The power of Glucose Disposal Agents
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
With Type 2 diabetes worldwide cases now reported to have exceeded more than 800 million in 2024, which has quadrupled since 1990. This is a global health crisis that requires immediate action, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Type 2 diabetes can often have significant health implications if left untreated. Common symptoms but not limited too are:
- Increased thirst: You may feel very thirsty and drink a lot of water
- Increased urination: You may urinate more frequently, especially at night
- Unexplained weight gain: You may gain weight by adding body fat
- Fatigue: You may feel tired all the time due to inflated blood sugars
- Blurred vision: Your vision may become blurred
- Numbness or tingling: You may experience numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
- Frequent infections: You may experience frequent infections
Type 2 diabetes itself is a chronic condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use insulin effectively, causing blood sugar levels to become too high because glucose can't properly enter cells to be used for energy; it's often linked to factors like obesity, lack of exercise, and family history, and can usually be managed through diet, exercise, and medication. One of the main medications for treating type 2 diabetes is ‘Metformin’, however this must be prescribed by your GP or physical practitioner. Metformin itself as proven effective in blood glucose management by reducing blood sugars & increasing insulin sensitivity by reducing the amount of glucose released by the liver & improving the bodies cells sensitivity to insulin. However, Metformin itself can come with undesired side effects such as stomach discomfort & bloating & decrease in appetite.
There as also been studies performed which show metformin can hinder muscular growth as high doses of metformin may even induce muscle atrophy (muscle wasting) due to its effect on the myostatin protein, potentially limiting muscle growth from exercise training which is not something which is welcomed within fitness & bodybuilding athletes where procuring & retaining muscle tissue is the main goal.
A new type of Type 2 diabetes which as gained significant popularity over the past 2 years are Glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1) as these again have proven to be effective in managing type 2 diabetes via several mechanisms such as Improving insulin sensitivity and glucose absorption in peripheral tissues, Reducing glucose synthesis in the liver Increasing satiety and decrease feelings of hunger Improving endothelial function & reducing triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. GLP-1 peptides, however, can be extremely costly to purchase if not prescribed by your GP or Physical practitioner vs an over-the-counter Glucose Disposal Agent & the cost price of Metformin. You need to hit certain criteria to be able to receive prescription for GLP-1 agonists & again these often do not come without unwanted side effects. These are but not limited too;
- Allergic reactions
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pains
- Headaches
This is where ‘Complete Strength GDA’ can be extremely useful in combatting high blood glucose & low insulin sensitivity which can all be detrimental to progress for fitness enthusiasts & competitive athletes who can often start to show the symptoms of the onset of type 2 diabetes due to consuming high amounts of carbohydrates in periods of calorific surplus when trying to gain weight or muscle for competition or gym performance.
What is a Glucose Disposal Agent?
Glucose disposal agents work systematically to reduce circulating blood glucose by the following processes;
- Help the body convert excess glucose into glycogen, which is stored for later energy.
- Support the kidneys to filter out excess glucose, which is then passed out in urine.
- Improve the cells in the absorb glucose.
- Reduce inflammation in the pancreas.
- Increase the function of GLUT transporters, which move sugar from the blood into cells.
GDAs are beneficial as they can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, support a healthy metabolism can enhance performance, recovery, and body composition. GDAs can also be useful during carb loading for competition or during competition prep with ‘refeeds’ which will see an influx of carbohydrates within in the diet & it is important a GDA is used to ensure all the carbohydrates are up taken by the muscle tissue. It is important whilst using a GDA you do keep an eye on your blood glucose levels particularly if you are in a calorific deficit & carbohydrate intake is reduced.
Glucose disposal agents often contain a variety of ingredients for optimal effect on blood glucose management often with a variation in dosages dependent on chose brand, however the main key ingredients are Berberine, Chronium Picolinate& Bitter Melon Extract.
Here at Complete Strength, we have recently improved our formulation with over 1.6g of active ingredients shown to be effective at reducing blood glucose with 500mg per serving of Berberine, Alpha Lipoic Acid & Bitter Melon extract with added Chronium Picolinate.
Complete Strength GDA Profile
Berberine as been shown in a 3-month clinical trial to be just as if not more effective than Metformin showing a significant decrease in fasted, postprandial (after eating) blood glucose & reduction in overall cholesterol levels with a favourable reduction LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol. Berberine as also been shown to have an effect over a longer period by effectively reducing HBA1c. The positivity towards Berberine as also been increased due to no adverse effects on gastronomy was observed as part of the trial vs Metformin & GLP-1 agonists.
Bitter Melon Extract as also been part of recent studies to demonstrate its effect on reducing blood glucose levels. A 2020 study found that mcIRBP-19, a peptide in bitter melon, may help regulate blood glucose levels. Specifically, the study suggests that taking 300 milligrams (mg) of bitter melon peptide capsules twice daily once before lunch and once before dinner may help improve blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. How ALA affects blood sugar is it may speed up how quickly glucose is removed from the bloodstream, may reduce insulin resistance & is often prescribed to treat conditions that involve insulin resistance such as POCS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) as part of an overall treatment plan. The recommended dosage of ALA for treating diabetes is 300–600 mg daily.
Chronium Picolinate may help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes, May reduce blood sugar levels, may improve HbA1c values, which measures long-term blood sugar control& may improve fasting blood glucose levels, which measure blood glucose levels before ingesting food.
When Should I take my GDA?
ü Glucose Disposal agents can be taken at various times throughout the day dependent on blood glucose levels & carbohydrate intake.
ü Many athletes like to use GDA either fasted to reduce blood glucose levels before eating or Pre bed to reduce blood glucose levels back to baseline whilst sleeping.
ü Athletes will also use GDAs for the ‘insulin like’ mimic effect with high carbohydrate meals of 50g+ to support the uptake of carbohydrates as energy & drive glucose into the muscle by lowering insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscle cells.
ü GDAs can be used in competition prep to support higher carb meals, as part of ‘carbing up’ for competition or in an off season setting when carbohydrate intake will be at its highest & GDAs should be used to support the pancreas in insulin production by managing blood glucose levels.
Why Complete Strength GDA?
Complete Strength as our NEW reformulated GDA at proven dosages via clinical studies to support in blood glucose management in only 3 capsules per serving. At Complete Strength we offer a variety of supplements to support all goals without compromising quality & often athletes will choose to use other Complete Strength supplements to support their performance, health & physique goals.
References;
Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes - PMC
A scientific review: the role of chromium in insulin resistance - PubMed