• Find Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

dLife Daily Tips

Do you have hypoglycemic unawareness?

Read More View All Tips

Diabetes Questions & Answers
Your diabetes questions answered by our Experts and Community.


Can't find the answer you are looking for?
Ask a new question
The Question
09/25/09 03:35 PM

"Do you think Milk Thistle will help me control my blood sugar. I have type 2 diabetes. My sugar is high in the mornings 180- 200. Other Supplements?"
Asked By: adywan  
Category: Oral Medications

Background Info Hide
I take - Morning -1 ea 4mg amaryl,1 ea 500 mg Brewers yeast, 1 ea 500 mg Metformin Lunch time - 2 ea 500 mg brewers yeast, 1 ea 500 mg metformin, 1 ea 45 mg Actos, 1 ea 500 mg cinnamon Dinner - 2 ea 500 mg metformin, 2 ea 500 mg Brewers yeast, 1 ea 500 mg Cinnamon Before bed 1 ea 500 mg Brewers yeast. I have been a diabetic for just about 2 years, age 48, 6' , 150 lbs, don't have any weight issues. I cannot put on any weight. I lost about 20 lbs before diagnosis and have gained back approx 10. Do you think any other supplements might help. I've tried Chromium and it did not help.

Expert Answers (1)

10/05/09 08:59 AM

Hello adywan
I am very concerned about your use of herbal or health food store supplements. These products are not tested or regulated. They can have active ingredients that can interact with your prescribed medications. From the information you added, Brewers yeast is taken frequently. Vitamin Bs are in the yeast. Are you kidneys effected by the metabolism of these vitamins? How much is too much. These answers cannot be answered as each batch of the supplement will be different. Be sure your doctor knows of all these supplements.

Your morning blood sugars being a little high might be the result of the Dawn effect. Everyone has a Dawn Effect but diabetics are effected more by this cyclic metabolism. Over night as soon as your glucose levels drop off because you are not eating, your liver produces glucose to keep your body running. In addition to this, there are other hormones active during your resting phase that increase the glucose levels. Steroids are released from the adrenals and increase the blood sugar. The one way to counteract this effect to to have that evening snack with about 15 grams of carbs to " hold you over" . Not eating only makes your liver provide the energy and sometimes this will spike your fastng glucose levels.

Answered By: Rita Juray
Accreditations: RN, MLT-ASCP, CCM, CDE
Sources Show

Community Answers (0)

There are currently no community answers to this question. Be the first to Post an Answer

Most Recent Oral Medications Questions:

Is there a medicine for diabetics that won't make me dizzy.I take Metformin twice a day and I'm bouncing off the walls.
I read somewhere that there is now Metformin that doesn't have that fishy smell. For the life of me, I can't remember the name. Help! & Thank u
Victoza and Metformin for a type 1
My hubby is a diabetic for the past 3 mnths.his bs levels r ok.but he has put on 1 kg.isit due to medicines.he is on very good diet,exercise .pls help
Why would a non diabetic be prescribed Actos/ Met combo if not diagnosed as a diabetic.
There is a product called Supple which is a drink. This product claims to lower blood sugar. Is this product safe for type 2 diabetics.
my hubby is on glciphage metformin.rt now his bs levels are fast 77 & pp is 123.can we lessen the dose or quit the drugs & stay only on diet,exercis

 

*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

Sign up for FREE dLife Newsletters

dLife Membership is FREE! Get exclusive access, free recipes, newsletters, savings, and much more! FPO

FPO

Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!

dLife Weekly Poll

Has diabetes made it difficult to get/renew a driver's license?

View Results
More Polls
More Diabetes Information
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
More dLife Information
Copyright © 2012 LifeMed Media, Inc.    All Rights Reserved.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.