Diab-X is a supplement that, at first, appears to be marketed as a natural cure for diabetes and high blood sugar. But statements on its website give me the impression that it's also supposed to be a diet and weight loss supplement. Since diabetes (type II diabetes) is linked to gaining weight, I understand why these statements are eluded to but for those who don't' know, I want to review Diab-X so that you understand what it is and isn't. That way you can decide if this is right for you.
What Type of Diabetes Do You Have?
The Diab X website (diab-x.com) makes it seem like its is a “natural cure” for diabetes. But what type of diabetes do you have.? If you have type I diabetes, Diab-X is NOT A CURE. Currently there is no “cure” for type I diabetes. You should never take Diab-X in place of the insulin your doctor prescribes for you. I need to say this because the Diab-X website does not say it. Diab-X is being marketed to Type II diabetics and people with pre-diabetes (metabolic syndrome). People with type II diabetes are often overweight and many do not exercise. Some people with Type II diabetes may also take insulin as well as their diabetes gets worse. If you do not know what type of diabetes you have, ask your doctor. They know.
Diab X ingredients
According to the Diab X website, the product contains the following ingredients:
- Garcinia cambogia (also called HCA – Hydroxy Citric Acid)
- Chromium as Polynicotinate
- Ginger root
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Turmeric
- Piper longum fruit
- Piper nigrum fruit
The thing is that Diab-X appears to have no research on itsself that it helps diabetes. That said, there is research on some of its ingredients. Let's take a look at that now
Diab-X Ingredients Research
Chromium. There are studies that chromium can lower blood sugar and even “AIC” levels in type II diabetics. One study also shows chromium may reduce the chances of type II diabetics gaining weight. This does not mean that chromium helps people lose weight. Chromium has been used in weight loss pills for years despite hardly any proof it helps people lose weight. There are many studies that show chromium supplements do not work. Here is of of many studies showing chromium does not help weight loss.
Garcinia Cambogia. There is some evidence that garcinia cambogia helps people eat less food. Some researchers are not convinced but a few studies have hinted that it might do this. Research so far does not show garcinia cambogia helps overweight people lose weight. Other supplements may call garcinia cambogia HCA or hydroxy citric acid. They all mean the same thing.
Calcium. It is very controversial whether calcium helps people lose weight. Some studies show a weight loss effect while others do not. One problem with the calcium weight loss research is that most of the studies used dairy calcium (about 900 mg/day) – not calcium supplements. As such, I do not feel that the calcium in Diab X has much effect – if any – on weight loss.
What About the Other Ingredients In Diab-X?
- Piper nigrum. This is black pepper. I'm guessing this is added because of the idea that spicy foods increase metabolism. I'm not convinced spicy foods do this significantly -or that it causes a significant elevation of metabolic rate.
- Piper longum fruit. This is another type of pepper. Using this may be similar to why Piper nigrum was used. Some research hints that this herb may be bad if you take medicines for seizures.
- Ginger root. While I could not find any research that ginger helps weight loss or that it lowers blood sugar, there is a little research that it may help osteoarthritis. Since people with type II diabetes tend to be overweight, and since being overweight increases the risk for osteoarthritis, adding ginger does make some sense – that's if it actually works. If ginger helps arthritis (and there is only a little research on this topic) it would likely only help a little and would be most effective in those with very mild forms of arthritis. Ginger does have some drug interactions you should know about. For example, it appears to interact with blood thinners. So use caution if you take blood thinners.
If you have osteoarthritis, you may want to read my other reviews on Tissue Rejuvenator, glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate
Studies Listed on the Diab X Website
If you visit the Diab X website you may have seen the “Clinical Studies” they list. But, if you look closely, you see the studies they reference are NOT on Diab-X. The studies they show you are on other supplements – ChromeMate and Super CitriMax.
ChroMate and Super CitriMax are different products than Diab-X. I agree that some of the ingredients in ChroMate and Super CitriMax may be similar to what's in Diab-X but since they are different products, you can't be sure Diab X would work the same way unless you do a study on Diab X and compare it to the studies on ChroMate and CitriMax show. I'm guessing that there probably is some similar effects but I don't know for sure unless I see the research.
My thoughts on Diab X
- Make sure you have the right type of diabetes (type II diabetes) first.
- Talk to your doctor to make sure Diab-X won't interfere with other drugs you may be taking
- Get your blood sugar (and AIC) levels checked at by your doctor before taking Diab X
- Keep taking your medications as you always do
- About 3 months later get your blood sugar (and AIC) checked again by your doctor
- See if anything changed at your next doctors visit.
- Stop taking Diab-X if you notice any side effects and report them to your doctor immediately
Always continue to take all the medicine your doctor has given you. Remember Diab-X is NOT a cure for diabetes. It may help some with type II diabetes but any effects you see will be greater when its combined with a little exercise and eating healthy. They even say this on the Diab X website.
Did Diab-X work for you? Share your thoughts.