Supplement–drug interactions
Supplements That Interact with Diabetes drugs (insulin, metformin)
10 supplements in NutriDex have a known or theoretical interaction with diabetes drugs (insulin, metformin). Grouped by severity below; each links to its full evidence, dosing & mechanism. This is educational and not exhaustive — always tell your doctor or pharmacist about every supplement you take before combining it with medication.
Caution — use only with medical guidance 5
Additive blood-glucose lowering; may cause hypoglycemia with diabetes drugs.
Bitter melon can notably lower blood sugar and may have additive effects with insulin or diabetes drugs, risking hypoglycemia.
Fenugreek may lower blood sugar; large doses alongside diabetes drugs can cause a harmful drop in blood sugar.
Gymnema can lower blood sugar and may add to the glucose-lowering effect of diabetes drugs, risking hypoglycemia.
Maitake can lower blood sugar and may increase the effect of diabetes medications, risking hypoglycemia.
Monitor — watch for effects 5
May lower blood glucose and add to diabetes medications, raising hypoglycemia risk.
May lower blood sugar, potentially adding to diabetes drugs; monitor for hypoglycemia.
Cassia cinnamon may modestly lower blood sugar, adding to diabetes medications.
Panax ginseng may lower blood glucose, adding to diabetes medications.
High-dose niacin can raise blood glucose and worsen glycemic control.
Each supplement links to its full evidence, dosing, mechanism & citations. See also all medication interaction guides →