Background Information

Diabetes is a syndrome characterized by abnormally elevated sugar levels in the blood. There are two types of diabetes mellitus: type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes and type 2, which is non-insulin-dependent. Insulin is central to diabetes simply because it is the hormone that regulates the metabolism of glucose. Insulin regulates the entry of glucose in our cells, thereby regulating blood sugar levels. The ß cells of the pancreas produce insulin. Insulin is released when blood glucose levels rise, as is the case after a meal. Glucose is the main source of energy for our cells and without the action of insulin, there is improper glucose utilization and storage, which leads to several metabolic derangements including elevated blood sugar levels.

The incidence of diabetes is rapidly increasing and in 2008, 6% of Canadians reported being diagnosed with diabetes. The prevalence of the disease increases with age and can produce some life threatening complications such as heart disease, nerve damage in the hands and feet (neuropathy), kidney failure (nephropathy), eye damage (retinopathy, cataracts, etc.), and more.

Several well-researched nutrients have demonstrated that they can encourage healthy glucose metabolism. Ortho•Glucose II is a nutritional formula that contains nutrients that encourage healthy blood sugar metabolism, support the action of insulin and protect against the complications of high blood sugar levels. These ingredients include cinnamon, chromium, bitter melon, Gymnema and R-lipoic acid.

Research

Cinnamon
Clinical trials have revealed that the bark of this small tree is a great choice for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cinnamon improves the cellular uptake of glucose through its insulin-like activity. It also appears to reduce the gastric emptying rate, which results in lower levels of blood glucose after eating. Reported reduction of fasting plasma glucose levels varied from 10 to 29% depending on the initial glucose levels, and patients with poorly controlled blood glucose levels benefited even more from supplementation with cinnamon.

Diabetic patients often have abnormal blood lipid and cholesterol levels, which predisposes them to cardiac complications. After 40 days of cinnamon supplementation, blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced. A recent study showed that diabetic subjects taking gliclazide with either 120 or 360 mg/day of cinnamon for 3 months had improved HbA1c and fasting blood glucose, while only the low dose group also had reduced triglycerides compared to the placebo group.

Read More

Market Trends

Cinnamon is one of the most popular traditional blood sugar supplements. Cinnamon came to be used in desserts because of its ability to inhibit blood sugar spikes after consuming sweets.

Read More

AOR Advantage

Ortho•Glucose IITM is AOR’s premium blood sugar balance formula, containing the most well-researched nutrients and plant extracts studied in diabetic subjects. They have been shown to reduce elevations in blood sugar levels, potentiate the action of insulin, improve the cellular utilization of glucose and reduce risk factors for complications associated with diabetes. Ortho•Glucose IITM is the ideal choice for those trying to regain normal carbohydrate metabolism and striving to achieve normal blood glucose levels while protecting against the harmful effects of high blood sugar, all in one formula.

References

Alpha-lipoic acid. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2006 Sep;11(3):232-7.

Baskaran K, Kizar Ahamath B, Radha Shanmugasundaram K, Shanmugasundaram ER. Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. J Ethnopharmacol. 1990 Oct; 30(3): 295-300.

Fuangchan A, Sonthisombat P, Seubnukarn T, Chanouan R, Chotchaisuwat P, Sirigulsatien V, Ingkaninan K,Plianbangchang P, Haines ST. Hypoglycemic effect of bitter melon compared with metformin in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Mar 24;134(2):422-8.