Condition

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body resists insulin or makes too little, leaving blood sugar chronically high and slowly damaging blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyes. Among supplements, beta-glucans and black seed oil have the strongest evidence: blood glucose improved with beta-glucans, and fasting glucose fell with black seed oil. Beta-glucan findings pooled only three studies, and the evidence for berberine, cinnamon, and magnesium was moderate, often from smaller trials.

Sources: PMID 33608654; PMID 26001090

Supplements studied: 99
Medicines and peptides: 9
Graded outcomes: 155
Trials: 207
People studied: 245,888

Evidence by supplement

Strong
Moderate
Limited
Very limited

99 supplements

Beta-glucans

Beta-glucans: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	3 studies	538 people
Studies that measured blood glucose A systematic review and meta-analysis of beta-glucan consumption on glycemic control in hypercholesterolemic individuals.Int J Food Sci Nutr · PMID 26001090 The effect of oat β-glucan on postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Eur J Clin Nutr · PMID 33608654 Effect of Oat β-Glucan Intake on Glycaemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity of Diabetic Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Nutrients · PMID 26771637
	HbA1c Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		350 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			538 people

Red Yeast Rice

Red Yeast Rice: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	2 studies	891 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Red Yeast Rice for Hyperlipidemia: A Meta-Analysis of 15 High-Quality Randomized Controlled Trials.Front Pharmacol · PMID 35111069 Xuezhikang Capsule for Type 2 Diabetes with Hyperlipemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trails.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 26246836
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect		891 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			891 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			891 people

Black Seed Oil

Fasting Blood Glucose: improves
HbA1c: improves

Black Seed Oil: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Fasting Blood Glucose Meta-analysis (16 RCTs): FBG reduced by -21.43 mg/dL (p=0.005). Another meta-analysis: WMD -15.18 mg/dL (95% CI -19.82 to -10.55). Effect stronger with oil form >1g/day and duration >8 weeks.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		900 people
	HbA1c Meta-analyses: Consistently reduced HbA1c by -0.44% to -0.45% (p<0.01). Effect more pronounced with higher doses (>1g/day).	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		700 people

Magnesium

Blood glucose: improves
Blood Pressure: improves
Serum Magnesium: improves

Magnesium: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	17 studies	385 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Efficacy of Magnesium Supplementation on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Meta-analysis.J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc · PMID 33442083 Oral magnesium supplementation in insulin-requiring Type 2 diabetic patientsDiabet Med · PMID 9632126 The effect of lowering blood pressure by magnesium supplementation in diabetic hypertensive adults with low serum magnesium levels: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialJ Hum Hypertens · PMID 19020533 and 14 more on the Magnesium page
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		10 studies	1,454 people
Studies that measured blood pressure Magnesium Supplementation and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Hypertension · PMID 41000008 Effect on blood pressure of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in women with low habitual intakeHypertension · PMID 9449404 Effects of Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide, and Magnesium Sulfate Supplementation on Arterial Stiffness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Intervention TrialJ Am Heart Assoc · PMID 35253448 and 7 more on the Magnesium page
	Serum Magnesium	Improves (the measure goes up)		6 studies	241 people
Studies that measured serum magnesium Oral magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic subjects with insulin resistance. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial.Diabetes Metab · PMID 15223977 Short-Term Magnesium Therapy Alleviates Moderate Stress in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.Nutrients · PMID 35631229 The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trialJ Res Med Sci · PMID 23853635 and 3 more on the Magnesium page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	1,454 people
Studies that measured triglycerides The effect of magnesium supplementation on serum concentration of lipid profile: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials.Nutr J · PMID 39905454 Effects of magnesium on postprandial serum lipid responses in healthy human subjectsBr J Nutr · PMID 19941679
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	302 people
Studies that measured insulin resistance Metabolic and hormonal effects of melatonin and/or magnesium supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialNutr Metab · PMID 34092248
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			63 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			473 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,404 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			302 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,325 people
	Magnesium Excretion	Improves (the measure goes up)			128 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,325 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			79 people

Resveratrol

Blood glucose: improves
Adiponectin: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Resveratrol: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	7 studies	329 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effect of resveratrol on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 24695890 Resveratrol supplementation and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysisCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 33480264 Influence of Age and Dose on the Effect of Resveratrol for Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Molecules · PMID 36014469 and 4 more on the Resveratrol page
	Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		2,474 people
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	147 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Evidence-based nutritional and pharmacological interventions targeting chronic low-grade inflammation in middle-age and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ageing Res Rev · PMID 29803716 Can resveratrol supplement change inflammatory mediators? A systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials.Eur J Clin Nutr · PMID 30013206 The effects of resveratrol supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Food Funct · PMID 30426122
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	1,265 people
Studies that measured weight Resveratrol supplementation significantly influences obesity measures: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Obes Rev · PMID 30515938 Efficacy of Resveratrol Supplementation on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic ReviewFront Physiol · PMID 35431994 A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Impact of Resveratrol Supplementation on Anthropometric Indices in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.Phytother Res · PMID 40842160
	Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	135 people
Studies that measured kidney function Resveratrol may mildly improve renal function in the general adult population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Nutr Res · PMID 36996691 Effects of resveratrol supplementation on renal function in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol · PMID 40580309
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		2 studies	216 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	552 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	187 people
	Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	1,448 people
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	792 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	29 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	976 people
	Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	Improves (the measure goes up)			894 people
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			516 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,418 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			271 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			837 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			172 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			191 people
	Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1	Changes; see studies			1,034 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			225 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			205 people
	Plasminogen Inhibitor-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,034 people
	Serum Albumin	Improves (the measure goes up)			516 people
	Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			118 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			483 people
	Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)			353 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			459 people

