Human studies of taurine suggest a possible link between reduced levels of this nutrient and the development of diabetes. Taurine improves hyperglycemia and glucose uptake in rats with insulin resistance 10 11.Taurine improves hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetic rats and rabbits 7 8 9.Taurine alleviates hyperglycemia by improving insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic rats 6.Taurine may improve glucose control and beta cell function in obese mice 5.4 Research Animal ResearchĪnimal studies of taurine indicate hypoglycemic effects and improved blood sugar control in animals with diabetes or obesity. The bottom line is that taurine has potential as a blood sugar-lowering supplement, but it’s too early to say anything conclusive.ĭid you know? Research indicates that taurine supplementation is beneficial for the complications of diabetes, such as nerve, heart, and eye damage. However, these promising findings have yet to be seriously explored in human research, with only a handful of clinical trials that report mixed, inconclusive results. In addition, observational studies have reported that diabetics tend to have lower taurine levels than healthy individuals, suggesting a possible link. There is a good deal of animal and cell culture research supporting these blood sugar benefits, with studies showing that taurine improves hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and insulin release. Taurine supplements are sometimes used by individuals with hyperglycemia, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes to help lower their blood sugar levels. Image by Manu5, via Wikimedia Commons Taurine Uses & Benefits for Blood Sugar 3 Type 1 diabetes is characterized by destruction of beta cells. 2 Another study showed that taurine interacts with kinins, substances which influence both insulin release and action. For example, one cell culture study showed that taurine directly promotes insulin release from beta cells. Some studies have shown that taurine can improve insulin release and sensitivity, ultimately resulting in improved blood sugar control and reduction of hyperglycemia. As a potent antioxidant, taurine may help protect these cells from this oxidative damage. Oxidative stress is known to play a major role in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes for example, it can cause damage to insulin-producing beta cells, resulting in reduced insulin production and secretion. Potential mechanisms include: Protecting beta cells Researchers are not yet entirely sure how taurine helps with diabetes and related blood sugar issues. Image by Carlos Gracia licensed under CC by 2.0 Foods High in Taurine Taurine is a major ingredient in energy drinks. In addition, there is some evidence that taurine may help regulate diabetic blood sugar issues. In addition, some people use taurine as an anti-diabetic supplement because early research indicates that it can reduce the oxidative stress involved in diabetes and its complications. Thanks to these wide-ranging effects, taurine is used in a variety of dietary supplements, including pre-workouts, energy boosters, vision enhancers, and nootropics.

Taurine participates in many important processes, such as bile acid formation, acting as an antioxidant, stabilizing cell membranes, eye (retina) and brain function. In addition, taurine is abundant in meat and seafood.

It is considered a semi-essential amino acid because the body can produce it from other compounds such as methionine. Taurine is an amino acid-like compound found in virtually all parts of the human body. Taurine Uses & Benefits for Blood Sugar.How Taurine Might Help With Blood Sugar.

Taurine effects on insulin absorption