Health Information

Insulin

Drug Information

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

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

Common brand names:

Exubera, Humalog, Humanlog, Humulin, Iletin, Levemir, Novolin, NovoRapid, Oralin, Lantus, Apidra, Levemir, NovoLog

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

Reference What Are Nutrient Interactions

Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

Reference DHEA

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

Reduce Side Effects

none

Support Medicine

Reference Fenugreek

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

Reduces Effectiveness

none

Potential Negative Interaction

none

Explanation Required

Reference Biotin

Biotin supplements have been shown to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.⁴ Consequently, supplementing with biotin could reduce blood sugar levels in people with taking insulin, potentially resulting in abnormally low blood sugar levels (Reference hypoglycemia). While biotin supplementation may be beneficial for people with diabetes, its use in combination with insulin or with any other blood sugar–lowering medication should be supervised by a doctor.
Reference Chromium

Chromium supplements have been shown to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.⁵ Consequently, supplementing with chromium could reduce blood sugar levels in people with taking insulin, potentially resulting in abnormally low blood sugar levels (Reference hypoglycemia). While chromium supplementation may be beneficial for people with diabetes, its use in combination with insulin or with any other blood sugar-lowering medication should be supervised by a doctor.
Reference Dandelion

Animal studies have shown that dandelion can lower blood sugar levels. In a case report, a patient who was taking insulin for diabetes developed episodes of hypoglycemia after adding dandelion to her treatment regimen.⁶ People taking blood sugar-lowering drugs should therefore not take dandelion without the supervision of a doctor.
Reference Gymnema

Although no interactions have been reported, gymnema may decrease the required daily dose of insulin.⁸ Therefore, people currently using insulin for the treatment of diabetes should discuss the use of this herb with their healthcare professional.

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

References

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

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

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

4. Maebashi M, Makino Y, Furukawa Y, et al. Therapeutic evaluation of the effect of biotin on hyperglycemia in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. J Clin Biochem Nutr 1993;14:211-8

5. Anderson RA, Cheng N, Bryden NA, Polansky MM, Cheng N, Chi J, et al. Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes1997;46:1786–91.

6. Goksu E, Eken C, Karadeniz O, Kucukyilmaz O. First report of hypoglycemia secondary to dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) ingestion. Am J Emerg Med 2010;28:111.e1–2.

7. Goksu E, Eken C, Karadeniz O, Kucukyilmaz O. First report of hypoglycemia secondary to dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) ingestion. Am J Emerg Med 2010;28:111.e1–2.

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

Last Review: 11-07-2012

Please read the Reference disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. The Aisle7 knowledgebase does not contain every possible interaction.

Reference Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.