Saffron

Anxiety Symptoms: improves
Depression Symptoms: improves
Blood glucose: improves

Saffron: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Anxiety Symptoms Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	6 studies	104 people
Studies that measured anxiety symptoms Crocus sativus L. versus Citalopram in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress: A Double-Blind, Controlled Clinical TrialPharmacopsychiatry · PMID 27701683 The effects of alcoholic extract of saffron (Crocus satious L.) on mild to moderate comorbid depression-anxiety, sleep quality, and life satisfaction in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trialComplement Ther Med · PMID 30477839 A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the treatment of anxiety and depressionJ Complement Integr Med · PMID 27101556 and 3 more on the Saffron page
	Depression Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		18 studies	54 people
Studies that measured depression symptoms Crocus Sativus L. (saffron) versus sertraline on symptoms of depression among older people with major depressive disorders-a double-blind, randomized intervention studyPsychiatry Res · PMID 31669837 Saffron improved depression and reduced homocysteine level in patients with major depression: A Randomized, double-blind studyAvicenna J Phytomed · PMID 29387573 Crocus sativus L. (petal) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trialPhytomedicine · PMID 16979327 and 15 more on the Saffron page
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	796 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of Crocus sativus on glycemic control and cardiometabolic parameters among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Metab · PMID 38796446 The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trialPhytother Res · PMID 30942510 Effects of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron, and Ginger Consumption on Markers of Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes PatientsRev Diabet Stud · PMID 26177486 and 3 more on the Saffron page
	Erections	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	50 people
Studies that measured erections Effects of a Topical Saffron (Crocus sativus L) Gel on Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetics: A Randomized, Parallel-Group, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialJ Evid Based Complementary Altern Med · PMID 25948674 A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on saffron (Crocus sativus) effectiveness and safety on erectile dysfunction and semen parameters.Avicenna J Phytomed · PMID 29881706 Evaluation of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on male erectile dysfunction: a pilot studyPhytomedicine · PMID 19427775 and 1 more on the Saffron page
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	218 people
Studies that measured blood pressure Protective properties of the aqueous extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ischemic stroke, randomized clinical trialJ Ethnopharmacol · PMID 30914350 The effects of saffron supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysisFront Nutr · PMID 36570145 An evaluation of the effects of saffron supplementation on the asthma clinical symptoms and asthma severity in patients with mild and moderate persistent allergic asthma: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trialRespir Res · PMID 30795753
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	424 people
	Creatinine	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	618 people
	Sexual Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	50 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	154 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	688 people
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	434 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	746 people
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		1 study	840 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	434 people
	sICAM-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	204 people
	Sleep Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	104 people
	Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	Improves (the measure goes up)			840 people
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			90 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			378 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			571 people
	Homocysteine	Improves (the measure goes down)			64 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			340 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			404 people
	Interleukin 10	Improves (the measure goes up)			64 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			64 people
	Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			840 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			746 people
	Oxygen Uptake	Improves (the measure goes up)			54 people
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			154 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			840 people
	Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)			118 people
	Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)			54 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			424 people

Fenugreek

Blood glucose: improves
Glycemic Control: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Fenugreek: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	4 studies	876 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Hypoglycaemic effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Trigonella foenum-graecum in healthy volunteersEast Mediterr Health J · PMID 11370345 Enhancing glycaemic control and promoting cardiovascular health: the therapeutic potential of Trigonella foenumgraecum in diabetic patients - a systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Med Surg · PMID 38846904 Effect of supplementation of traditional medicinal plants on blood glucose in non-insulin-dependent diabetics: a pilot studyJ Med Food · PMID 16379570 and 1 more on the Fenugreek page
	Glycemic Control Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		25 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	25 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled studyJ Assoc Physicians India · PMID 11868855
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			454 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			25 people

Cinnamon

Blood glucose: improves
Body Mass Index (BMI): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Cinnamon: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	4 studies	1,770 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic biomarkers in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Rev · PMID 38917435 Efficacy of cinnamon supplementation on glycolipid metabolism in T2DM diabetes: A meta-analysis and systematic review.Front Physiol · PMID 36505061 Cinnamon for diabetes mellitus.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 22972104 and 1 more on the Cinnamon page
	Body Mass Index (BMI) Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		1,075 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	1,130 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol The effect of cinnamon supplementation on lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.Complement Ther Med · PMID 33220625 The effects of cinnamon supplementation on blood lipid concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Clin Lipidol · PMID 28887086 Effects of Cinnamon Supplementation on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Clin Nutr Res · PMID 38362130
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	1,058 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Association Between Cinnamon Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Am J Med · PMID 34411521 The effect of cinnamon consumption on lipid profile, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers in adults: An umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis · PMID 37500345
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	450 people
Studies that measured insulin resistance The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Food Biochem · PMID 33111340
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,357 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,070 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			81 people
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			134 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,130 people

Flaxseed

Blood glucose: improves
Blood Pressure: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Flaxseed: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	2,080 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Flaxseed supplementation on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized, placebo-controlled trials.Nutr Rev · PMID 29228348 Flaxseed supplementation significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Res · PMID 36640581 Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med · PMID 35843472
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	720 people
Studies that measured blood pressure Can flaxseed supplementation alleviate blood pressure in patients with metabolic diseases? Evaluating the strength of evidence using a meta-analysis and GRADE approach.J Diabetes Metab Disord · PMID 40520241 Effect of flaxseed supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review, and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Food Funct · PMID 36622248 Flaxseed consumption may reduce blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials.J Nutr · PMID 25740909 and 1 more on the Flaxseed page
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	309 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effects of Flaxseed Interventions on Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Adv Nutr · PMID 31115436 Effect of flaxseed supplementation on markers of inflammation and endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cytokine · PMID 31739218 Effects of flaxseed supplementation on weight loss, lipid profiles, glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Clin Cardiol · PMID 38269632 and 1 more on the Flaxseed page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	309 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Meta-analysis of the effects of flaxseed interventions on blood lipidsAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19515737 Effects of Flaxseed on Blood Lipids in Healthy and Dyslipidemic Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Curr Probl Cardiol · PMID 34384619 Effect of flaxseed supplementation on lipid profile: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of sixty-two randomized controlled trials.Pharmacol Res · PMID 31899314
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	720 people
Studies that measured weight The effects of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on anthropometric indices: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Complement Ther Med · PMID 38992480 The effect of flaxseed supplementation on body weight and body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 randomized placebo-controlled trials.Obes Rev · PMID 28635182
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			720 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,080 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			720 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			2,080 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,080 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			720 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			720 people

Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng)

Blood glucose: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies
HbA1c: improves

Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	124 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) root fractions: differential effects on postprandial glycemia in healthy individualsJ Ethnopharmacol · PMID 21619921 Effect of Korean red ginseng on arterial stiffness in subjects with hypertensionJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 21235416 Effects of acute supplementation of Panax ginseng on endurance running in a hot & humid environmentIndian J Med Res · PMID 21321426
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	182 people
Studies that measured insulin Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on Cardiovascular Risks in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: a Double-blind Randomized Controlled StudyKorean J Fam Med · PMID 22916320 Effects of Panax ginseng on hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Ginseng Res · PMID 35509826 Panax ginseng has no effect on indices of glucose regulation following acute or chronic ingestion in healthy volunteersBr J Nutr · PMID 19017419
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	476 people
Studies that measured hba1c Ginseng therapy in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patientsDiabetes Care · PMID 8721940 Red ginseng for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.Chin J Integr Med · PMID 22139546
	Subjective Well-Being	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	36 people
Studies that measured subjective well-being Ginseng does not enhance psychological well-being in healthy, young adults: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trialJ Am Diet Assoc · PMID 11424544 Effects of Panax ginseng on quality of lifeAnn Pharmacother · PMID 11895046
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	15 people
Studies that measured glycemic control Ginseng and ginsenoside Re do not improve β-cell function or insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetesDiabetes Care · PMID 21411505
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			702 people
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			106 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			753 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			657 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			803 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			741 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			36 people

Black seed

Blood glucose: improves
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies

Black seed: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	2 studies	737 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusIndian J Physiol Pharmacol · PMID 21675032 supplementation improves cardiometabolic indicators in population with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Nutr · PMID 36034891
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		4 studies	325 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trialsPhytother Res · 2020 · PMID 32394508 Effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of powdered Nigella sativa (kalonji) seed in capsules on serum lipid levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight in adults: results of a randomized, double-blind controlled trialJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 19500003 The effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory, attention and cognition in healthy human volunteersJ Ethnopharmacol · PMID 23707331 and 1 more on the Black seed page
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies		2 studies	405 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Effect of Nigella sativa Consumption on Lipid Profile and Glycemic Index in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Curr Med Chem · PMID 38265398 Effect of Nigella sativa oil on various clinical and biochemical parameters of insulin resistance syndromeInt J Diabetes Dev Ctries · PMID 19902033
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Changes; see studies		1 study	134 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Inflammopharmacology · PMID 37036558
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	405 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Clinical evaluation of Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of hyperlipidemia: a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trialMed Arh · PMID 22822623
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Changes; see studies			285 people
	HbA1c	Changes; see studies			490 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			246 people
	Insulin Resistance	Changes; see studies			319 people
	Interleukin 6	Changes; see studies			156 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies			591 people
	Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			364 people
	TNF-Alpha	Changes; see studies			307 people
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			480 people
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies			405 people

Vitamin D

Blood glucose: improves
Depression Symptoms: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Vitamin D: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	2 studies	2,982 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on vascular and metabolic health of vitamin D-deficient overweight and obese children: a randomized clinical trial.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 31950134 The impact of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and lipid metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.BMC Endocr Disord · PMID 40259331
	Depression Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	70 people
Studies that measured depression symptoms Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms in older patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Med · PMID 39450108 Evaluating the effects of vitamin D and vitamin E supplement on premenstrual syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trialIran J Nurs Midwifery Res · PMID 27095989 Effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on depressive symptoms, C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.Narra J · PMID 39816051 and 2 more on the Vitamin D page
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	99 people
Studies that measured glycemic control Impact of vitamin D supplementation during a resistance training intervention on body composition, muscle function, and glucose tolerance in overweight and obese adultsClin Nutr · PMID 23034474 A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation to improve glycaemia in overweight and obese African AmericansDiabetes Obes Metab · PMID 22486948 The effect of vitamin D3 on insulin secretion and peripheral insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patientsInt J Clin Pract · PMID 12800453 and 1 more on the Vitamin D page
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	2,982 people
Studies that measured insulin Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on pancreatic β cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glycemia in adults at high risk of diabetes: the Calcium and Vitamin D for Diabetes Mellitus (CaDDM) randomized controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 21715514 Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Diabetes Obes Metab · PMID 39355942 Vitamin D Supplementation Affects the Beck Depression Inventory, Insulin Resistance, and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical TrialJ Nutr · PMID 26609167
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	1 person
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Vitamin D3 supplementation does not modify cardiovascular risk profile of adults with inadequate vitamin D statusEur J Nutr · 2015 · PMID 26621634 The effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometriosisGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 33508990 Vitamin D supplementation enhances the beneficial effects of weight loss on cardiovascular disease risk markersAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321573
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	1 person
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	2,982 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	2,982 people
	Type 2 Diabetes Incidence	Changes; see studies		1 study	27,425 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			1 person
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			1 person
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			1 person
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			1 person

Inulin

Blood glucose: improves
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Inulin: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	2 studies	504 people
Body Mass Index (BMI) No effect		NoneNo effect		634 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	607 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			504 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			599 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			504 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			504 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			607 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			585 people

Carnosine

Blood glucose: improves
Beta-cell function: improves
Body Fat: improves

Carnosine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	377 people
Beta-cell function Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		377 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	43 people
Bone Mineral Density	Improves (the measure goes up)			43 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			377 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			377 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			377 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			377 people
Muscle Strength	Improves (the measure goes up)			43 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			377 people

Milk Protein

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Milk Protein: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Mixed effect			1 study	2,750 people
Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		822 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			76 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			2,750 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			76 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			76 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			76 people

Whey Protein

Blood glucose
Insulin: changes; see studies
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Whey Protein: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
Blood glucose Mixed effect		1 study	890 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies	7 studies	471 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)	2 studies	935 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)	1 study	1,000 people
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)	Improves (the measure goes up)		153 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		874 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		904 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		879 people

Pycnogenol

Blood glucose: improves
Blood Pressure: changes; see studies
Endothelin-1: improves

Pycnogenol: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	75 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies		2 studies	45 people
Endothelin-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	75 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies		1 study	45 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies			75 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			30 people

Curcumin

Adiponectin: improves
Blood glucose: improves
Triglycerides: improves

Curcumin: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	533 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		18 studies	1,071 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	644 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	425 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	644 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	949 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	644 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		3 studies	541 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	240 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		2 studies	923 people
Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	240 people
Arterial Stiffness	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	240 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	323 people
Liver Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	118 people
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile	Improves (the measure goes up)			74 people
Apolipoprotein A	Improves (the measure goes up)			189 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			189 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			269 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			902 people
C-Peptide	Improves (the measure goes up)			132 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			862 people
Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			80 people
Free Fatty Acids	Improves (the measure goes up)			109 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			900 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,057 people
Hemoglobin	Improves (the measure goes up)			109 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			644 people
Hip Circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			105 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			541 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			240 people
Lipoprotein Lipase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			109 people
Serum Albumin	Improves (the measure goes up)			183 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			320 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			321 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			140 people
Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)			183 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			419 people
Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			117 people
White Blood Cell Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			109 people

