Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Diabetes? Debunking a Myth

Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot regulate its own blood glucose levels. The condition can be treated with medication, diet, and exercise, and recent research suggests it may even help people manage their blood sugar better.

Apple cider vinegar is a staple in most kitchens, and it’s known for its many health benefits, but is taking apple cider vinegar good for diabetes?

In this article, we will be looking at how drinking apple cider vinegar may help with blood sugar control, what dosage you should take, and how ACV may impact insulin sensitivity. Keep reading to learn more now.

Can ACV lower blood sugar immediately?

It is thought that ACV can lower blood sugar within 30 minutes of consumption. A study has shown that apple cider vinegar takes effect relatively quickly but that this response may slow down after longer usage.

Research suggests that apple cider vinegar alters how the body absorbs glucose and increases insulin sensitivity. Both of these factors work together to provide better blood glucose management.

Apple Cider Vinegar Dosage for Diabetes

For those with diabetes, it is suggested that you dilute 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and consume it daily. The dilution should help avoid irritation of the stomach.

Though the research suggests apple cider vinegar may be good for those with diabetes, it should not be treated as a cure-all, and it cannot be the only treatment you use to manage your type 2 diabetes.

Indeed, those with diabetes need to adjust their diet and could try dieting methods like keto or intermittent fasting, provided their doctor says it is okay. In addition, you should increase your activity level by incorporating gym classes, like pilates, or perhaps taking up running to help manage your condition.

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Impact Insulin?

Research has shown that apple cider vinegar can help people’s bodies to use their insulin more effectively. For those with diabetes, efficient use of insulin may help manage and treat the condition.

Type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or respond properly to it. This means ACV could have some excellent health benefits for those with type 2 diabetes.

However, it is important not to rely solely on ACV if you have type 2 diabetes. Instead, you need to alter your diet, focus more on whole grains, and maintain your blood sugar levels so you don’t endanger your health.

Some evidence suggests that intermittent fasting can help those with type 2 diabetes. You could try methods like the 12-hour fast and the 14:10 method, to begin with.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Lower A1C?

Studies in rats have shown that apple cider vinegar can help lower A1C levels; however, the results have yet to be replicated in human studies. The A1C test is used to determine whether you have prediabetes or diabetes. If this concerns you, you may benefit from checking the digital diabetes monitoring apps

Most diabetes management apps track your caloric intake and macronutrient composition. Also, some of them offer diabetes-friendly recipes, too, to help you stay on track with your diabetes diet.

What Kind of ACV Is Good for Diabetes?

When choosing vinegar for a diabetes diet, it is best to choose unfiltered and unrefined ACV. Look out for cloudy and raw apple cider vinegar that is packed full of beneficial bacteria. It might also be called an ACV with the mother.

The “mother” is the cloudy chains within ACV that begin the fermentation process. This is added to many drinks and is what makes apple cider vinegar such a beneficial vinegar.

You should also opt for organic ACV to protect yourself from the toxic residue found in produce from mainstream farms. While mainstream farming uses synthetic chemicals to aid growth, these compounds are banned from organic farms.

These chemicals have been shown to have adverse effects on humans, so choosing organic products can help protect your health and the planet.

4 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Diabetes

Apple cider vinegar has lots of benefits for your health and particularly for those looking to better manage blood glucose levels. Most of the health benefits of ACV come from the high levels of acetic acid in it. You can find acetic acid in apple juice too.

Below, we have summarized some of the benefits of ACV for diabetes.

#1 Balances pH in the body

ACV is actually only slightly acidic. It is made so by its acetic acid content. Because of this, it isn’t as acidic as normal vinegar. In the body, the alkaline nutrients within ACV, like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, are thought to help balance the pH of the body. However, there is no research to suggest that ACV has this effect and most evidence is anecdotal.

A balanced pH level in the body may protect you from conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, and some cancers.

#2 Reduces cholesterol

Animal studies have shown that ACV is known to reduce cholesterol. Reducing cholesterol can help improve overall heart health and prevent heart attack, cardiovascular disease, and other heart conditions.

High cholesterol levels can affect your health in general, and it is best to keep them at a safe level by following a healthy diet and exercising more regularly.

#3 Helps lower glucose levels

As previously mentioned, apple cider vinegar is thought to help the body better absorb glucose and decrease insulin resistance. Both of these factors help lower overall blood glucose levels and help with the management of diabetes.

Though ACV is good for diabetes, it is not a cure-all. Instead, you need to alter your diet, eat low-carb foods and more whole grains. You could try out the ketogenic diet or an intermittent fasting method, both of which could help those with diabetes. This condiment is keto-friendly; therefore, you can use it while on a keto diet.

#4 Lowers blood pressure

High blood pressure is a risk factor for poor heart health, and studies in rats have shown that apple cider vinegar can help keep blood pressure low. Though ACV has had positive effects on blood pressure in rats, these studies have yet to be replicated in humans.

Those with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart problems and so keeping risk factors like blood pressure under control can help to reduce these risks. In addition, high BP can affect your overall health, so reducing it is in your best interests.

FAQs

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries for its many benefits for health. It contains healthy bacteria which can support better digestive health, promotes heart health, and improves blood sugar regulation.

Apple cider vinegar may be useful for those looking for better blood sugar management; however, it cannot be the only change you make after a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.