What Is It?

Inositol is a carbohydrate, produced by the body and found in some foods. Some consider it as a vitamin that belongs to the family of B-vitamins. Made in the liver and kidney, up to 4g of inositol is available each day for various roles in the body. 99% of inositol in the body is in the form of myo-inositol (MI).1

A growing body of research has investigated the association between inositol and diabetes.

Benefits

Scientific studies to date have shown that inositol can mimic the actions of insulin activity and may increase insulin sensitivity. Inositol has been shown to lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. Inositol has been used as a supplement in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), metabolic syndrome, and gestational diabetes (GDM).4 Inositol supplements are well tolerated.

Growing Evidence For Inositol In Improving Glycemic Control In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)5

Based on a 2019 study conducted on poorly controlled (HbA1c 7.0%-10%) T2DM patients on glucose lowering medication. The study was designed to measure the effect of Inositol on glycemic control, namely fasting blood glucose and HbA1c.

Patients were given Inositol, 2 times a day for a period of 3 months:

• D-chiro-inositol (13.8 mg) 
• Myo-inositol (550 mg) 

Results from the study saw use of Inositol resulting in significant benefits in glycemic control:

• Lower Fasting Blood Glucose (-32 mg/dL) 
• Lower HbA1c Levels (-1.1%) 

Consult your healthcare professionals on how inositol supplementation may support you in your diabetes management plan!

References:
^ Based on lower limit of RDA.
¹ Owczarczyk-Saczonek A, Lahuta LB, Ligor M, Placek W, Górecki RJ, Buszewski B. The Healing-Promoting Properties of Selected Cyclitols-A Review. Nutrients. 2018;10(12):1891.
² Corrado, F., D’Anna, R., Di Vieste, G., Giordano, D., Pintaudi, B., Santamaria, A. and Di Benedetto, A. (2011), The effect of myoinositol supplementation on insulin resistance in patients with gestational diabetes. Diabetic Medicine, 28: 972-975. doi:10.1111/j.1464-5491.2011.03284
³ Clements RS Jr, Darnell B. Myo-inositol content of common foods: development of a high-myo-inositol diet. Am J Clin Nutr. 1980;33(9):1954‐1967.
⁴ Pintaudi B, Di Vieste G, Bonomo M. The Effectiveness of Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro Inositol Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes. Int J Endocrinol. 2016;2016:9132052.
⁵ Clements, R.S., & Darnell, B. (1980). Myo-inositol content of common foods: development of a high-myo-inositol diet. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 33 9, 1954-67 .

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