Resistant Starch

Blood glucose: improves
TNF-Alpha: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Resistant Starch: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	503 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	467 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			467 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			503 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			503 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			503 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			467 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			467 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			467 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			467 people

Psyllium

Blood glucose: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Psyllium: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	549 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	483 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	355 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	128 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	421 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	463 people
Carbohydrate Absorption	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Fructosamine	Changes; see studies			20 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			421 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			295 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			463 people
Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people

Zinc

Blood glucose: improves
IGF-1: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Zinc: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		1,452 people
IGF-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	120 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	129 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1,209 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	435 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			475 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			558 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			331 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			908 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			908 people

Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica)

Blood Glucose Reduction: improves

Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood Glucose Reduction Systematic review: Triphala significantly decreased fasting blood glucose in diabetic patients. 12-month trial (n=50): Triphala 5g twice daily significantly reduced blood glucose (p<0.001). 45-day study: Both fasting and postprandial blood glucose reduced. Mechanism via alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect

Jiaogulan

Blood glucose: improves
Glycemic Control: improves
HbA1c: improves

Jiaogulan: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		49 people
Glycemic Control Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect		24 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	49 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			25 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			25 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			25 people

Black Barberry Extract

HbA1c: improves
Fasting Blood Glucose: improves

Black Barberry Extract: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	HbA1c Berberine comparable to metformin: HbA1c dropped from 9.5% to 7.5% (PMID: 18442638); meta-analysis confirms glycemic benefit	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		200 people
	Fasting Blood Glucose Meta-analysis: significant FBS reduction; single study showed drop from 10.6 to 6.9 mmol/L	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		718 people

Dihydroberberine

Fasting Blood Glucose: improves
HbA1c: improves
Postprandial Blood Glucose: improves

Dihydroberberine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
Fasting Blood Glucose Large Decrease - FBG reduced from 10.6 to 6.9 mmol/L in trials	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	400 people
HbA1c Large Decrease - HbA1c reduced from 9.5% to 7.5% (similar to metformin)	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	350 people
Postprandial Blood Glucose Large Decrease - PBG reduced from 19.8 to 11.1 mmol/L	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	280 people
Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) 44.7% reduction in HOMA-IR	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	200 people

Berberine

Apolipoprotein B: improves
Blood glucose: improves
HbA1c: improves

Berberine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein B Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		127 people
Blood glucose Large Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect		912 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	786 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	2,227 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	116 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	1,729 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	2,291 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,426 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			870 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			1,138 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,347 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			536 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,860 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			466 people

Fiber

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Fiber: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		2,580 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	2,580 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,580 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,580 people

L-Carnitine

Adiponectin: improves
Apolipoprotein A
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

L-Carnitine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		522 people
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect		406 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		12 studies	1,266 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	4,238 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	2,900 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	2,900 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	3,885 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	81 people
Erections	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	40 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		2 studies	112 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	2,900 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	353 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	2,900 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	2,900 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	2,900 people
Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	232 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	2,900 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1,171 people
Whole Body Glucose Uptake	Changes; see studies		1 study	35 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			391 people
Beta-cell function	Improves (the measure goes up)			52 people
Bilirubin	Changes; see studies			52 people
C-Peptide	Improves (the measure goes up)			52 people
Carbohydrate Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes up)			35 people
DNA Damage	Changes; see studies			52 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			903 people
Hemoglobin	Improves (the measure goes up)			52 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,900 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			229 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			81 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			2,900 people
Lipoprotein(a)	Improves (the measure goes up)			418 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,900 people
Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			46 people
White Blood Cell Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			52 people

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Interleukin 6: improves
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC): improves

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		1,523 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1,523 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	1,523 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,523 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,523 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,523 people

Beta-Alanine

Beta-cell function: worsens
Blood glucose: changes; see studies
HbA1c: changes; see studies

Beta-Alanine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Beta-cell function Small Decrease	Worsens (the measure goes down)	Small effect		82 people
Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	172 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies			134 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			82 people
Insulin Resistance	Changes; see studies			82 people

Nitrate

Blood Pressure: improves
Plasma Nitrate: improves
Vascular Function: improves

Nitrate: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	6 studies	27 people
Plasma Nitrate	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	27 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	27 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			27 people

Aloe Vera

Blood glucose: improves
HbA1c: changes; see studies

Aloe Vera: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose Small improvement in blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	2 studies	310 people
	HbA1c	Changes; see studies			310 people

Ginkgo Biloba

Blood Flow
Nitric Oxide: improves
Blood glucose: improves

Ginkgo Biloba: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
Blood Flow Mixed effect		2 studies	64 people
Nitric Oxide	Improves (the measure goes up)	1 study	64 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		64 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		64 people
Proteinuria	Improves (the measure goes up)		64 people

Cocoa Extract

Blood Flow: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Cocoa Extract: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Flow Moderate Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect	2 studies	41 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		13 studies	41 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		10 studies	41 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	41 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	41 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	41 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	41 people
Mitochondrial Protection	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	5 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			41 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			41 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			41 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			41 people
Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)			41 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			41 people

Probiotics

Blood glucose: improves
HbA1c: improves
Insulin Resistance: improves

Probiotics: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	1,920 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	1,920 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1,920 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			1,920 people

Stinging Nettle

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Inflammation: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Stinging Nettle: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	50 people
Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	50 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people

Ashwagandha

Blood glucose: improves
Diuresis: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Ashwagandha: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	12 people
Diuresis	Improves (the measure goes up)			12 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people

5-HTP

Appetite: improves
Weight: changes; see studies

5-HTP: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Appetite Reduced appetite in diabetics leading to weight loss	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	1 study	25 people
	Weight	Changes; see studies		2 studies	25 people

Tulsi

Blood glucose: improves

Tulsi: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	16 people

Banaba Leaf

Blood glucose: improves

Banaba Leaf: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose Moderate Improvement (but N=5 only)	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	1 study	5 people

Olive Leaf Extract

HbA1c: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Olive Leaf Extract: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	HbA1c Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	79 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			79 people

Grape Seed Extract

C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves

Grape Seed Extract: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	32 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	32 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	32 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	32 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			32 people

Salacia Reticulata

HbA1c: improves
Blood glucose: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Salacia Reticulata: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
HbA1c Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	51 people
Blood glucose Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		66 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	66 people

