health

Blood Glucose Level Support

A concise look at Blood Glucose Level Support, presented as a health-related effect.

2Supplements
35Practices

These are research findings, not promises. Most options have little evidence, and results differ from person to person.

What may help

What studies found for each option, best evidence first.

37 options:1 good evidence4 some evidence5 mixed19 not enough evidence2 not tested in people6 no benefit found

What studies foundSize of effect

Hatha YogapracticeGood evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Good human studies found a benefit, and they mostly agree. This is about what studies measured, not a cure.
6 of 7 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found fasting blood glucose was 12.25 mg/dL lower, on average, among 1,387 people in its fasting-glucose analysis. Results varied substantially across the trials; one trial also reported a 29.48% decrease in the Hatha yoga group.
Open the Hatha Yoga page
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
In people with Diabetes Type 2, pooled randomized trials reported reductions in HbA1c (−1.18%), FPG (22.43 mg/dL) and OGT (−36.6 mg/dL) compared with standard care. Another pooled analysis involving 319 people with Diabetes Type 2 reported improvements in FPG alongside periodontal indices and hs-CRP.
Open the Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) page
CyclingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Cycling page
Laughter Yoga / TherapypracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a 2023 randomized trial of 42 people with type 2 diabetes, mean HbA1c changed from 7.07% to 6.82% with Laughter Yoga, compared with 7.19% to 7.26% in the control group; the between-group difference was −0.31% (95% confidence interval: −0.54% to −0.09%). A 2026 quasi-experimental study also reported a reduction in fasting blood sugar.
Open the Laughter Yoga / Therapy page
BreathworkpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2026 randomized trial of 62 people found fasting glucose was reduced by -6% compared with usual care. A review also reported a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar in one trial.
Open the Breathwork page
QigongpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Large
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
4 of 6 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A 2017 meta-analysis of randomized trials found fasting blood glucose was 8.88 mg/dL lower with Tai Chi/Qigong than with no intervention or usual care among 85 people in its analysis. A 2023 analysis found lower fasting blood glucose with a 3-month intervention than a 6-month Qigong intervention, but concluded that the evidence was insufficient to establish this difference.
Open the Qigong page
FastingpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Very small
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
30 of 43 studies found a benefit; 13 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Fasting page
Strength TrainingpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
11 of 16 studies found a benefit; 5 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found hemoglobin A1c decreased by -0.62% among 1,396 people in its outcome analysis; another found fasting blood glucose improved compared with standard treatment. Findings vary by comparison: a separate pooled analysis found no significant differences between LP and UP in glycemic parameters.
Open the Strength Training page

YogapracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Large
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
12 of 14 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A 2026 pooled analysis of randomized trials reported that yoga reduced HbA1c by 0.64%; another 2026 pooled analysis found no benefit for fasting blood glucose, so the findings differ by glucose measure.
Open the Yoga page
PilatespracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Not known
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
6 of 7 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A 2025 pooled analysis of randomized trials found HbA1c was lower by 0.96% compared with standard care among 275 people. Findings differ across reviews: one review noted Pilates was not the most effective intervention for glycaemia control.
Open the Pilates page
Tai ChipracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
3 of 4 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Tai Chi page
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
26 of 43 studies found a benefit; 17 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Pooled analyses of randomized trials found lower blood glucose, including a reduction in fasting glucose of 16.63 mg/dL with low-volume HIIT versus control in an analysis of 738 people. Findings disagree: another pooled analysis reported no significant effect on glucose.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) page
CardiopracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
9 of 12 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Pooled analyses found improved glucose measures in postmenopausal women and lower glycated hemoglobin compared with standard treatment. In contrast, a pooled analysis of randomized trials found no significant change in fasting glycaemia, so findings differed across measures and analyses.
Open the Cardio page
Anusara YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A 2026 meta-analysis of randomized trials in people with Obesity found a decrease in HbA1c; the estimated change was trivial.
Open the Anusara Yoga page
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) page
Brisk WalkingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
3 of 9 studies found a benefit; 6 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2024 trial reported a 9.2% decrease in fasting glucose in both the exercise and control groups. A 2012 study found fasting blood sugar decreased by 2.82 mg% after 10 weeks of brisk walking; a separate 2020 trial found an HbA1c decrease that was close to statistical significance.
Open the Brisk Walking page
AcupuncturepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found that body acupuncture + CT had the best effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) in people with type 2 diabetes.
Open the Acupuncture page
MeditationpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Meditation page
CalisthenicspracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 4 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2020 randomized trial of 48 participants found mean glucose differed from control immediately after a meal-time bodyweight exercise session. A separate 2022 randomized trial found no changes in glucose or insulin area-under-the-curve during an OGTT, or in HOMA-IR.
Open the Calisthenics page
Hot BathpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 4 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a non-randomized trial.
A quasi-experimental study of 18 people with diabetes type 2 or overweight found fasting glucose fell by −0.46 mmol/l after the intervention compared with control. A trial of 24 found no between-group difference in changes in fasting or tolerance-test glucose.
Open the Hot Bath page
Cupping TherapypracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a non-randomized trial.
Open the Cupping Therapy page
Jump Rope TrainingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Jump Rope Training page
Grounding / EarthingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized controlled trial in 168 people with diabetes reported that continuous earthing decreased blood glucose (2011).
Open the Grounding / Earthing page
TENS / EMS TherapypracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A review of 245 people reported that Glycated Hemoglobin decreased within the low-frequency TENS group, but comparisons with placebo were not consistent: one trial found no between-group difference, while another did.
Open the TENS / EMS Therapy page
Infrared SaunapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a non-randomized trial.
In a 2025 quasi-experimental study involving 14 people with type 2 diabetes, plasma glucose iAUC was lower over the postprandial period following 8 weeks of PHT.
Open the Infrared Sauna page
Tabata TrainingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 4 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a non-randomized trial.
A quasi-experimental study in people with obesity found fasting blood sugar (FBS) lower by 15.2 mg/dl. Studies disagree: a randomized trial found no statistically significant change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG).
Open the Tabata Training page
Swedish (Classic) MassagepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized trial involving 36 people with Diabetes (General) found blood glucose levels were lower in the intervention group than in the control group after the intervention.
Open the Swedish (Classic) Massage page
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 4 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a randomized trial involving 36 people, average blood glucose decreased from 4.57 to 4.30 mmol/L after forest bathing and was unchanged after urban bathing. Another randomized trial involving 24 people reported decreases in GLU, TG, and CHO after 7 days of forest therapy compared with 7 days in an urban environment.
Open the Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) page
Hot YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a small pilot study.
A pilot study with 29 participants found a reduced area under the glucose curve after an oral glucose tolerance test in older adults with obesity, but not in young, lean participants.
Open the Hot Yoga page
ChagasupplementNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
7 of 8 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: an animal study. Studied for 21 days.
Open the Chaga page
Turkey TailsupplementNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: an animal study. Studied for 4 weeks.
In animals with metabolic syndrome, blood glucose significantly decreased only at the high dose; medium and low doses were not significant.
Open the Turkey Tail page
Ice Bath / Cold PlungepracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A blood-glucose benefit has not been established in healthy participants.
Open the Ice Bath / Cold Plunge page
Heating Pads / Warm CompressespracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit. Strongest study: a small pilot study.
A 2026 pilot study found no difference in glucose tolerance between control and intervention; studies did not support this effect.
Open the Heating Pads / Warm Compresses page
Latin Dance FitnesspracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
A 2019 trial of 98 healthy participants found no significant improvement in the metabolic panel in either choreographed fitness group; this finding did not support an effect on blood glucose.
Open the Latin Dance Fitness page
DancepracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
An RCT involving 58 people with Schizophrenia found no significant interaction effects on fasting glucose, so this study did not support a blood-glucose benefit.
Open the Dance page
Indoor RowingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
In a 2023 randomized trial of 17 participants, fasting glucose changed over time, but not differently between groups. The studies did not support a practice-specific blood-glucose benefit.
Open the Indoor Rowing page
Finnish SaunapracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
Studies did not support blood glucose level support: a 2025 quasi-experimental study of 12 people found glucose levels significantly elevated after sauna, with capillary glucose, mg/dL, rising from 84.7 to 99.2.
Open the Finnish Sauna page

