Insulin sensitivity describes how effectively your body responds to insulin, the hormone that helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells for energy. When cells respond less effectively, this is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can contribute to higher blood glucose and is closely linked with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. [1,2]

If you are concerned about insulin resistance, supplements should not be the first or only strategy. The most useful next steps are to assess your diabetes risk, arrange appropriate blood glucose testing, and work on sustainable eating, activity, sleep and weight-management habits where relevant. [2]

Possibly in selected situations, but not reliably enough to treat them as proven diabetes-prevention or blood-sugar-control tools. Research on individual products has produced mixed results, and studies often differ in dose, formulation, participant characteristics and duration. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2026 Standards of Care advise against routine micronutrient, herb or spice supplementation for glycaemic benefit, while the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says evidence for most supplements remains insufficient or inconclusive. [2,3]

Not routinely just because you have prediabetes. If a blood test shows a nutrient deficiency, supplementation may be appropriate for that deficiency. But taking chromium, vitamin D, bitter melon or ALA specifically to “reverse” insulin resistance is not supported strongly enough to replace evidence-based lifestyle changes, follow-up testing or medical care. [2,3]