visual Food Diary	Nutrition	Figwee is the only visual calorie counting solution.
Fooducate	Nutrition	Improve your health by creating good habits & eating more mindfully with Fooducate.
Glycemic Index Load Net Carbs	Nutrition	Fight weight gain, prevent diabetes, and control blood pressure with personalized tracking and low-sugar food lists.
Glyx: Glycemic Load and Index	Nutrition	Glyx is a user-friendly database displaying nutrition details for approximately 1000 various foods, focusing on the glycemic index, which is essential for low carb diets.
MyFitnessPal	Nutrition	Want to eat more mindfully? Track meals, learn about your habits, and reach your goals with MyFitnessPal.
MyNetDiary	Nutrition	Are you looking for a calorie counter with a free barcode scanner, a food and macros tracker, or a comprehensive and effective diet plan? Meet MyNetDiary – sleek, smart, simple. It’s the most personal weight-loss, diet, and nutrition assistant.

Of course, these are not the only diabetes apps, but they are the most popular and highly recommended. You may also want to look into other apps that can help manage your diabetes including fitness and relaxation apps.

Other Resources

Devices

There are many devices to help manage diabetes. You can find this list on the Devices & Supplies page. The list is also valuable when you go on vacation, so you don’t forget any supplies.

Blood sugar meter
Test strips
Lancets
Alcohol swabs
Medication such as Metformin
Insulin
Insulin syringes or pens
Insulin pump, infusion set, and reservoir
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
Ketone test strips
Glucose tablets
Glucagon
Diabetes medical alert bracelet
MedicalAlertID_Tear_Out_4-4-19.pdf (printout from ADA)
Blood pressure monitor (not required but good to have)

Three of the Best Resources

Three of the best resources you have aren’t apps or gadgets. The first is support. “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” is a great quote by Helen Keller. It reminds us we are not alone and others are going through the same things that we are experiencing. You can seek groups and communities such as Facebook groups. And check out the organizations listed on the Organizations and Foundations page.

The second resource is your diabetes care team. Make appointments with certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES), endocrinologists, diabetic dieticians, and ophthalmologists. They will answer questions and help monitor your diabetes.

The third best resource you have is yourself. Be a diabetic detective. Talk to other diabetics, join groups, and research what is new in diabetes management. The Events and Conferences page lists upcoming fundraisers, conferences, events, and webinars.

Conclusion

You don’t have to manage your diabetes alone. There are many devices, apps, and resources that can help. As Matt Mullenweg said, “technology is best when it brings people together.”

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Four Ways to Lower High Blood Sugar Quickly

Maybe you ate too many carbs, are fighting an infection, or have the Dawn Phenomenon upon waking up. Whatever the reason, your blood sugar is high, you’re thirsty, and are urinating frequently. Not only is it an inconvenience, but it’s also dangerous because you may have ketones and frequent high blood sugars can lead to complications. The only thing on your mind is to lower your blood sugar quickly. Here are four ways to do so, and three of them are natural.

Dangers of High Blood Sugar

Before we get to how to lower your blood sugar quickly, there are dangers with consistently high blood sugar levels, such as:

Putting you at risk for heart disease and kidney disease
Damaging nerves (diabetic neuropathy)
Causing diabetic retinopathy, which affects the eyes

Ketones

High blood sugars also put you at a risk for ketones.

If your body doesn’t have enough insulin to allow blood sugar into your cells to use as energy, your liver will break down fat for fuel instead of glucose, leading to ketones. If ketones build up, they make the blood acidic, which can poison the body, leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This is more common in type 1 diabetes and can be life-threatening.

It’s best to check for ketones with a urine test, which is available at most pharmacies. Symptoms include:

Fruity smelling breath
Dry mouth
Stomach pain
Nausea and/or vomiting
Fatigue

When to see a Doctor

Call or see your doctor if you have:

Consistently elevated blood sugar levels
Ketones
Blurred vision
Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Vomiting
Confusion

Insulin

The fastest way to lower your blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin. However, take caution not to double dose if your sugar does not come down immediately or your sugar may drop too low.