Show all 37

Comparing practices

Hatha YogaGood evidence it helps5 trials
QigongMixed resultsSize of effect: Large4 trials
YogaMixed resultsSize of effect: Large11 trials

The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.

What may help

Linked to improving it37 listed

AllSupplementsPractices

Start here

Highest probability, strongest evidence

PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyHighSourceRCT7 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found fasting blood glucose was 12.25 mg/dL lower, on average, among 1,387 people in its fasting-glucose analysis. Results varied substantially across the trials; one trial also reported a 29.48% decrease in the Hatha yoga group.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Coronary Artery Disease
Diabetes Type2
Heart Disease
Hypertension
Metabolic Syndrome
Perimenopause
+1 more
Study result
For FBG, the pooled WMD was −12.25 mg/dL (95% CI: −21.30 to −3.19), with I² = 94% indicating substantial heterogeneity (P < 0.00001).
Open Hatha Yoga
→

Medium probability(9)

PracticesFastingCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisTrivial effectconflicting findings44 other sources
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found a fasting-glucose change of MD: -2.98; 95% CI: -4.7, -1.26, while a meta-analysis of randomized trials found a change of WMD: -0.14 mmol/l in 2,032 people. Results are not consistent across comparisons: another pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found no significant difference between intermittent fasting and continuous energy restriction (MD = 0.03 mmol/L; 95% CI, −0.15 to 0.21; p=0.727).
How big is the effect
Trivial effectReal in studies, but too small for most people to notice.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Breast Cancer
Diabetes Type2
Fatty Liver Nafld
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypertension
Metabolic Syndrome
+4 more
Study result
TRE showed benefits on fasting glucose (MD: -2.98; 95% CI: -4.7, -1.26) (low-certainty evidence)
Open Fasting
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PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effectconflicting findings16 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found hemoglobin A1c decreased by -0.62% among 1,396 people in its outcome analysis; another found fasting blood glucose improved compared with standard treatment. Findings vary by comparison: a separate pooled analysis found no significant differences between LP and UP in glycemic parameters.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Diabetes Type2
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Obesity
Overweight
Pregnancy
+1 more
Study result
Resistance training also improved glycemic control, reducing hemoglobin A1c by -0.62%
Open Strength Training
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PracticesQigongCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect6 other sources
A 2017 meta-analysis of randomized trials found fasting blood glucose was 8.88 mg/dL lower with Tai Chi/Qigong than with no intervention or usual care among 85 people in its analysis. A 2023 analysis found lower fasting blood glucose with a 3-month intervention than a 6-month Qigong intervention, but concluded that the evidence was insufficient to establish this difference.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Breast Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Diabetes
Diabetes Type2
Fibromyalgia
+5 more
Study result
significant benefits of Tai Chi/qigong over no intervention/usual care (for diabetes) control intervention for fasting blood glucose (n=2 studies with 85 participants; mean group difference: −8.88 mg/dL (95% CI: –16.73, −1.03), I²=0%)
Open Qigong
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PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyMediumSourceRCT3 other sources
