The Best Probiotics for Diabetes
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed. For people with diabetes, probiotics may help improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and assist with blood sugar management.
But with so many probiotic strains and products available, how do you know which are the best for diabetes? This article explores the evidence on probiotics and diabetes, and provides tips for choosing the most effective probiotic supplements.
How Probiotics May Benefit Diabetes
Research suggests certain probiotic strains offer advantages for people with diabetes:
- Improve gut barrier integrity
- Modulate gut microbiota
- Reduce glucose levels and HbA1c
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Decrease inflammation
- Aid weight loss
- Prevent diabetes complications
Probiotics may counter some of the underlying factors involved in diabetes like chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, obesity and imbalanced gut bacteria.
Best Strains of Probiotics for Diabetes
Human research has identified several probiotic strains that appear most promising for diabetes:
Lactobacillus acidophilus
One of the most researched probiotic strains. Studies show L. acidophilus may:
- Lower fasting blood glucose in diabetics
- Improve HbA1c
- Enhance insulin sensitivity
- Reduce inflammatory cytokines
Lactobacillus casei
This probiotic strain seems to provide multiple benefits:
- Lower post-meal blood glucose spikes
- Raise insulin secretion
- Improve antioxidant status
- Reduce inflammation
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Studies indicate B. bifidum may:
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Promote healthier cholesterol levels
- Reduce intestinal permeability
- Lower inflammatory markers
Bifidobacterium longum
Research on B. longum shows it may:
- Lower blood glucose and HbA1c
- Improve lipid profile
- Restore gut barrier function
- Reduce endotoxemia
Lactobacillus reuteri
This unique probiotic appears to:
- Lower fasting and post-meal glucose
- Raise glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)
- Reduce intestinal inflammation
Always look for human clinical trials backing up probiotic benefits, rather than just animal or lab studies.
What to Look for in a Diabetes Probiotic
When evaluating probiotic supplements for diabetes, keep these tips in mind:
- Strains: Choose products with research-backed strains like L. acidophilus, L. casei, B. bifidum.
- CFUs: Select higher potency formulas with colony counts in the billions.
- Delivery: Seek capsules over loose powder forms for convenience.
- Combination: Diverse multi-strain formulas provide synergistic benefits.
- Storage: Look for refrigerated or freeze-dried formulas for stability.
- Quality: Ensure any claims are supported by clinical data.
Probiotic supplements should list the bacterial strains and number of live active cultures on the label. Higher CFU counts indicate more probiotics.
6 Best Probiotic Supplements for Diabetes
Based on the clinical research, here are 6 top-rated probiotic supplements to consider for diabetes management:
1. Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic
- 30 billion live cultures from 12 strains
- Includes 6 researched diabetes strains
- Shelf stable formula
- Delayed-release for enhanced delivery
2. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics
- 16 billion cultures from 5 researched strains
- Specialized diabetic probiotic
- Also contains vitamin D
- Shelf stable vegetarian capsules
3. 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum
- 51 billion live organisms across 11 strains
- Includes 7 highly-researched strains
- Time release capsules
- 6 month supply in each bottle
4. Physician's Choice Probiotic
- 60 billion cultures from 10 potent strains
- Focused on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity strains
- Made with Bio-Tract technology
- Moisture resistant capsules
5. Nuzena Probiotic & Prebiotic Supplement
- 50 billion live probiotics from 12 strains
- Contains 6 clinically-supported diabetes strains
- Shelf-stable capsules
- Also includes 500mg Jerusalem Artichoke prebiotic
6. Balance ONE Probiotics
- 16 strains and 54 billion cultures
- High in well-researched Bifidobacterium
- Time-release capsules with patented delivery
- Probiotic + prebiotic formula
Always follow label instructions for proper storage and usage. Consider a refrigerated probiotic if not traveling long term.
Should You Take Probiotics with Diabetes Medication?
Most diabetics take some form of medication to lower blood sugar levels. Common options include:
- Metformin
- Sulfonylureas
- Insulin
- SGLT2 inhibitors
- GLP-1 agonists
- DPP-4 inhibitors
Probiotics are generally considered safe to take along with these conventional diabetes medications and insulin. But there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Probiotics may enhance the glucose-lowering effect of some drugs.
- Monitor glucose closely when first starting probiotics.
- Consult your doctor about any potential interactions.
- Avoid taking within 2 hours of antibiotics.
Probiotics should not interact directly with diabetes medication. But the added blood sugar-lowering effect may increase your risk of hypoglycemia if doses are not adjusted properly.
Should You Take Probiotics with Metformin?
Metformin is commonly recommended as a first line treatment for type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity.
Some research indicates certain probiotic strains can boost the efficacy of metformin. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces boulardii and multi-strain formulations may provide added benefits when taken with metformin.
Starting probiotics while on metformin may allow you to achieve better blood sugar control. But be
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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