Creatine

Glycemic Control: improves
Kidney Function: improves

Creatine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Glycemic Control Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	25 people
	Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		5 studies	25 people

Moringa

Blood glucose: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Moringa: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		16 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			16 people

Quercetin

Anxiety Symptoms: improves
HbA1c: improves
Quality of Life: improves

Quercetin: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anxiety Symptoms Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		38 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	88 people
Quality of Life	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	38 people

Amla

Blood glucose: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Amla: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Moderate improvement in blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		32 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small improvement in HDL	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		32 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		1 study	32 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			32 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies			32 people

Butcher's Broom

Blood glucose: improves
Fructosamine: improves
HbA1c: improves

Butcher's Broom: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	60 people
Fructosamine Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	60 people
HbA1c Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)		60 people
Visual acuity (VA) Improvement (diabetic retinopathy context)	Improves (the measure goes up)		60 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		60 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		60 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		60 people

Tribulus Terrestris

Blood glucose: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
HbA1c: improves

Tribulus Terrestris: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		98 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	98 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			98 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			98 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			98 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			98 people

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Blood Pressure: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Thiamine (Vitamin B1): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		12 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	12 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people

American Ginseng

Blood Glucose: improves

American Ginseng: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood Glucose Small reduction in postprandial glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		120 people

Tetradecyl Thioacetic Acid

Blood Pressure: improves
HbA1c: improves
Weight: improves

Tetradecyl Thioacetic Acid: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		16 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	16 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	16 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			16 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			16 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people
Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people

Black Garlic Extract

Fasting Blood Glucose: improves

Black Garlic Extract: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Fasting Blood Glucose Meta-analysis: FBG reduced by 2.77mg/dL; insulin and HOMA-IR also improved	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		500 people

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Blood glucose: improves
Glycemic Control
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: changes; see studies

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small improvement in fasting blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		38 people
Glycemic Control No effect on overall glycemic control		NoneNo effect	1 study	102 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies		4 studies	59 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies		2 studies	54 people

Spirulina

Adiponectin: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Spirulina: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		37 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	37 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	37 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	37 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	62 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	62 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	37 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	62 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	37 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			62 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			37 people

Bitter Cucumber

Blood glucose: improves
Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Bitter Cucumber: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		50 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		1 study	50 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		1 study	50 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			50 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies			50 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			50 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies			50 people
Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Weight	Changes; see studies			50 people

Arginine

Adiponectin: improves
Nitric Oxide: improves
Plasma Arginine: improves

Arginine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		33 people
Nitric Oxide	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	33 people
Plasma Arginine	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	144 people
Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	144 people
Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	144 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	144 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	33 people
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile	Improves (the measure goes up)			33 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			144 people
Body Fat	Changes; see studies			144 people
Endothelin-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			33 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			144 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies			144 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)			144 people

Colostrum

Blood glucose: improves
Ketone Bodies: improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Colostrum: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		16 people
Ketone Bodies	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	16 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people

Maitake

Blood Glucose: improves

Maitake: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood Glucose Small reduction in fasting glucose in small trials	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		60 people

Akkermansia muciniphila

HbA1c: improves

Akkermansia muciniphila: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	HbA1c Significant reduction in HbA1c (only in those with low baseline A. muciniphila)	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		58 people

Gymnema Sylvestre

Blood glucose: improves
Triglycerides: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Gymnema Sylvestre: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		113 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	199 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			135 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			129 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			129 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			199 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people

Astaxanthin

Adiponectin: improves
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Astaxanthin: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		44 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	44 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	44 people
Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	44 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	44 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			44 people
Fructosamine	Changes; see studies			44 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			44 people
vLDL-C	Changes; see studies			44 people

Hesperidin

Blood glucose
HbA1c: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Hesperidin: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	2 studies	318 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			318 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			318 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			318 people

Cannabis

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms
Pain: improves

Cannabis: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms No effect		NoneNo effect	2 studies	46 people
	Pain	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	30 people

Nicotine

Blood Pressure
Glycemic Control: improves

Nicotine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood Pressure No effect		NoneNo effect	2 studies	12 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	24 people

Benfotiamine

Endogenous Advanced Glycation End Products
Proteinuria: improves

Benfotiamine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Endogenous Advanced Glycation End Products No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	82 people
	Proteinuria	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	82 people

Sulbutiamine

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms
Blood glucose
HbA1c: improves

Sulbutiamine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	30 people
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		30 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people

Taurine

Body Mass Index (BMI)
HbA1c: improves
Insulin Resistance: improves

Taurine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Mass Index (BMI) No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	349 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			330 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			285 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			318 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			318 people

Chia seeds

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Chia seeds: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	308 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	308 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	20 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	20 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	20 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			308 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			308 people
Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			308 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			20 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			308 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			308 people

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Blood glucose

Biotin (Vitamin B7): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	33 people

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

Blood glucose
Glucagon
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect on blood glucose		NoneNo effect	1 study	18,282 people
Glucagon No effect on glucagon		NoneNo effect		28 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		3 studies	39 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies		2 studies	178 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			39 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			469 people
Insulin Resistance	Changes; see studies			469 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			39 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies			39 people
Type 2 Diabetes Incidence	Changes; see studies			18,243 people

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

HbA1c
Homocysteine: improves

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	HbA1c No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	142 people
	Homocysteine	Improves (the measure goes down)			183 people

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Blood glucose
HbA1c: changes; see studies

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	216 people
	HbA1c	Changes; see studies			216 people

Fish Oil

Adiponectin
Triglycerides: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Fish Oil: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		54 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		24 studies	751 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		7 studies	149 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		7 studies	131 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	109 people
Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	77 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		4 studies	202 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	90 people
Cell Adhesion Factors	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	50 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	649 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	50 people
Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	237 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	50 people
Platelet Aggregation	Changes; see studies		1 study	80 people
Apolipoprotein A	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			63 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			660 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			54 people
Glucagon	Changes; see studies			28 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			103 people
Homocysteine	Improves (the measure goes down)			81 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			54 people
Non-HDL Cholesterol	Changes; see studies			54 people
Plasminogen Inhibitor-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			14 people
Resistin	Improves (the measure goes up)			54 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			723 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			78 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			54 people
Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			54 people