In people with Diabetes Type 2, pooled randomized trials reported reductions in HbA1c (−1.18%), FPG (22.43 mg/dL) and OGT (−36.6 mg/dL) compared with standard care. Another pooled analysis involving 319 people with Diabetes Type 2 reported improvements in FPG alongside periodontal indices and hs-CRP.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Diabetes Type2
Study result
Significant between-group reductions were observed in HbA1c (−1.18%), FPG (22.43 mg/dL), and OGT (−36.6 mg/dL) compared with standard care (all p < 0.0001)
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
→
PracticesYogaCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effectconflicting findings14 other sources
A 2026 pooled analysis of randomized trials reported that yoga reduced HbA1c by 0.64%; another 2026 pooled analysis found no benefit for fasting blood glucose, so the findings differ by glucose measure.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Arthritis
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Pain
Coronary Artery Disease
Depression
+8 more
Study result
Yoga reduced HbA1c by 0.64% (95% credible interval [CrI] −0.87 to −0.41)
Open Yoga
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PracticesPilatesCertaintyMediumSourceRCTconflicting findings7 other sources
A 2025 pooled analysis of randomized trials found HbA1c was lower by 0.96% compared with standard care among 275 people. Findings differ across reviews: one review noted Pilates was not the most effective intervention for glycaemia control.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Diabetes
Diabetes Type2
Metabolic Syndrome
Obesity
Overweight
Pregnancy
Study result
PG presented with a significantly lower post-prandial blood glucose than the CG (MD = −22.25 mg/dL, 95% CI: [−28.34, 16.17] mg/dL, P < 0.00001, I^2 = 0%)
Open Pilates
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PracticesCyclingCertaintyMediumSourceClinical3 other sources
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found 2-h post plasma glucose decreased from 5.53 ± 1.18 to 5.03 ± 0.91 mmol L−1 (p < 0.05) among 20 people in its outcome analysis. A systematic review also reported lower glycosylated hemoglobin in all five HIIT interventions compared with control groups.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
Peterman et al. reported a decrease (p < 0.05) in 2-h post plasma glucoses from 5.53 ± 1.18 to 5.03 ± 0.91 mmol L−1
Open Cycling
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PracticesLaughter Yoga / TherapyCertaintyMediumSourceClinical3 other sources
In a 2023 randomized trial of 42 people with type 2 diabetes, mean HbA1c changed from 7.07% to 6.82% with Laughter Yoga, compared with 7.19% to 7.26% in the control group; the between-group difference was −0.31% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.54% to −0.09%). A 2026 quasi-experimental study also reported a reduction in fasting blood sugar.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Diabetes Type2
Study result
The mean HbA1c levels changed from 7.07% to 6.82% in the laughter yoga group and from 7.19% to 7.26% in the control group. The unadjusted difference between the two groups was statistically significant (−0.31%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.54% to −0.09%; P = 0.008).
Open Laughter Yoga / Therapy
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PracticesBreathworkCertaintyMediumSourceClinical2 other sources
A 2026 randomized trial of 62 people found fasting glucose was reduced by -6% compared with usual care. A review also reported a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar in one trial.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
One RCT reported significant decrease in FBS
Open Breathwork
→

Low probability(19)

