Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is often touted as a miracle elixir. It has claims online from helping with weight loss, to skin conditions, to digestion and blood sugar control for diabetics. I have personally recommended Apple Cider Vinegar to my patients. This article will investigate the claim that Apple Cider Vinegar can help with blood sugar management.

Blood Sugar and Diabetics

Diabetics tend to have inefficient blood sugar metabolism, and in some cases insulin resistance. The goal with diabetics (and non-diabetics to), is to manage blood sugar (keep it stable and avoid blood sugar spikes) and keep insulin stable (keep our system sensitive to insulin, but not resistant).

Apple Cider Vinegar for Blood Sugar and Diabetes

Apple cider vinegar has been shown in human research to be beneficial for those with insulin resistance (Type 2 Diabetes). In this trial they gave people 20 grams of ACV and found improvements to insulin sensitivity as well as post-meal blood sugar spikes [1].

In healthy individuals we observe a dose-dependent relationship to blood sugar and insulin after eating. In a study giving a person bread, along with approximately 2 grams of ACV, blood sugar spikes were significantly lower [2].

How It May Work

Animal studies show that ACV decreases a number of glucose transporters and enzymes in the digestive track, thereby slowing down carbohydrate breakdown. This would prevent blood sugar spikes [3].

People Claim ACV Works

A quick search on WebMDs user reviews sees that ACV actually has a 4.54 out of 5 star rating for effectiveness in diabetics [4]. This data is completely user-driven and subjective but should carry some importance.

ACV Has Potential to Help in Blood Sugar Control

Apple Cider Vinegar has many health claims but perhaps the most scientifically sound one is its use in blood sugar control. Using ACV, alongside other lifestyle and nutraceutical interventions would be involved in the management of a diabetic patient; talk to your naturopath today.