A new analysis of multiple studies suggests that probiotics, synbiotics, and the supplement berberine can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The review combined data from over 2,000 participants and found that these supplements led to small but significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (by about 0.71 mmol/L) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by about 0.19%. When looking at probiotics alone, the reductions were similar: roughly 0.80 mmol/L for blood sugar and 0.21% for HbA1c.
These results are promising, but it is important to keep them in perspective. The improvements were modest, meaning they are not a replacement for standard diabetes treatments like medication, diet, and exercise. The researchers note that there was a lot of variation between the studies, which makes the findings less certain. They also call for larger and longer trials with standardized doses and types of supplements.
No serious safety concerns were reported in the studies, but the analysis did not detail side effects. The takeaway is that probiotics, synbiotics, and berberine might be helpful additions to a diabetes management plan, but they should not be used as a primary treatment. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.