Coenzyme Q10

Adiponectin
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Coenzyme Q10: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		108 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	174 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	16 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	16 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	619 people
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	60 people
Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	40 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	765 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	60 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	16 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	23 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	16 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	74 people
Endogenous Advanced Glycation End Products	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			134 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			228 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			228 people
Lipoprotein(a)	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			60 people

Rose Hip

Adiponectin
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Rose Hip: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		31 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	31 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	31 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			31 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			31 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			31 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people

Vitamin C

Adiponectin
HbA1c: improves
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves

Vitamin C: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		8 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	354 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	43 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	396 people
Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	63 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	537 people
Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	8 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	406 people
Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	13 people
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	13 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	44 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	106 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	80 people
Plasma Vitamin C	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	157 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	44 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			154 people
Creatinine	Improves (the measure goes up)			65 people
Fat Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes up)			13 people
Fructosamine	Changes; see studies			13 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			284 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			129 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			98 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			55 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			8 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			31 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			284 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)			13 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)			65 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			26 people

Green Tea Extract

Blood glucose
Insulin: changes; see studies
Weight: improves

Green Tea Extract: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		1,251 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		7 studies	870 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	546 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	251 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			665 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			189 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			460 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			336 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			452 people

Chromium

Adiponectin
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
Weight: improves

Chromium: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		25 people
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile No effect		NoneNo effect		240 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		12 studies	807 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		9 studies	369 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	509 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	468 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	550 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	286 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	399 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	340 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	569 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	340 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	340 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	40 people
Apolipoprotein A	Improves (the measure goes up)			36 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			36 people
Appetite	Changes; see studies			137 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			57 people
Fat Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes up)			25 people
Food Intake	Changes; see studies			167 people
Fructosamine	Changes; see studies			114 people
Glutathione (GSH)	Improves (the measure goes up)			550 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people
Hepatic Glucose Production	Changes; see studies			137 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			399 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			30 people
Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)			25 people
QTc Intervals	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Resistin	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			550 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			399 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			550 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			336 people
Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people

Casein

Blood glucose
Triglycerides: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Casein: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		80 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	121 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			183 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			121 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			121 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			121 people

Red Clover Extract

Blood Flow
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Weight: improves

Red Clover Extract: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Flow No effect		NoneNo effect		16 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		6 studies	16 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	16 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	16 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	16 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people
Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)			16 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			16 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Blood glucose
Body Fat: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Conjugated Linoleic Acid: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		67 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		7 studies	35 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		6 studies	67 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	35 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	35 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		5 studies	35 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	67 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	67 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	35 people
Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	32 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			35 people

Roselle

Apolipoprotein A
Apolipoprotein B: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Roselle: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect	53 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)		53 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		91 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		53 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		53 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		53 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		53 people

Vitamin E

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
Blood Flow: improves

Vitamin E: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile No effect		NoneNo effect		55 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	55 people
Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	69 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	55 people
DNA Damage	Changes; see studies		2 studies	78 people
Thromboxane B2	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	58 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	55 people
Type 2 Diabetes Incidence	Changes; see studies		1 study	38,716 people
White Blood Cell Count	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	55 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			74 people
Cell Adhesion Factors	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			55 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			19 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			55 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			55 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Leukotriene B4	Improves (the measure goes up)			110 people
Platelet Aggregation	Changes; see studies			58 people

Dill

Blood glucose
Total cholesterol: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Dill: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		200 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	270 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			100 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			270 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			100 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			270 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			270 people

Safflower Oil

Blood glucose
Body Fat
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Safflower Oil: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	35 people
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect	35 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		35 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		35 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		35 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		35 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		35 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		35 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		35 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		35 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		35 people

Vitamin K

Adiponectin
Insulin Resistance: improves
Blood glucose: improves

Vitamin K: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		452 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	452 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	452 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	452 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			452 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			533 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			452 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			452 people

Roselle

Apolipoprotein A
Blood Pressure: improves
Triglycerides: improves

Roselle: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect		53 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	91 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	53 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			53 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			53 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			53 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			53 people

Soy Protein

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Soy Protein: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		521 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1,203 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,008 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			4,229 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			982 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			998 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,087 people

Medium-chain Triglycerides

Apolipoprotein A
Total cholesterol: improves
Apolipoprotein B: improves

Medium-chain Triglycerides: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect		40 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	40 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			40 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people

Citrulline

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC): improves
Blood glucose: improves

Citrulline: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile No effect		NoneNo effect		54 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	54 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			54 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			54 people
Plasma Nitrate	Improves (the measure goes up)			54 people

Vanadium

Blood Pressure
Glycemic Control: improves
Glycogen Resynthesis: improves

Vanadium: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure No effect		NoneNo effect		6 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	6 people
Glycogen Resynthesis	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	6 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			6 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			6 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			6 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			6 people

Black Chokeberry

Blood glucose
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Black Chokeberry: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		21 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		1 study	21 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		1 study	21 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies			21 people

Melatonin

Blood glucose
HbA1c: improves

Melatonin: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		291 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	325 people

Docosahexaenoic Acid

Blood glucose
Insulin: changes; see studies
Blood Pressure: improves

Docosahexaenoic Acid: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		59 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	59 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people
C-Peptide	Improves (the measure goes up)			59 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			59 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people

Chlorella

Blood Pressure: improves

Chlorella: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	666 people

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves
Blood glucose: worsens

Niacin (Vitamin B3): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	988 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	958 people
Blood glucose Small Detriment	Worsens (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	1,273 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	1,082 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			220 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			988 people

Caffeine

Blood Pressure: changes; see studies
Glycemic Control: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Caffeine: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies		2 studies	45 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	45 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	45 people
Blood glucose Small Detriment	Worsens (the measure goes up)	Small effect		45 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			45 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			45 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies			45 people

D-Ribose

Blood glucose: improves

D-Ribose: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	34 people

Prescription medicines and peptides studied, for context

These are not supplements. Most need a prescription, and some are research compounds with no approved use. They are listed so the supplement evidence above can be read against them.

