Eniva Vitamins, Minerals, Electrolyte Water, and Nutiritional Supplements Insulin

Insulin is a natural protein made by the pancreas that helps the body use sugar. Insulin is injected by all people with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and by some people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus to help control blood sugar levels.

Any substance (dietary, supplemental, herbal, and others) that affects blood sugar levels will directly or indirectly affect the amount of insulin required by a person with diabetes. For example, consumption of a high-fiber diet and/or supplementation with nutrients such as chromium, biotin, vitamin E, or herbs such as Gymnema sylvestre will often improve blood sugar control in diabetics. In such cases, the amount of insulin may need to be reduced in order to avoid a hypoglycemic reaction. Anyone taking insulin should consult the prescribing physician before making dietary changes or taking nutrients or herbs that are designed to lower blood sugar levels.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Insulin has been shown to decrease the levels of DHEA and DHEA-sulfate in the blood.¹ More research is needed to determine the significance of this finding.

Interactions with Herbs

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
In a controlled study of patients with type 1 diabetes, fenugreek (100 grams per day for ten days) was reported to reduce blood sugar, urinary sugar excretion, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides, with no change in insulin levels.² In a controlled study of people with type 2 diabetes, fenugreek (25 grams per day for 24 weeks) was reported to significantly reduce blood glucose levels.³ People using insulin should talk with their prescribing doctor before incorporating large amounts of fenugreek into their diet.

Gymnema sylvestre
Although no interactions have been reported, gymnema may decrease the required daily dose of insulin.⁴ Therefore, people currently using insulin for the treatment of diabetes should discuss the use of this herb with their healthcare professional.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compound

Food
Diet is an important factor in effective diabetes prevention and treatment. People using insulin should monitor their blood sugar carefully and talk with their doctor about the role of diet in diabetes control.

Alcohol
Alcohol may increase the action of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).⁵ People using insulin should avoid alcohol.

Tobacco (Nicotiana species)
Smoking may decrease insulin activity,⁶ and it compounds the health problems associated with diabetes. People using insulin are cautioned to avoid smoking.

Summary of Interactions for Insulin

Depletion or interference	DHEA
Adverse interaction	Chromium* Gymnema sylvestre* Tobacco
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	Biotin Chromium Fenugreek Gymnema sylvestre* Vitamin E
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Lavallee B, Provost PR, Kahwash Z, et al. Effect of insulin on serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone metabolites in men. Clin Endocrinol 1997;46:93–100.

2. Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Sudhakar Rao N. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type 1 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 1990;44:301–6.

3. Sharma RD, Sakar A, Hazra DK, et al. Use of fenugreek seed powder in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Nutr Res 1996;16:1131–9.

4. Shanmugasundaram ER, Rajeswari G, Baskaran K, et al. Use of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract in the control of blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;30:281–94.

5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Hormones, Antidiabetic Agents, Insulin. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Oct 1997, 129f–9j.

6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Hormones, Antidiabetic Agents, Insulin. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Oct 1997, 129f–9j.

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The information presented in VitaminLore is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.