PracticesAnusara YogaCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysis2 other sources
A 2026 meta-analysis of randomized trials in people with Obesity found a decrease in HbA1c (mean difference -0.04%, 95% CI: -0.07% to -0.02%, I² = 54%); the estimated change was trivial.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Obesity
Study result
yoga practices showed benefits on HbA1c (mean difference -0.04%, 95% CI: -0.07% to -0.02%, I² = 54%)
Open Anusara Yoga
→
PracticesCardioCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysisModerate effectconflicting findings13 other sources
Pooled analyses found improved glucose measures in postmenopausal women and lower glycated hemoglobin compared with standard treatment (SMD -0.79 %, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.41). In contrast, a pooled analysis of randomized trials found no significant change in fasting glycaemia, so findings differed across measures and analyses.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Diabetes Type2
Obesity
Overweight
Pcos
Study result
Compared to the CON, AE (MD = −3.66, 95% CI: −6.32, −1.03) ... showed a greater advantage in improving Glu in postmenopausal women
Open Cardio
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PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysisSmall effectconflicting findings43 other sources
Pooled analyses of randomized trials found lower blood glucose, including a reduction in fasting glucose of 16.63 mg/dL with low-volume HIIT versus control in an analysis of 738 people. Findings disagree: another pooled analysis reported no significant effect on glucose.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Cancer
Coronary Artery Disease
Diabetes
Diabetes Type1
Diabetes Type2
Fatty Liver Nafld
+12 more
Study result
BG (SMD = −0.37, 95% CI: −0.69 to −0.06; p < 0.05)
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
→
PracticesTai ChiCertaintyLowSourceRCTTrivial effect4 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found lower 2-hour post-load glucose with Taiji compared with its comparator (MD: –0.95; 95%CI: [–1.87, –0.04]) in 2026. Another pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded reported a fasting blood glucose difference of −0.41 mmol/L (95% CI: −0.76 to −0.05).
How big is the effect
Trivial effectReal in studies, but too small for most people to notice.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Breast Cancer
Diabetes Type2
Obesity
Osteoarthritis
Prediabetes
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Study result
Taiji (MD: –0.95; 95%CI: [–1.87, –0.04]) showed a significant reduction in 2hPG compared to LI; massage had the highest SUCRA (94.1%) and Taiji ranked third (SUCRA 54.1%).
Open Tai Chi
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PracticesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)CertaintyLowSourceRCT2 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 712 people with Diabetes Type 2 reported improved glycemic control (MD -0.95 %).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Diabetes Type2
Study result
ACT demonstrated significant improvements on patients' glycemic control (mean difference [MD]: 0.95%; p [truncated in source])
Open Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
→
PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyLowSourceRCT1 other source
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found that body acupuncture + CT had the best effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) in people with type 2 diabetes (MD = -0.84, 95% CI: -1.01, -0.67; SUCRA = 84.44%).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Diabetes Type2
Study result
body acupuncture + CT had the best effect on improving fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD = -0.84, 95% CI: -1.01, -0.67; SUCRA = 84.44%)
Open Acupuncture
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PracticesMeditationCertaintyLowSourceRCTModerate effect1 other source
Overall, mindfulness-based interventions showed improvement of HbA1c (Hedges' g = 0.564, 95%CI 0.221, 0.908, p = 0.001)
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Diabetes
Open Meditation
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PracticesJump Rope TrainingCertaintyLowSourceRCTconflicting findings2 other sources
In a randomized trial of 120 people with obesity, fasting blood glucose decreased in both intervention groups compared with the control group (JRE-1 vs CON MD: −0.35 mmol/L; JRE-2 vs CON MD: −0.32 mmol/L). Studies disagree: a separate randomized trial listed fasting plasma glucose among the measures that did not improve.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Obesity
Study result
FBG (JRE-1 = −0.29 ± 0.26 mmol/L, P < 0.05, JRE-2 = −0.26 ± 0.27 mmol/L, P < 0.05) decreased in both intervention groups; JRE-1 vs CON MD: −0.35 (95% CI −0.49 to −0.21, P<0.001), JRE-2 vs CON MD: −0.32 (95% CI −0.46 to −0.18, P<0.001)
Open Jump Rope Training
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PracticesBrisk WalkingCertaintyLowSourceClinical9 other sources
A 2024 trial reported a 9.2% decrease in fasting glucose in both the exercise and control groups. A 2012 study found fasting blood sugar decreased by 2.82 mg% after 10 weeks of brisk walking; a separate 2020 trial found an HbA1c decrease that was close to statistical significance (p = .09).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Diabetes Type2
Hypertension
Menopause
Obesity
Study result
The exercise and control group exhibited significant decreases in fasting glucose by 9.2% (p<0.05).
Open Brisk Walking
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PracticesCalisthenicsCertaintyLowSourceClinical4 other sources
