How to Boost Insulin Production

Trying to boost insulin production is a common concern for type 2 diabetics. Currently, prescription oral medications (diabetes-medications.html) are the primary way to increase insulin production. There are two broad classifications.

First, the most common medication type is Sulfonylures. Several generic examples with their brand name equivalent in parentheses are: Glimepiride (Amaryl®), Glipizide (Glucotrol®), Glyburide (Micronase®, PreTab®, Glynase®, Diabeta®).

Second, the other drug classification is called Meglitinides. Several generic examples with their brand name equivalent in parentheses are: Repaglinide (Prandin®), Nateglinide (Starlix®).

Additionally, there are several herbal or natural remedies that are said to increase insulin production, including American ginseng. One Indian study also found that doing Yoga can stimulate insulin production.

There are also some recent studies done by Japanese scientist using gene therapy to increase insulin production in mice. Further study is ongoing to see if these results can be replicated in humans.