But what if you don’t take insulin? Unlike insulin, medications for type 2 diabetes, like metformin, do not immediately lower blood sugar. Other medications like Meglitinides (Repaglinide and Nateglinide) do not directly reduce blood sugar. Instead, they help manage blood sugar levels, especially before meals. If you have type 2 diabetes, discuss a plan to lower blood sugar levels with your doctor or endocrinologist.

If you are on insulin, how much insulin do you take? The general rule is 1 unit will cover 12-15 grams of carbs and lower blood sugar by 50 mg. However, the emphasis is on general due to variables such as how sensitive your body is to insulin, stress, and physical activity.

Correctional insulin

You may need to use a correction factor to “correct” or lower high blood sugar before a meal. You can read this article for guidance on calculating insulin doses. However, it’s important you do not self-treat but discuss an insulin dose regimen with your doctor because you will need a customized plan (https://dtc.ucsf.edu/types-of-diabetes/type1/treatment-of-type-1-diabetes/medications-and-therapies/type-1-insulin-therapy/calculating-insulin-dose/).

Exercise

Exercise is a fast and natural way to lower blood sugar levels. Not only does it lower high blood sugar, but it also lowers insulin resistance and increases insulin sensitivity, so cells convert glucose to energy.

However, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends testing for ketones if your blood sugar is over 240. If ketones are present, they advise not to exercise. The reason is that exercising with ketones may further increase blood sugar.

Hydration

Another natural way to lower high blood sugar is to hydrate. Dehydration means there is less water in your body, making blood sugar more concentrated. You can drink water and diet soda, just not anything with sugar, like juice. You can also add lemon to water which has anti-diabetic properties (https://backtonaturediabetic.com/how-drinking-water-decreases-blood-sugar-levels/).

Heat

Lastly, heat lowers blood sugar levels. I purposely left this one for last because you have to use heat carefully. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which increases insulin absorption. You can take a hot shower, but make sure the water is not too hot. Sitting in a hot tub or sauna can also lower blood sugar levels, but you should exercise caution if you do so while alone, as the heat may cause your blood sugar to drop quickly.

In fact, research shows soaking in a hot bath could help control type 2 diabetes. A study examined subjects taking an hour-long hot bath. Those who took a hot bath burned 126 calories per hour, which is like a 25-30-minute walk. The research suggests that taking a hot bath can increase burning calories and may help reduce blood sugar spikes after eating (https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2016/aug/hot-bath-could-boost-type-2-diabetes-management-97414776.html).

You can also sunbathe to lower high blood sugar. A study examined the effects of sunbathing on 30 subjects over 40 years old. They sunbathed in the morning for 10 minutes for a week, which significantly reduced their blood sugar levels (https://aip.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1063/5.0052549).

However, while sunbathing may lower blood sugar, be aware that sunburn can raise your blood sugar. According to the CDC, this is because pain causes stress, which increases blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

Try the treatments above to bring down high blood sugar levels quickly. Three of them are natural remedies. Always check your blood sugar levels and ketones. Create a plan with your doctor to treat and correct high blood sugars, especially if you take insulin. And you should see your doctor or go to the emergency room if your blood sugar remains uncontrolled and you have ketones.

Disclaimer

Please remember this is not medical advice or intended to replace the advice of your doctor. This is my experience with the natural supplements that have helped me manage my diabetes. They are not intended to cure any disease. Please do not self-diagnose. Always check with your health care provider before trying new treatments.

I ask you to please keep an open mind; be a diabetic detective and do your own research; work with your health care team; see what works best for you, and monitor your blood sugars.

How to Prevent & Manage Colds and Flu with Diabetes

The only good thing that came out of the pandemic for me was that I haven’t had a cold for two years. Of course, no one enjoys being sick, but the cold and flu are worse for diabetics. This is due to our immune system which makes it harder to fight infections. Wearing a mask, social distancing, and frequent hand washings kept me from catching a cold. In addition to these three things, there are other remedies and tips that can help you prevent and manage colds and flu.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Undoubtedly, the best remedy is prevention. Get the flu shot. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, people with diabetes are three times more likely to die and six times more likely to be hospitalized because of flu-related complications, compared to people without diabetes.

