As carbohydrates and sugar become an even larger part of the modern diet, more people than ever are at risk of developing elevated blood glucose levels. Unfortunately, the signs of high blood sugar, fatigue and frequent feelings of thirst and hunger, can be mild and easily overlooked.
A healthy glucose metabolism responds to food consumption and the corresponding rise in blood sugar by producing metabolic hormones, which help transport glucose out of the bloodstream and into the body’s cells for use as energy. But a diet heavy in sugar and carbohydrates can desensitize this hormonal response to blood sugar spikes from food intake, impairing the body’s ability to remove glucose from the blood. This built-up resistance can lead to unhealthy blood sugar levels, energy crashes and constant cravings.
Blood glucose is an essential measure of your health and has a direct impact on diabetes. Millions of Americans are struggling with managing their blood sugar levels. In fact, according to the International Diabetes Federation, the prevalence of diabetes in the U.S. is staggering as follows:
• Prevalence: 589 million adults (aged 20-79) live with diabetes worldwide, which is one in nine people in that age group.
• Undiagnosed Cases: Over four in 10 people with diabetes are unaware they have it.
• Projected Increase: The number is expected to rise to 853 million by 2050.
• Type 1 Diabetes: Approximately 9.5 million people have been diagnosed with T1D, with the number increasing since 2021.
• Health Expenditure: Diabetes caused at least $1 trillion in health expenditures in 2024.
• Mortality: Diabetes was responsible for 3.4 million deaths in 2024.
• Risk of Complications: People with type 2 diabetes are at an 84 percent higher risk of heart failure than those without the condition.
A combination of a healthy diet, exercise and a supplement regimen can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels by promoting greater sensitivity and stability in the body’s metabolic response to food consumption.
Blood Sugar Ingredient Innovation
Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is not only important for people with diabetes but for the general population as well. The body utilizes insulin to maintain a range of healthy blood sugar levels. When those levels fluctuate, serious conditions such as diabetes and hypoglycemia can occur. People with blood sugar disorders must learn how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels to remain healthy.
Foods that contain carbohydrates raise blood glucose. People that monitor carbohydrate consumption and set limits typically have healthy blood glucose levels. There are three main types of carbohydrates:
• Starches (also known as complex carbohydrates)
• Sugars
• Fiber
When stocking their shelves, retailers should understand terms like naturally occurring sugar, added sugar, low-calorie sweeteners, sugar alcohols, reduced-calorie sweeteners, processed grains, enriched grains, complex carbohydrate, sweets, refined grains and whole grains. All of these are part of the marketing game and can be misleading.
Furthermore, there are many beneficial nutrients that can be found in blood sugar management formulas, including the following, among others:
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): A compound found naturally inside every cell in the body. It’s needed by the body to produce energy for our body’s normal functions. ALA improves insulin function by helping to burn glucose for energy. It also offers antioxidant protection to all cells of the body. Additionally, ALA is thought to work as an antioxidant in both water and fatty tissue, enabling it to enter all parts of the nerve cell and protect it from damage. In fact, preliminary studies suggest that ALA may help with diabetic neuropathy. In one of the largest studies on the use of ALA, 181 people took 600 mg, 1,200 mg or 1,800 mg of alpha lipoic acid a day or a placebo. After five weeks, alpha lipoic acid improved symptoms.
Berberine: An alkaloid compound found in plants of the barberry family, berberine has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have confirmed its ability to promote healthy blood sugar levels while also supporting optimal metabolic hormone sensitivity. Consistent daily use is essential for boosting energy and curbing cravings.
Chromium: The body uses it to metabolize sugars and fats. It is the perfect partner to insulin, increasing the hormone’s efficiency in transporting blood sugar into the cells, where it can be used for energy. Chromium is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Two forms are commonly available as supplements: glucose-tolerance factor (GTF) chromium and chromium picolinate. Chromium enhances the actions of insulin and is necessary for maintaining normal metabolism and storage of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Inadequate intake of chromium has been linked to the development of glucose intolerance, a condition seen in type 2 diabetes.
Prebiotics/Probiotics: Has a great upside for blood sugar management. In fact, in January 2013, a Netherlands study showed a direct relationship between gut microbiota and diabetes. Researchers saw that kids with type 1 diabetes had abnormal gut flora, versus kids without diabetes. The primary difference between kids with diabetes and kids without was in their microbiota composition. Kids with beta cell autoimmunity, meaning type 1 diabetes, had low levels of a particular microbe. Two specific microbiotas were lacking in children with type 1 diabetes: lactic acid-producing and butyric acid-producing bacteria. This seems to be a potential marker for kids with diabetes. While the study was very small, just 18 children, it caught everyone’s attention due to the clarity of the results, and it circled back to a 2006 study from New York Academy of Sciences where they looked at food that specifically helped those with type 1 diabetes. Foods containing rich sources of prebiotics and probiotics showed significant benefits in children with diabetes.
Sugar and refined carbohydrates are directly responsible for the glucose management challenges in the U.S. The problem with sugars and refined foods is that they are so addictive and exist in a wide range of processed foods. And processed foods are all around us. While there are plenty of reasons to avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates, is it realistic to think we can eliminate them from our diet? Natural products companies and retailers must educate people about nutritious foods and the information that is presented on food labels. And this is easier said than done. Sugars alone are too numerous to list here.
In short, natural products companies can have a dramatic impact on the glucose management concerns faced by consumers nationwide. I have no doubt our industry will continue to launch compelling new glucose management products. I have no doubt our industry will continue to generate compelling new science in glucose management. The question remains will consumers implement a strategy in their daily nutrition routines that will promote a long-term solution to their glucose management challenges.
Living with a chronic disease of any type isn’t easy. And diabetes is no exception. The 589 million adults who struggle with the disease worldwide is a staggering number. But many are living with diabetes successfully. Interestingly, in a failing health system, many are addressing their blood sugar challenges with innovative dietary supplement formulas and functional foods. And these products contain groundbreaking ingredients proven efficacious by legitimate science generated by brilliant researchers, many of whom are vital players in the natural products industry. Retailers and marketers are also incentivized by the annual $9.4 billion to $9.7 billion in sales generated in 2024 with projections to reach between $12.7 billion and $17.5 billion by 2030-2034 for diabetes and related dietary supplements. Whatever the motivation, glucose management poses very compelling challenges moving forward.VR
Mark Becker is a regional sales manager for Sudeep Pharma USA Inc. a principal nutritional ingredient manufacturer based in Branchburg, NJ. He has worked as a natural products sales and marketing executive for 35 years. Becker has written more than 300 articles and has hosted or been a guest on more than 500 radio shows. He obtained a bachelor’s in journalism from Long Beach State University and did his master’s work in communications at Cal State Fullerton. For almost 45 years he has participated in numerous endurance events, including more than 150 triathlons of Olympic distance or longer, 103 marathons and numerous other events including ultramarathons and rough water swims from Alcatraz to the mainland. He has relied on a comprehensive dietary supplement regimen to support his athletic, professional and personal endeavors. For more information, access www.sudeeppharma.com or www.AlliedBioNutrition.com.