A 2020 randomized trial of 48 participants found mean glucose differed from control immediately after a meal-time bodyweight exercise session. A separate 2022 randomized trial found no changes in glucose or insulin area-under-the-curve during an OGTT, or in HOMA-IR.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Diabetes Type2
Study result
Mean glucose in the immediate post-meal bodyweight exercise trial was significantly different to control (P=0.004)
Open Calisthenics
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PracticesHot BathCertaintyLowSourceClinical4 other sources
A quasi-experimental study of 18 people with diabetes type 2 or overweight found fasting glucose fell by −0.46 mmol/l after the intervention compared with control. A trial of 24 found no between-group difference in changes in fasting or tolerance-test glucose.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Diabetes Type2
Overweight
Study result
fasting glucose ( P = 0.04; INT: 4.44 ± 0.93 to 3.98 ± 0.98 mmol/l) ... were lowered after INT compared with CON
Open Hot Bath
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PracticesCupping TherapyCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a quasi-experimental study of 31 people with metabolic syndrome, fasting blood sugar decreased from 5.0±0.4 at baseline to 4.8±0.4 at one and three months, and 4.7±0.5 at four months.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Metabolic Syndrome
Study result
FBS was significantly lower at one month (4.8±0.4), three months (4.8±0.4), and four months (4.7±0.5) compared to baseline (5.0±0.4).
Open Cupping Therapy
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PracticesGrounding / EarthingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A randomized controlled trial in 168 people with diabetes reported that continuous earthing decreased blood glucose (2011).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Diabetes
Study result
The continuous earthing of the human body decreases blood glucose in patients with diabetes.
Open Grounding / Earthing
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PracticesTENS / EMS TherapyCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
A review of 245 people reported that Glycated Hemoglobin decreased within the low-frequency TENS group, but comparisons with placebo were not consistent: one trial found no between-group difference, while another did.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Diabetes Type2
Hypertension
Obesity
Study result
HbAlc (%): ↓* in Lo-TENS group within-group; between-group vs placebo NS in one trial, significant in another
Open TENS / EMS Therapy
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PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a 2025 quasi-experimental study involving 14 people with type 2 diabetes, plasma glucose iAUC was lower over the postprandial period following 8 weeks of PHT.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Diabetes Type2
Study result
Plasma glucose iAUC was significantly lower over the postprandial period following 8 weeks of PHT (P = 0.024)
Open Infrared Sauna
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PracticesTabata TrainingCertaintyLowSourceClinicalSmall effectconflicting findings4 other sources
A quasi-experimental study in people with obesity found fasting blood sugar (FBS) lower by 15.2 mg/dl (95% CI = −20.25 to −10.14; p < 0.001). Studies disagree: a randomized trial found no statistically significant change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (−0.38%, 95% CI: −1.08% to 0.33%; p = 0.291).
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Obesity
Study result
FBS [T = −15.2 mg/dl (95% CI = −20.25 to −10.14; p < 0.001)]
Open Tabata Training
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PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
A randomized trial involving 36 people with Diabetes (General) found blood glucose levels were lower in the intervention group than in the control group after the intervention.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Diabetes
Study result
the blood glucose levels were lower significantly in intervention group in comparison with control group after intervention (P<0.0001)
Open Swedish (Classic) Massage
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PracticesHot YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
A pilot study with 29 participants found a reduced area under the glucose curve after an oral glucose tolerance test in older adults with obesity, but not in young, lean participants.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Obesity
Study result
The area under the glucose curve following the oral glucose tolerance test was significantly reduced as a result of the Bikram Yoga intervention in older obese (P < 0.05) but not in young lean subjects.
Open Hot Yoga
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SupplementsChagaCertaintyLowSourceAnimal researchanimal / in-vitro only8 other sources
In diabetic animal models, IOPH lowered blood glucose by 31% versus the model (8.59 ± 1.55 vs 12.51 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p<0.01). In another model, PIO-30 lowered it to 10.1±3.2 versus 22.2±2.2 mmol/L with STZ (P<0.05), while PIO-20 and PIO-10 were not statistically significant.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Chronic Kidney Disease
Diabetes Type2
Kidney Disease
Obesity
Dose & course
21 days
Who it applies to
Animal
Study result
FBG decreased by 52.29% vs Model after 4 weeks (SWEPC-H, 300 mg/kg/day)
Open Chaga
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Very low probability(8)