Contrary to popular belief, the flu shot won’t prevent a cold, but there are things you can do to protect yourself. For example, wash your hands and avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.

Also, try to stay away from sick people. Granted, it’s not always possible, especially if we are side by side with coworkers and bus/train passengers. Additionally, cold weather means we are indoors more, so it’s harder to distance ourselves.

Plan for Sick Days

Most importantly, plan for sick days.

If you can’t hold down solids, eat soft foods like soup, gelatin, juice, pudding, popsicles, soda, and applesauce
Have extra diabetic supplies on hand
Have painkillers and cold medicine stocked (there are sugar-free ones such as Diabetic Tussin, sugar-free Ricola and Halls throat drops, and sugar-free Cold-Eeze)
Discuss adjusting your insulin or diabetic medication with your doctor

Contact your doctor if you have:

Ketones
Uncontrollable blood sugar levels
Severe chest pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Difficulty breathing

Infections Lead to High Blood Sugar

Having diabetes can weaken our immune system, which makes it harder to fight infections. Infections increase hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones interfere with insulin’s ability to do its job. As a result, our blood sugar levels go up. For this reason, it’s important to test blood sugar levels and ketones frequently.

Cold and Flu Remedies Found in Nature

There are two popular natural remedies used to prevent the cold and flu.

The first one is echinacea, also known as purple coneflower. Studies have shown that echinacea may fight infections and viruses, lower the risk of catching a cold by 58%, and reduce the duration of colds by 1.4 days. However, other studies did not see results for preventing or lessening colds. So, there is a lot of conflicting information (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/echinacea-for-colds#effectiveness).

Keep these studies in mind and be aware that there may be adverse effects. The most common side effects are digestive, including stomach pain, diarrhea, and heartburn. People who are allergic to ragweed, mums, marigolds, or daisies may be allergic to echinacea. According to WebMD, take caution using it if you have an auto-immune disease such as MS or RA since the plant may make these conditions worse.

The second plant used for colds and flu is elderberry, also known as Sambucus. Many trials have shown elderberry relieves and reduces the symptoms and duration of colds and flu (https://www.pharmacytoday.org/article/S1042-0991(21)00292-9/fulltext).

However, take caution not to eat the berries. They can be toxic and cause diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Cook the berries before consuming or buy the supplements and syrup. Also, like echinacea, take caution if you have an autoimmune disease since it may cause the immune system to become more active.

If you want to try either plant, please check with your doctor first. Also, use a product certified by a third-party tester (https://backtonaturediabetic.com/how-to-find-quality-diabetic-supplements/).

Without a doubt, we need more research, but wouldn’t it be great if we could use plants to prevent colds and flu?!

Natural Remedies/Tips

Of course, you can’t always prevent the cold and flu. But you can try the remedies and tips below to ease symptoms and prevent infecting others:

Apply vapor rub on chest and feet (cover with socks)
Suck on zinc lozenges
Apply Zicam Cold Remedy Nose Swabs inside your nose
Take vitamin C
Hydrate with chicken soup, water, and electrolytes
Wear a mask
Wash hands and use hand sanitizer or baby wipes
Avoid touching your face
Eat oregano and garlic, which are antimicrobial
Use a humidifier
Take warm baths (you can use vapor bath wash, eucalyptus bath bombs, and vapor bath crystals)
Use saline nasal spray
Gargle with saltwater
Wash utensils in the dishwasher or use disposable ones
Do not share toothbrushes
Disinfect toothbrushes with antibacterial mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide
Wash sheets, pillowcases, towels, stuffed animals, etc.
Wipe down surfaces such as counters, doorknobs, faucets, remote control, etc.
Rest!

What to Avoid

Along with the tips above, there are things you should avoid when you have a cold or flu. Specifically, they are not sleeping enough, smoking, and drinking alcohol, which may make them worse.

