How to maintain stable blood sugar after a meal?

Clinical evidence of the power of white mulberry extract

The study of the secrets of metabolism has been going on for decades, but the concept of metabolic health has recently become increasingly important for understanding and controlling numerous chronic diseases and life expectancy. Metabolic health refers to how the body uses energy, processes nutrients and maintains balance, particularly the stability of blood sugar levels after meals. This aspect of health has a great impact on our body and mind. Due to the rise of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, researchers are increasingly studying how our metabolism affects health.

Obesity, metabolism and type 2 diabetes

Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges today. Although it was once considered a consequence of excessive food intake, today we know that its causes are complex - they include hormones, genetics, inflammation and the composition of microorganisms in the intestines. Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, which is considered a growing global epidemic. The main causes of diabetes are insulin resistance and elevated insulin levels, and a diet with reduced carbohydrate intake is effective in treatment. Although two million people worldwide die from diabetes annually, with treatment and lifestyle changes, it is possible to bring the disease under control and achieve its "remission".

Blood sugar spikes after eating are more dangerous than average sugar levels

One of the most important measures for health in insulin resistance, that is, the condition that precedes type 2 diabetes, is the control of sugar spikes after meals. Such jumps can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease – even in people without diabetes. The type of food we eat strongly affects these jumps. Foods with a high glycemic index raise blood sugar faster and higher compared to foods with a low glycemic index, which helps stabilize sugar, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of diabetes.

How to reduce sugar spikes?

The glycemic response is influenced by the cooking method, the level of food processing and the presence of fat, protein and fiber. Food components, such as fat, protein and fiber, slow down the absorption of sugar and help balance blood glucose. A varied, balanced diet based on unprocessed foods, with plenty of fiber and protein, can reduce the risk of hyperglycemia, improve cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity. A strategy to reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes involves replacing refined grain products, such as white bread, with whole grain bread or cooked whole grains (buckwheat, barley, quinoa), legumes (beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas) and vegetables. Fiber slows down digestion and thus blood sugar levels, as well as combining foods rich in carbohydrates with foods rich in protein and healthy fats.Movement or a walk after a meal, as well as dietary supplements to maintain normal blood sugar levels, can help control spikes in blood.

Dietary supplement for postprandial blood sugar control

Several types of bioactive compounds are used to reduce the rise in blood sugar after a meal, and they achieve their effects by improving insulin sensitivity, slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates or increasing the secretion of insulin. A particularly interesting ingredient used for these purposes is white mulberry leaf extract (Morus alba), has long been known in traditional medicine, and in recent years has been increasingly investigated in clinical studies. The patented extract of white mulberry contains special natural biologically active alkaloid compounds, the most important of which is 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ). The specificity of food supplements containing this active component is that they must be taken with the meal that is the richest in carbohydrates.

Vitamins of the B group (active folate Quatrefolic®, B₆ and B₁₂) are a natural synergistic supplement because they contribute to the normal metabolism of proteins and glycogen, as well as the generation of energy and the normal metabolism of homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine ​​values ​​are a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, and folate, B₆ and B₁₂ they help maintain a normal level of homocysteine ​​in the blood. For many years, the effect of chromium on carbohydrate metabolism has been recognized, therefore formulations intended for regulation also contain chromium in the form of picolinate, which contributes to the normal metabolism of macronutrients and the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. Inositol is a substance similar to B vitamins that is naturally found in the body and participates in numerous metabolic processes. Newer generations of nutritional supplements contain myo and chiro-inositol, which play an important role in cellular signaling, especially in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Research has shown that they can have a beneficial effect on glycemic control and reducing insulin resistance, especially in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What is Reducose™ from white mulberry?

1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) from white mulberry is structurally similar to the sugar glucose, but has a special chemical structure that allows it to block enzymes that break down carbohydrates - such as amylase and α-glucosidase. Because of this effect, its effect on slowing down the breakdown and absorption of sugar from food is being intensively researched.

The patented substance that contains this substance in its composition is Reducose™, a specially processed extract of white mulberry leaves. Clinical studies are investigating the effect of Reducose™ on reducing postprandial sugar and insulin spikes compared to placebo, particularly after consumption of starches and sugars. Scientists have reason to believe that after taking Reducose™, the eaten meal has an effect on the body as a food with a low glycemic index.

Research published in 2024 in a scientific journal Nutrients showed that Reducose® significantly reduces the increase in blood glucose and insulin after a complete meal in people with normal blood sugar levels. Namely, 37 subjects took part in the research and ingested capsules containing 200 mg, 225 mg or 250 mg of Reducose®, or a placebo, before a test meal consisting of 150 g of white bread and egg filling with mayonnaise. All three doses of dietary supplement with Reducose® significantly reduced the rise in blood sugar after a meal - in by an average of about 30% compared to placebo. In addition, all doses also reduced the amount of insulin secreted by the body after a meal by about 31 to 38%. A dose of 250 mg of Reducose® has the strongest effect. That means it is standardized patented ingredient Reducose® in a dose of 250 mg effective in controlling blood sugar and insulin after a meal.

Source:

• Thondre PS, Butler I, Tammam J, Achebe I, Young E, Lane M, Gallagher A. Understanding the Impact of Different Doses of Reducose® Mulberry Leaf Extract on Blood Glucose and Insulin Responses after Eating a Complex Meal: Results from a Double-Blind, Randomised, Crossover Trial. Nutrients. 2024 29;16(11):1670.