Although diet and exercise are the two most important factors in dealing with Type 2 diabetes, scientific research shows that there are several supplements you can enlist in your blood sugar battle.

“I think supplements should be part of the foundation for how people with high blood sugar address their problems,” says Paula H. Mendelsohn, a licensed dietician and functional medicine nutritionist. “Supplements help the diabetics I treat get off of medications and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.”

One key element that may be lacking in the diet of many diabetics is the trace mineral chromium, which gives insulin a boost in regulating blood sugar.

Although chromium is found in wide range of foods — including egg yolks, whole-grain products, coffee, nuts, green beans, broccoli, meat, and brewer’s yeast — it’s not easily absorbable by the body.

What’s more, surveys show that a majority of Americans don’t get the minimum daily requirement of it.

Supplements can help make up the difference.

“Chromium supplementation, especially in the form of chromium picolinate…can improve both glucose and insulin metabolism” in diabetics, say researchers Dr. William T. Cefalu, and Dr. Frank B. Hu, citing several studies, on the American Diabetes Association Website.

A general consensus among experts is that taking 1,000 micrograms of chromium picolinate a day may help diabetics control their blood sugar. But chromium is just one of several supplements that Mendelsohn recommends for Type 2 diabetes patients.

“No single supplement is better than all the others,” Mendelsohn tells Newsmax Health. “They all work together synergistically.”

Here are some others (just be aware that diabetics shouldn’t take any supplement that may affect blood sugar without first consulting their healthcare provider):

B-complex vitamins. These nutrients aid methylation, a biochemical process involved with just about every bodily function, including the regulation of blood sugar. Mendelsohn suggests getting high-quality B-complex supplements that are in an active state.

Berberine. This herb simulates the enzyme adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, or AMPK, which is called a “metabolic master switch.” Berberine enhances the absorption of glucose in cells, increases insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production in the liver.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Studies suggest that this antioxidant can relieve pain from diabetic neuropathy. It’s also both water- and fat-soluble, making it easily absorbable by the body.

Resveratrol. Among many health benefits, the antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes and berries helps to protect against insulin resistance. Researchers believe that it also activates a gene that appears to protect the body against obesity.

Coconut oil. Scientific evidence suggests that consuming virgin coconut oil may help prevent obesity and reduce insulin resistance. Experts suggest using it in moderation due to its high saturated fat content

Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats commonly found in fish seem to lower insulin resistance and triglyceride levels to both help with blood sugar and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, a problem that plagues many diabetics. Mendelsohn says omega-3s work even better when combined with the healthy omega-6, gamma linolenic acid (GLA).

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Although there’s no concrete evidence that this antioxidant directly affects blood glucose levels, studies show it may help reduce complications of diabetes, including heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and neuropathy.

Magnesium. The essential mineral magnesium is required for more than 300 enzymatic functions, and many Americans are deficient in it. Research has shown that magnesium-rich foods – such as spinach, lentils and broccoli -- or supplements may help promote healthy insulin production. If taking a supplement, use magnesium glycinate to reduce the laxative effect of the mineral.

Fenugreek. The seeds of this plant slow digestion of sugar and carbohydrates and may also boost insulin production.

Gymnema. Extract from this Indian plant kill the taste of sweetness. It also helps regulate blood sugar by blocking the absorption of sugar in the intestines and stimulating insulin release.

Bitter melon. Studies with lab animals suggest that tea made from this melon activates AMPK to help move glucose from the blood into cells.

Cinnamon. This sweet spice gets mixed results in scientific studies, but some trials suggest that it may curb blood sugar levels by lowering insulin resistance.