Also, medicines containing decongestants can raise blood sugar and blood pressure. So, take caution when consuming them. As an alternative, here is a natural recipe that soothes a sore throat, congestion, and cough. Combine all ingredients in a cup:

Hot water
Honey
Lemon
Cayenne pepper

Conclusion

The cold and flu are worse for people with diabetes because our immune system makes it harder to manage. Also, infections will increase our blood sugar levels, which is also hard to manage. Prevention and early treatment are important. Before you try any of these remedies, please check with your healthcare provider. You should also discuss treatments for managing high blood sugar levels. And have a sick day plan.

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Get more information on events and research on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gabvela1

Disclaimer

I ask you to please keep an open mind; be a diabetic detective and do your own research; work with your healthcare team; see what works best for you, and monitor your blood sugars.

How to Find Quality Diabetic Supplements

I end my blog posts with a disclaimer that includes a warning regarding supplements. It notes that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements but treats them like foods and not medication. This can cause concern, especially if you are taking supplements to help manage your diabetes. With this in mind, how can you find quality supplements?

FDA and Supplements

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the FDA’s regulations for supplements differ from those for prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Below are the key points from the NIH regarding the FDA’s role in monitoring supplements (https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WYNTK-Consumer/).

It is the responsibility of supplement manufacturers to have proof that their products are safe and that any claims made on the label are accurate and not misleading. However, companies are not required to provide this safety evidence to the FDA prior to the product’s marketing as long as it doesn’t contain a “new dietary ingredient” (one introduced after October 15, 1994).
Manufacturers may include health claims on the labels of dietary supplements. Manufacturers can claim, for instance, that a supplement promotes health like immunity or heart health. The claims must include the disclaimer, “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
The FDA has established good manufacturing practices (GMPs) that companies must follow to help ensure the identity, potency, and safety of dietary supplements and their ingredients. These GMPs can lessen the possibility of product contamination and improper packing and labeling. They can also prevent adding the wrong ingredient (or too much or too little of the correct ingredient).
Several independent organizations offer quality testing and display a seal of quality assurance that certifies supplements are manufactured correctly, contain the ingredients listed on the label, and do not contain unsafe levels of contaminants. However, the seals do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of a product.
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements has a form, ”My Dietary Supplement and Medicine Record” that you can print and fill out. You can share the form with your healthcare providers.

FDA Inspected or GMP-Complaint Facility

Another thing to keep in mind is some manufacturers state a product is made in an FDA-inspected or a GMP-compliant facility. This means the FDA may certify that the facility complies with GMP standards, but the FDA doesn’t test or verify the products themselves.

Third-Party Testing

So, how can you ensure the quality of a supplement? You should look for brands that have been third-party certified. This means the third-party tester was not involved in the production or sale of the supplement and provided an unbiased review. They will test that the supplement contains what’s on the label and isn’t contaminated. While they will test that a supplement is safe for consumption, they do not test if the product will work.

Third-Party Testers:

Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG)
ConsumerLab
Eurofins
Informed Sport
International Fish Oil Standards Program (IFOS)
LabDoor
NSF
TGA
UL
USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia)

In addition, some manufacturers provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This is a document that verifies that a product is analytically tested and meets the specifications of safety and quality.

Supplement Brands that Use Third-Party Testing

This is not a complete list but includes many popular supplement brands that use third-party testing. If you use other brands, check the bottle label and website to verify if they are third-party tested.

Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Supplement labels also list food allergy warnings if they contain (or are free of) gluten, soy, egg, and dairy. You can also look for supplements that are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, vegan, vegetarian, and Parve.

Caution with Supplements

Remember that supplements do just that, they supplement but don’t replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Unlike prescription and OTC drugs, supplements do not list interactions, side effects, and toxicity.

Finally, tell your healthcare provider about the supplements you are taking. The supplements may interact with the medications you are currently taking. Your doctor can also help you decide if the supplements are right for you.