PracticesForest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)CertaintyVery lowSourceClinical4 other sources
In a randomized trial involving 36 people, average blood glucose decreased from 4.57 to 4.30 mmol/L after forest bathing (P < 0.0001) and was unchanged after urban bathing. Another randomized trial involving 24 people reported decreases in GLU, TG, and CHO after 7 days of forest therapy compared with 7 days in an urban environment.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Diabetes Type2
Heart Failure
Hypertension
Study result
Average blood glucose decreased from 4.57 to 4.30 mmol/L after forest bathing (P < 0.0001); unchanged after urban bathing.
Open Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
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PracticesIce Bath / Cold PlungeCertaintyVery lowSourceClinical1 other source
A blood-glucose benefit has not been established in healthy participants.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Open Ice Bath / Cold Plunge
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PracticesHeating Pads / Warm CompressesCertaintyVery lowSourceClinical1 other source
A 2026 pilot study found no difference in glucose tolerance between control and intervention (n = 10; glucose area under the curve Control: 7410 ± 6088 mg/dl*180min, Intervention: 8253 ± 2139 mg/dl*180min; P = 0.857); studies did not support this effect.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Open Heating Pads / Warm Compresses
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SupplementsTurkey TailCertaintyVery lowSourceAnimal researchanimal / in-vitro only1 other source
In animals with metabolic syndrome, blood glucose significantly decreased only at the high dose (p<0.05); medium and low doses were not significant.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Diabetes Type2
Dose & course
4 weeks
Who it applies to
Animal
Study result
Significantly lower postprandial blood glucose, dose-dependent (exact values not reported in abstract)
Open Turkey Tail
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PracticesLatin Dance FitnessCertaintyVery lowSourceTheoretical2 other sources
A 2019 trial of 98 healthy participants found no significant improvement in the metabolic panel in either choreographed fitness group; this finding did not support an effect on blood glucose.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Open Latin Dance Fitness
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PracticesDanceCertaintyVery lowSourceTheoretical2 other sources
An RCT involving 58 people with Schizophrenia found no significant interaction effects on fasting glucose (F=2.4, p=0.13), so this study did not support a blood-glucose benefit.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Schizophrenia
Open Dance
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PracticesIndoor RowingCertaintyVery lowSourceTheoretical2 other sources
In a 2023 randomized trial of 17 participants, fasting glucose changed over time, but not differently between groups. The studies did not support a practice-specific blood-glucose benefit.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Open Indoor Rowing
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PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyVery lowSourceTheoretical2 other sources
Studies did not support blood glucose level support: a 2025 quasi-experimental study of 12 people found glucose levels significantly elevated after sauna (p < 0.001), with capillary glucose, mg/dL, rising from 84.7 to 99.2.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Open Finnish Sauna
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Practices compared