9 medicines and peptides

Exenatide (Byetta/Bydureon)

Glycemic Control (HbA1c <7%): changes; see studies
Systolic Blood Pressure: improves
Body Weight Reduction: improves

Exenatide (Byetta/Bydureon): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
Glycemic Control (HbA1c <7%) DURATION-1 showed 71% achieved HbA1c <7% and 54% achieved ≤6.5% at 52 weeks with exenatide once weekly.	Changes; see studies	Large effect	32 studies
Systolic Blood Pressure Long-term therapy showed sustained decrease in systolic blood pressure of approximately 2 mmHg over 3-6 years.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	32 studies
Body Weight Reduction DURATION trials showed mean weight loss of 2-4 kg over 6 months. DURATION-5 showed 5.1 lb weight loss with Bydureon vs 3.0 lb with Byetta.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	31 studies
HbA1c Reduction DURATION trials showed HbA1c reductions of 1.1-2.0%. DURATION-1 showed sustained 2.0% reduction at 52 weeks with once-weekly formulation.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	30 studies
Fasting Plasma Glucose DURATION trials showed significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose across all studies vs comparators.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	30 studies
Lipid Profile DURATION trials showed improvements in fasting lipid profiles with exenatide therapy.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	29 studies

Pramlintide (Symlin)

HbA1c Reduction: improves
Postprandial Glucose: improves
Body Weight: improves

Pramlintide (Symlin): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
HbA1c Reduction 52-week RCT: 0.3-0.62% HbA1c reduction vs placebo. Improvement achieved without increase in insulin dose or severe hypoglycemia.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	26 studies
Postprandial Glucose 1-hour PPG reduced by 4.8 mmol/L, 2-hour PPG reduced by 3.4 mmol/L in clinical trials.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	26 studies
Body Weight Significant weight reduction in all dose groups vs placebo. 48% achieved combined HbA1c + weight reduction (vs 16% placebo).	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	25 studies
Postprandial Glucagon Significant suppression of postprandial glucagon secretion, reducing inappropriate hepatic glucose output after meals.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	23 studies
Lipid Profile Reductions in plasma total and LDL cholesterol observed in 4-week trial supporting improved metabolic control.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	23 studies

Retatrutide (GLP-3 Triple Agonist)

Glycemic Control (HbA1c): improves

Retatrutide (GLP-3 Triple Agonist): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Glycemic Control (HbA1c) Phase 2 T2DM (n=281): HbA1c reduction of 2.0-2.2% at 36 weeks. 82% achieved HbA1c ≤6.5%. Superior to 1.5mg dulaglutide comparator. Fasting glucose significantly improved across all doses.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	20 studies

Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda)

HbA1c Reduction: improves
Glycemic Control: improves
Hypoglycemia Risk: improves

Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
HbA1c Reduction LEAD trials showed HbA1c reductions of 1.0-1.14% with liraglutide. LEADER showed sustained 0.40% greater reduction vs placebo at 36 months.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	19 studies
Glycemic Control LEAD-3 showed liraglutide 1.8mg superior to glimepiride monotherapy for glycemic control (1.14% vs 0.51% HbA1c reduction, P<0.0001).	Improves (the measure goes up)	Large effect	19 studies
Hypoglycemia Risk LEAD trials showed liraglutide associated with lower hypoglycemia rates compared to sulfonylureas due to glucose-dependent action.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	16 studies
Beta-Cell Function Studies suggest liraglutide may preserve beta-cell function and reduce glycemic deterioration over time.	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect	16 studies

Lixisenatide (Adlyxin)

Postprandial Glucose Control: improves
Add-on to Basal Insulin: improves
Cardiovascular Safety (MACE)

Lixisenatide (Adlyxin): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
Postprandial Glucose Control GetGoal-Mono: 75% reduction in postprandial glucose excursion. GetGoal-L: Placebo-corrected PPG reduction of 3.8 mmol/L (P<0.0001). Pronounced prandial effect distinguishes from other GLP-1 RAs.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	18 studies
Add-on to Basal Insulin GetGoal-L, GetGoal-L-Asia, GetGoal-Duo: Significant HbA1c and PPG improvements when added to basal insulin. Alternative to prandial insulin without weight gain. Less hypoglycemia than basal-bolus regimens.	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect	17 studies
Cardiovascular Safety (MACE) ELIXA (n=6,068): CV death/MI/stroke/UA hospitalization 13.4% vs 13.2% placebo (HR 1.02, noninferiority P<0.001, superiority P=0.81). No CV harm or benefit. Safe in high-risk post-ACS patients.		NoneNo effect	16 studies
HbA1c Reduction GetGoal program (13 trials, n>5,000): Consistent HbA1c reductions. ELIXA: 0.27% greater reduction vs placebo. GetGoal-L: Significant improvement when added to basal insulin. All trials met primary HbA1c endpoints.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	14 studies
Gastrointestinal Side Effects Most common: Nausea (dose-dependent), vomiting, diarrhea. Generally mild-moderate, resolve within 3-6 weeks. Similar GI profile to other GLP-1 RAs. Gradual dose titration recommended.	Changes; see studies	Moderate effect	14 studies

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)

Weight Loss in Diabetes: improves
Glycemic Control (HbA1c <7%): changes; see studies
HbA1c Reduction: improves

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
Weight Loss in Diabetes SURPASS trials showed 5.4-12.9 kg weight loss in T2DM patients. SURPASS-2 showed tirzepatide 15mg achieved nearly twice the weight loss of semaglutide 1mg.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	17 studies
Glycemic Control (HbA1c <7%) SURPASS-1 showed 87-92% reached HbA1c <7% vs 20% placebo. Up to 52% reached HbA1c <5.7% (normoglycemia).	Changes; see studies	Large effect	12 studies
HbA1c Reduction SURPASS trials showed HbA1c reductions of 1.87-2.58%. SURPASS-2 showed tirzepatide superior to semaglutide 1mg (2.0-2.3% vs 1.86% reduction).	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	10 studies
Beta-Cell Function SURPASS-1 analysis showed tirzepatide improved markers of beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity as monotherapy.	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect	9 studies
Fasting Plasma Glucose SURPASS trials showed substantial reductions in fasting glucose across all dose levels compared to placebo and active comparators.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	9 studies

Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

Glycemic Control (HbA1c <7%): changes; see studies
Fasting Plasma Glucose: improves
Postprandial Glucose: improves

Dulaglutide (Trulicity): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
Glycemic Control (HbA1c <7%) AWARD trials showed higher proportions reaching HbA1c <7% and ≤6.5% vs comparators including sitagliptin, exenatide, and insulin glargine.	Changes; see studies	Large effect	17 studies
Fasting Plasma Glucose AWARD trials showed significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose across all studies vs comparators.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	16 studies
Postprandial Glucose AWARD-CHN2 analysis showed dulaglutide reduces both fasting and postprandial glucose components of HbA1c.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	16 studies
HbA1c Reduction AWARD trials showed HbA1c reductions of 1.10-1.77% depending on dose. AWARD-5 showed 1.10% reduction with 1.5mg vs 0.39% with sitagliptin.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	15 studies
Body Weight Reduction REWIND showed 1.5kg greater weight loss vs placebo sustained over 5.4 years. AWARD trials showed weight loss vs weight-neutral or weight-gaining comparators.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	14 studies

Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)

Glycemic Control: improves
HbA1c Reduction: improves
Fasting Plasma Glucose: improves

Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy): outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
Glycemic Control SUSTAIN 7 showed semaglutide superior to dulaglutide for glycemic control. SUSTAIN 3 showed 1.5% HbA1c reduction vs 0.9% with exenatide ER.	Improves (the measure goes up)	Large effect	14 studies
HbA1c Reduction SUSTAIN trials showed HbA1c reductions of 1.4-1.8% with semaglutide 1.0mg. SUSTAIN 1 demonstrated 1.55% reduction vs 0.02% placebo (P<0.0001).	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	13 studies
Fasting Plasma Glucose SUSTAIN trials showed significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose. SUSTAIN 5 showed 2.0-2.4 mmol/L reductions vs 0.1 mmol/L with placebo.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	13 studies

MOTS-c

Pancreatic Islet Cell Senescence: improves
Type 2 Diabetes Risk: improves

MOTS-c: outcomes studied for Type 2 Diabetes
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Pancreatic Islet Cell Senescence MOTS-c prevents pancreatic islet cell senescence and delays diabetes progression by acting as a senotherapeutic agent.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	4 studies
	Type 2 Diabetes Risk In humans, serum MOTS-c levels are lower in patients with inadequately controlled T2DM (HbA1c >7%). Higher physical activity may rescue metabolic effects in individuals with certain mtDNA polymorphisms.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	5 studies

Key findings

Blood glucoseBeta-glucansImproves (the measure goes down)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Red Yeast RiceImproves (the measure goes down)
Fasting Blood GlucoseBlack Seed OilImproves (the measure goes down)

Safety notes in the studies

Safe in high-risk post-ACS patients.

The Type 2 Diabetes protocol

2 primary supplements · 4 supporting supplements

Berberine500 mg 2–3× daily with meals
Alpha-Lipoic Acid600–1,200 mg daily

See the full protocol

Shop the evidence-backed picks

Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.

Fullscript collectionMetabolic health: evidence-graded picksOpen on Fullscript

The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.

Or shop one supplement

The supplements graded A or B for Type 2 Diabetes. Each opens third-party tested products for that supplement.

Grade A
Grade A
Grade A
Grade B
Grade B
Grade B

We earn from purchases made in our Fullscript store, and links to Fullscript, iHerb or Thorne carry our referral, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Grades come from the research and never change based on what we earn. Full disclosure

Studies cited

29 studies from PubMed

Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitusInt J Clin Pharmacol Ther · PMID 8880292
Effect of a very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet vs recommended diets in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysisNutr Rev · PMID 34338787
Long-Term Effects of a Novel Continuous Remote Care Intervention Including Nutritional Ketosis for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A 2-Year Non-randomized Clinical TrialFront Endocrinol · PMID 31231311
Effect of Dietary Approaches on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.Nutrients · PMID 37513574
The effects of the ketogenic diet for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of recent studies.Diabetes Metab Syndr · PMID 38006799
The effect of a short-term low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet with or without postmeal walks on glycemic control and inflammation in type 2 diabetes: a randomized trialAm J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol · PMID 30303707
Carbohydrate restriction with postmeal walking effectively mitigates postprandial hyperglycemia and improves endothelial function in type 2 diabetesAm J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol · PMID 29030343
Vegetarian and Vegan Dietary Patterns to Treat Adult Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Adv Nutr · PMID 39415400
A low-fat vegan diet improves glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in a randomized clinical trial in individuals with type 2 diabetesDiabetes Care · PMID 16873779
Effect of a Brown Rice Based Vegan Diet and Conventional Diabetic Diet on Glycemic Control of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A 12-Week Randomized Clinical TrialPLoS One · PMID 27253526
A low-fat vegan diet and a conventional diabetes diet in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled, 74-wk clinical trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19339401
Vegetarian diets and glycemic control in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysisCardiovasc Diagn Ther · PMID 25414824
Effects of Vegetarian or Vegan Diets on Glycemic and Cardiometabolic Health in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Nutr Rev · PMID 40037300
Turning the Waiting Room into a Classroom: Weekly Classes Using a Vegan or a Portion-Controlled Eating Plan Improve Diabetes Control in a Randomized Translational StudyJ Acad Nutr Diet · PMID 29398571
Effect of Different Dietary Approaches Compared With a Regular Diet on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisDiabetes Res Clin Pract · PMID 32259613
Impact of a Plant-Based Diet and Support on Mitigating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Latinos Living in Medically Underserved AreasAm J Health Promot · PMID 28503930
The Effect of the Paleolithic Diet vs. Healthy Diets on Glucose and Insulin Homeostasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsJ Clin Med · PMID 31973038
The Effect of Dietary Patterns on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Nutrients · PMID 36364839
Efficacy of Berberis vulgaris and Berberis integerrima on glycemic indices and weight profile in type 2 diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Ayurveda Integr Med · PMID 39413550
Effect of dietary intake of advanced glycation end products on biomarkers of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 39320860
The metabolic effects of intermittent fasting in patients with type 2 diabetes exist in the short term but disappear after its discontinuation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Res · PMID 40367729
Time-Restricted Eating Improves Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.Int J Mol Sci · PMID 40806442
Acute effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on glycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes: Systematic review and meta-analysis.Braz J Phys Ther · PMID 39626547
The effect of Tai Chi on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Endocrinol · PMID 40873952
Time-Restricted Feeding Improves Glucose Tolerance in Men at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover TrialObesity · PMID 31002478
The Effect of Non-Nutritive Sweetened Beverages on Postprandial Glycemic and Endocrine Responses: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 36839408
Effects of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on some risk for developing type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis on controlled clinical trialsNutrition · PMID 23473733
A Single Sauna Session Does Not Improve Postprandial Blood Glucose Handling in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Over, Randomized, Controlled Trial.Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes · PMID 39209309
The effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on 24-h mean blood glucose levels measured by continuous glucose monitoring in type 2 diabetes: a hypothesis-generating meta-analysis.Front Nutr · PMID 41127101