How Diabetes Medications Work (and Why Supplements Can Interfere)
Before we explore specific supplements, it helps to have a simple understanding of what your diabetes medication is doing inside your body. Think of it as a helpful assistant working around the clock to manage your blood sugar (glucose).
Different types of medications have different jobs. For example:
Metformin: This is one of the most common medications for type 2 diabetes. Its main job is to reduce the amount of glucose your liver releases into your bloodstream. It also helps your body’s cells become more sensitive to insulin, the hormone that ushers sugar out of your blood and into your cells for energy.
Sulfonylureas (like glipizide or glyburide): These medications work by prompting your pancreas to release more insulin. More insulin means more sugar can be moved out of the blood.
Insulin Injections: For some people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, taking insulin directly is necessary. This provides the body with the insulin it can no longer make or use effectively on its own.
The goal of all these medications is to prevent your blood sugar from getting too high (hyperglycemia), which can damage your organs over time. However, they also must be carefully dosed to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low (hypoglycemia). Hypoglycemia can be very dangerous, causing confusion, dizziness, shakiness, and in severe cases, fainting or seizures.
Herein lies the risk. Certain supplements can influence these same processes. Some can lower blood sugar on their own, essentially “doubling up” on the effect of your medication and putting you at high risk for hypoglycemia. Others can interfere with how your body absorbs or uses your medication, making it either less effective or too strong. Understanding these potential conflicts is the first step toward staying safe.
