Diabetes Mellitus, Non-Insulin-Dependent

Nutrients connected to Diabetes Mellitus, Non-Insulin-Dependent

A link means the body needs the nutrient for this, or that low intake is linked to it. It does not mean extra supplements help if your intake is already adequate; each link shows how strong the evidence is.

• ChromiumPreliminary or mixed

  Low chromium is reported in some older adults with type 2 diabetes. Trials of supplements give mixed results and MedlinePlus says it is not recommended as the only treatment.

• Bitter MelonPreliminary or mixed

  Bitter melon has been tested in adults with type 2 diabetes: a 2024 review found lower glucose and HbA1c, an older Cochrane review found insufficient evidence. It is not a replacement for treatment.

• Black seedPreliminary or mixed

  Pooled trials in people with metabolic disease found lower fasting glucose and HbA1c; reviews of this condition specifically were not read. Authors urge caution.

• GymnemaPreliminary or mixed

  Small studies report lower glucose and HbA1c than at baseline in type 2 diabetes. Evidence is limited and variable, and it must not replace medicines.

• MaitakeDocumented risk

  MSK says maitake may increase the effects of diabetes medicines in type 2 diabetes. No controlled trial showing it treats diabetes was read.

• Gynostemma (Jiaogulan) TeaPreliminary or mixed

  Small trials of a prepared Gynostemma tea product lowered glucose and HbA1c in newly diagnosed people; evidence is limited.

• Soda & Diet SodaPreliminary or mixed

  Sugar-sweetened soda goes with higher diabetes incidence in cohort studies; for diet soda the link shrank after adjusting for body fat.

• SeleniumDocumented risk

  Trials of 200 mcg a day showed a small increased diabetes risk (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.22); a possible safety signal.

• Alpha-lipoic acidPreliminary or mixed

  Studied for blood sugar markers in type 2 diabetes with conflicting results. It should not replace diabetes treatment.

• Olive leafPreliminary or mixed

  One trial found lower HbA1c, a later pilot was inconclusive. Not a replacement for diabetes medicine.

• Stinging nettlePreliminary or mixed

  Lower fasting blood sugar in a meta-analysis; HbA1c unchanged. Not a replacement for treatment.

• Bay leafPreliminary or mixed

  One small 2009 trial of capsules in 40 adults reported lower blood sugar and cholesterol; no larger trial was found. Not a treatment.

• Black seed (nigella)Preliminary or mixed

  Pooled trials in adults with metabolic disease found lower fasting glucose and HbA1c; quality varied. Reviews of type 2 diabetes alone were not read.

• Korean Sanghuang (Sanghuangporus baumii)Lab or animal research only

  Blood sugar markers fell in diabetic rats and mice with extracts; no human study of this species was found, so no benefit in people has been shown.

• GrapesPreliminary or mixed

  Cohort data link more grapes and raisins with lower risk of type 2 diabetes; observational, not proof.

• JackfruitPreliminary or mixed

  One small trial of green jackfruit flour lowered HbA1c; not shown for ripe fruit.

• PotatoesPreliminary or mixed

  Cohorts link french fries with higher type 2 diabetes risk but not baked, boiled or mashed potatoes; one small trial found baked potato similar to white rice. Not a treatment.

• OatsPreliminary or mixed

  Short trials show small glucose drops; cohort studies link oats with lower diabetes risk.

• Brown RicePreliminary or mixed

  Cohort studies link more brown rice with lower type 2 diabetes risk; trials in people with diabetes show no clear blood sugar benefit over white rice.

• Idli & DosaPreliminary or mixed

  Traditional rice idli had a high glycemic index in one study; this is a caution for blood sugar, not a treatment claim.

• CoffeePreliminary or mixed

  Cohort meta-analysis shows lower diabetes risk with more coffee; observational, and one trial did not change glucose measures.

• Decaf CoffeePreliminary or mixed

  Observational meta-analysis shows lower risk per cup of decaf; one small trial did not change glucose measures.

• Energy DrinksDocumented risk

  CDC links frequent sugar-sweetened drinks with type 2 diabetes.

• Black Seed Oil (Nigella)Preliminary or mixed

  A 2025 meta-analysis of 16 trials in type 2 diabetes found lower fasting glucose and HbA1c with black seed (several forms); blood tests only, not complications.

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