Although I’ve had diabetes for many years and wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), I still worry about my blood sugar dropping while I am sleeping. Aside from diabetic complications, it’s one of my top worries. It’s probably a major concern for you too. So, I’d like to share a natural remedy you can use to keep your blood sugars from dropping while you sleep, uncooked cornstarch.
What is Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is a starch powder made of the endosperm of the corn kernel. It is used as a thickener for sauce, gravy, and desserts.
How Does Cornstarch Prevent Blood Sugar from Dropping?
It takes about 4 to 8 hours for uncooked cornstarch to be digested. Because the starch is slowly digested, it maintains a stable amount of glucose in the blood. Research supports uncooked cornstarch prevents hypoglycemia:
“Several dietary approaches based on the intake of various carbohydrate foods have been tested for hypoglycemia prevention; among them uncooked cornstarch (UCS) has demonstrated a great efficacy (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33455416/).”
Extend Bars
Dr. Francine Kaufman created Extend Bars to help diabetics keep their blood sugar in normal ranges. Research taught the doctor that “raw cornstarch serves as a reservoir of glucose in the intestinal tract because it is digested very slowly, over a period of six to eight hours”. Clinical studies have also shown the bars are low glycemic and a natural appetite suppressant when consumed as a snack (https://extendbar.com/blogs/the-extend-blog/diabetes-blood-sugar-healthy-snacks).
I have tried Extend Bars and can testify that they are effective in preventing low blood sugar during the night. However, sometimes they can work a little too well in that I wake up with blood sugars in the lower 200 range, so I only eat half a bar. Indeed, the bars are effective and convenient. You can throw them in your bag and have them for breakfast, before a workout, or as a bedtime snack. And they cost around $2.00. A con for me is that although they come in many flavors, they taste chalky. But if you like convenience, definitely try the bars. There is also a protein shake but I have not tried it yet.
Another option is for you to mix a spoonful of uncooked cornstarch in milk, alternative milk, yogurt, applesauce, or pudding. You may have to play around with the right amount of cornstarch to add.
Frequent Overnight Lows
However, I must add that you should not have low blood sugar EVERY night. If so, it is a pattern that needs remediation. There are several reasons your blood sugar may drop in the middle of the night including:
- Exercise too close to bedtime
- Not enough carbs at dinner
- Drinking too much alcohol or consuming alcohol without food
- Too much basal insulin or insulin pump dose needs to be adjusted
If your blood sugar is dropping frequently in the middle of the night, please discuss this with your doctor or endocrinologist. Do not self-diagnose. Your medication, meals, or exercise schedule may need to change.
Conclusion
Uncooked cornstarch is a natural remedy to stabilize blood sugar levels. You can try the Extend Bars or add the starch to milk and other foods. It is important to note that you should not be going low every night. If so, discuss options with your doctor. As diabetics, we have enough to worry about. We should not be losing sleep, literally, over low blood sugar during the night.
Quote
Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a very scary thing, and it can easily make your life stand still for a moment. – Charlie Kimball
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.
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.