Conclusion

Knowing the FDA does not monitor supplements like prescription or over-the-counter drugs can be worrisome, especially if you use them to manage your diabetes. However, you can look for brands that use third-party testing to ensure the quality and purity of their products. Third-party testing verifies that a supplement is manufactured correctly, contains the listed ingredients at the strength shown, and is not contaminated. However, third-party testing does not guarantee a supplement will be effective. You will also need to do independent research on side effects, interactions, and toxicity.

Diabetic News

The premiere of “The Human Trial” was in New York on June 23, and the documentary will play in select theaters and virtual cinemas across the country.

“The Human Trial” is about a biotechnology company in San Diego, ViaCyte, whose researchers believe insulin-making stem cells can be implanted in patients. The film is also about the patients with diabetes who put themselves forward as test subjects.

For more information, see https://www.thehumantrial.com/

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Two Reasons Your Blood Sugar is High at 3 AM

You’re up at 3 AM, and your blood sugar is rising again. While there may be many reasons it’s high at dawn, the two most common reasons are the Dawn Phenomenon and Somogyi Effect. Both involve hormones being released in the body, but for two very different reasons.

Dawn Phenomenon (also known as Dawn Effect and Liver Dump)

The Dawn Phenomenon is due to declining levels of insulin and an increase in hormones. Around 3 AM, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and glucagon. When levels of these hormones increase, it stimulates the liver to release glucose into your bloodstream. The reason for this is your body prepares for the increased energy it will need to wake up, which the glucose will provide.

For those without diabetes, the body releases insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Somogyi Effect

While blood sugar increases in the Dawn Phenomenon, it decreases in the Somogyi Effect. When blood sugar levels drop very low in the early morning hours, it triggers a release of hormones to reverse the low blood sugar. These hormones are called counter-regulatory hormones because they “counter” the effects of insulin.

As a result, this sends your blood sugar levels into a rebound high, called “rebound hyperglycemia”. This causes high blood sugar in the morning.

In other words, early morning hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) occurs because of a rebound effect from late-night hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Dr. Michael Somogyi, who discovered the Somogyi Effect, described the paradoxical tendency of the body to react to hypoglycemia by producing hyperglycemia.

How to Tell Them Apart

While the Dawn Phenomenon is more common, the Somogyi Effect is more common in Type I diabetics.

How can you tell what is causing your blood sugar to rise before breakfast? It involves my favorite catchphrase “be a diabetic detective.” Unless you wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you will need to test your blood sugars frequently. Experts advise testing before bedtime, around 2 AM–3 AM, and again when you first wake up for several nights.

Possible Treatments

The ADA recommends waking up with blood glucose levels between 80-130mg.

If the Dawn Phenomenon affects you, don’t wait too long to have breakfast when you wake up. It may signal your body not to release any more hormones.

Conclusion

Many reasons can contribute to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) upon waking, but the Dawn Phenomenon and Somogyi Effect should be considered as likely reasons. Both cause hormones to be released in the body. The way to tell them apart is to test your blood sugar frequently throughout the night. Then you and your doctor can determine if your meals and/or medication need to be adjusted.

Diabetes News

A Michigan podiatrist will celebrate his 60th birthday by riding 600 miles to raise money for juvenile diabetes research. Dr. Grodman will ride 600 miles from May 25–30 via stationary bike, Peloton, and bike locally. His goal is to raise $60,000.

Dr. Grodman’s sons have juvenile diabetes and in 1999, the family established The Grodman Cure Foundation. So far, the foundation has raised nearly $2,000,000 for diabetes research.

Click here to follow his journey:

https://www.facebook.com/TheGrodman300/

Research Study

The University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing and the Illinois Institute of Technology are conducting a research study to assist in the development of an artificial pancreas by examining the role of stress and physical activity.

The study will take place at the UIC College of Nursing. If you have Type 1 diabetes, use an insulin pump, and are between the ages of 18 and 60, you may be eligible for the study. Subjects will be reimbursed for their time and travel expenses.

For further information, please call Laurie Quinn Ph.D., RN (312-996-7906), Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, UIC College of Nursing.