Practices with at least one trial of their own for this goal. Ranked by how sure the evidence is, then effect size.Top 10 of 26

Practice	How sure	Effect size	Own trials	What worked in trials
Hatha Yoga	CertaintyHighSourceRCT		5 trials or pooled analyses	3.5–4×/week · 24 weeks
Yoga	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	11 trials or pooled analyses	35–60 min · 2–4.5×/week · 1.4–13 weeks
Qigong	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	4 trials or pooled analyses	45–53 min · 3–4×/week · 14–23 weeks
Strength Training	CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis	Moderate effect	9 trials or pooled analyses	45–50 min · 3×/week · 8–12 weeks
Fasting	CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis	Trivial effect	29 trials or pooled analyses	2–7×/week · 0.7–23 weeks
Pilates	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT		4 trials or pooled analyses	50–55 min · 2–3×/week · 10–12 weeks
Breathwork	CertaintyMediumSourceClinical		2 trials or pooled analyses	7–11 weeks
Cycling	CertaintyMediumSourceClinical		2 trials or pooled analyses	3×/week · 10–12 weeks
Laughter Yoga / Therapy	CertaintyMediumSourceClinical		2 trials or pooled analyses
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT		2 trials or pooled analyses	13–33 weeks

What worked in trials: From the smallest to the typical amount in the trials that found this benefit. Not the most anyone did, not a target and not a limit.

How to read the evidence

Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound

StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.

Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real

Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence

Source — where the data comes from

Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
ClinicalA human clinical study
Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested

Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)

AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only

Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding

A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement

Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.

Full write-up

What is it

Blood Glucose Level Support refers to changes in laboratory markers related to blood-sugar regulation, including fasting glucose, HbA1c, and fasting insulin. It is a biomarker-based outcome, so changes may differ between markers rather than moving uniformly in the same direction. Apple Cider Vinegar, Vitamin K2, Resveratrol, and Dietary Fiber (Prebiotics) are examples of interventions studied for this outcome.

How interventions help

Interventions associated with this outcome were studied using several markers rather than a single definition of improvement. Changes were most often assessed through fasting glucose and HbA1c, with insulin sometimes moving in the same direction and sometimes remaining unchanged. This means an intervention may affect one aspect of glucose regulation without producing the same pattern across every marker.

Timing varied considerably. Some findings were reported within days, while others were assessed only after weeks or months. The study protocols also differed in how consistently an intervention was used: Resveratrol and Taurine were studied with daily use, whereas several other interventions were not identified as requiring continuous daily use. Studied amounts ranged from 5 mg/day to 1 g/day for Saffron Extract, 3–30 g/day for Dietary Fiber (Prebiotics), and 90 mcg/day for Vitamin K2, illustrating that doses are not directly comparable across interventions.

The observed changes also differed in size and scope. Apple Cider Vinegar, Black Seed Oil, Saffron Extract, Aloe Vera, and Psyllium Husk were associated with lower fasting glucose or HbA1c, while Vitamin K2 showed a pattern involving HbA1c and fasting insulin without a change in fasting glucose. Yoga was studied in people with a clinical condition, so its findings may not apply equally to people without that context. One Spirulina protocol included 6 months supplementation followed by 6 months follow-up and reported persistence after stopping; that longer-term pattern should not be assumed for other interventions.

Choosing guidance

When comparing options, look beyond the direction of the reported effect. Some have been studied as acute or near-term interventions, while others were evaluated only after several weeks or months. A faster onset may matter for someone interested in a short-term response, whereas options requiring consistent daily use over a longer period are better matched to someone willing to maintain a routine and assess changes later. The amounts used in studies also vary substantially, so a product label may not correspond closely to the research format.

Human evidence is especially important for deciding how applicable an option may be. Several interventions have been studied in people, including some in clinical-condition or mixed populations, but this does not mean the findings apply equally to someone who is healthy or has a different condition. Options supported only by animal studies, such as Cordyceps, Chaga, Reishi, and Rhodiola Rosea, should be viewed as preliminary rather than as established choices for human blood glucose support.

The evidence is not equally consistent across all options. Some interventions have conflicting findings across studies, including Selenium, Whey Protein, Berberine, Curcumin, Omega-3, Magnesium, and several others. That makes the study population, outcome measured, and duration of follow-up more important than relying on a single positive result. Lifestyle approaches such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and Cycling may suit readers looking for non-supplement options, while supplement choices may suit those comparing specific study-tested preparations; in either case, the closest match between the studied population and the intended use is the most useful starting point.