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Disclaimer

I ask you to please keep an open mind; be a diabetic detective and do your own research; work with your healthcare team; see what works best for you, and monitor your blood sugars.

Why Berberine is Nature’s Metformin

My doctor prescribed metformin for me years ago, which was surprising because it was only used to treat Type II diabetes. But she reassured me doctors were prescribing it for Type Is to help manage their blood sugars. While it decreased my after-meal sugars to the normal ranges, it also gave me the horrible side effects that metformin is famous for. As always, I sought natural remedies, which led me to berberine, known as nature’s metformin.

What is Berberine?

Berberine is a chemical found in plants like European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric.

Studies on Berberine

Berberine may reduce glucose production in your liver and improve insulin sensitivity. Studies show that berberine can lower blood sugar levels to a similar extent as metformin and is also effective for high cholesterol.

In a study, 36 patients were randomly assigned to metformin or berberine. “Compared with metformin, berberine exhibited an identical effect in the regulation of glucose metabolism, such as HbA1c, FBG, PBG, fasting insulin, and postprandial insulin. In the regulation of lipid metabolism, berberine activity is better than metformin. By week 13, triglycerides and total cholesterol in the berberine group had decreased and were significantly lower than in the metformin group” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2410097/).

Metformin Recall and Warnings

Metformin can cause a serious condition known as lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. In people with lactic acidosis, the liver cannot remove excess acid from their body, which can be life threatening.

Also, metformin has been recalled in the past because of possible cancer-causing ingredients. In 2020, Viona Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled 23 lots of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets because of the presence of the probable carcinogen NDMA.

Finally, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark and Stanford University found boys were more likely to be born with genital birth defects if their fathers took metformin in the three months before conception.

Berberine Side Effects/Interactions

However, berberine is not without issues. Berberine may slow blood clotting, lower blood sugar, and lower blood pressure. It may interact with medications changed and broken down by the liver, and medications that slow blood clotting. In addition, taking berberine along with a sedative might cause too much sleepiness.

Similarities

Metformin and berberine share many similar characteristics. Both decrease glucose production in the liver. They also activate AMPK. So, what is AMPK you ask? It stands for AMP-activated protein kinase and is a metabolism regulator. When activated, AMPK will use stored energy from fats, and remove fat and sugar from the blood. It also improves insulin sensitivity.

Other Natural Ways to Increase AMPK

Natural ways to increase AMPK include exercising, restricting calories, and consuming blueberries, grapefruit, green tea, and chili peppers. Resveratrol, found in red grapes and wine, is a potent activator of AMPK.

Too Similar Sometimes

Although berberine is natural, it can cause the same side effects as metformin. While it stabilized my blood sugars, unfortunately, as with metformin, it also gave me horrible side effects, which included diarrhea, gas, and upset stomach. My brother, who has Type 2 diabetes, has been taking berberine for years with no problems. So, not everyone has side effects, but it is something to be aware of.

Conclusion

If you are worried about metformin’s possible adverse effects, consider its natural counterpart, berberine. However, like metformin, berberine may also cause the same upset stomach symptoms and can interact with other medications. Like metformin, it can also cause low blood sugar. Do not take berberine without letting your doctor know, especially if you are already on other diabetic medication. If your doctor gives you the green light to use it, watch for side effects and possible interactions. And always monitor your blood sugar.

In the News

Thirty-two years ago, Peter Oliver spent a week living on top of a 40 foot flagpole at Toronto’s Mel Lastman Square to raise money for Type I diabetes research. His daughter, Vanessa, was diagnosed with diabetes at age six.

Vanessa will soon follow in her father’s footsteps. From April 4-8 she will spend 100 hours in a 40 foot flagpole outside Toronto’s General Hospital to raise money for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation. To make a donation, go to canadacuresdiabetes.ca.

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“Life is not over because you have diabetes. Make the most of what you have, be grateful.”

Dale Evans (American actress and singer)

Disclaimer

I ask you to please keep an open mind; be a diabetic detective and do your own research; work with your healthcare team; see what works best for you, and monitor your blood sugars.