Nutritional supplements for improving glucose metabolism

The invention provides nutritional supplements and methods for administering nutritional supplements that improve glucose metabolism, particularly for persons with diabetes. A first nutritional supplement, or "Phase I" supplement, comprises a source of vanadate and a source of chromium. A second nutritional supplement, or "Phase II" supplement, comprises Gymnema sylvestre and lipoic acid. The nutritional supplements are alternated to prevent accumulation of the nutrients in the body and also to overcome desensitization that can occur over long periods of continuous use. While the nutritional supplements may be alternated at almost any frequency and taken over almost any duration, it is preferred that each Phase be taken for between about 2 and about 6 months, most preferably about 3 months or about 90 days, before alternating back to the other Phase.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to nutritional supplements and methods of 
using them. More particularly, the present invention relates to a 
nutritional supplements which assist in the metabolism of glucose. 
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
Diabetes mellitus is caused in almost all instances by diminished rates of 
secretion of insulin by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the 
pancreas. Diabetes is usually divided into two different types: juvenile 
diabetes that usually, but not always, begins in early life, and 
maturity-onset diabetes that usually, but not always, begins in later life 
and mainly in obese persons. 
Maturity-onset type of diabetes is likely to occur in those with a family 
history of diabetes and is characterized by blurred vision, itching, 
unusual thirst, drowsiness, obesity, fatigue, skin infections, slow 
healing, and tingling or numbness in the feet. Onset of symptoms is 
usually later in life. The maturity-onset type of diabetes seems to result 
from degeneration or suppression of the beta cells as a result of more 
rapid aging in susceptible persons than in others. Obesity predisposes an 
individual to this type of diabetes, probably for two different reasons. 
First the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in an obese person become 
less responsive to stimulation by increased blood glucose levels. 
Therefore, the surge of insulin secretion following a meal is less marked 
in obese persons. Second, obesity also greatly decreases the number of 
insulin receptors in the insulin target cells throughout the body. For 
these reasons, increased quantities of insulin are required to have the 
same metabolic effects in obese persons as in persons who are not obese. 
Most of the pathology of diabetes mellitus can be attributed to one of 
three major effects of insulin lack. First, low levels of insulin cause a 
decrease in the utilization of glucose by the body cells with a resultant 
increase in blood glucose concentration to as high as 300 to 122 mg/dl. 
Second, insulin lack causes a markedly increased mobilization of fats from 
the fat storage areas, resulting in abnormal fat metabolism as well as 
deposition of lipids in vascular walls to cause atherosclerosis. Third, 
insulin lack can result in a depletion of protein in the tissues of the 
body. 
Typical treatment of diabetes mellitus, including full-blown cases of 
maturity-onset diabetes, involves administering enough insulin so that the 
patient will have as nearly normal carbohydrate, fat, and protein 
metabolism as possible. Optimal therapy can prevent most acute effects of 
diabetes and greatly delay the chronic effects as well. 
Insulin is available in several different forms. Regular insulin has a 
duration of action lasting from 3 to 8 hours, whereas other forms of 
insulin are absorbed slowly from the injection site and therefore have 
effects that last as long as 10 to 48 hours. Ordinarily, the severely 
diabetic patient is given a single dose of a longer-acting insulin each 
day to increase overall carbohydrate metabolism throughout the day. Then 
additional quantities of regular insulin are given at those times of the 
day when the flood glucose level tends to rise too high, such as at meal 
times. Thus, each patient is established on an individualized pattern of 
treatment. 
Frequently, following a special diet can control maturity-onset diabetes 
sufficiently so that insulin is no longer required. It is recommended that 
an individual with maturity-onset diabetes follow a high-carbohydrate, 
high-fiber diet to reduce the need for insulin and lower the fat levels in 
the blood. 
An estimated 5.5 million Americans are being treated for diabetes. In 
addition, studies estimate that there are 5 million adults with undetected 
maturity-onset diabetes and another 20 million having impaired glucose 
tolerance that may lead to full-blown diabetes. The National Institutes of 
Health report that undiagnosed diabetes is the reason behind millions 
losing their vision. Diabetes is the third leading cause of death in the 
United States. 
Therefore, there is a need for a composition and method for enhancing 
glucose metabolism in individuals with maturity-onset diabetes and thereby 
reduce or prevent the necessity of using insulin. It would be desirable if 
this composition and method were convenient to administer and cost less 
than insulin so that it could be easily afforded by individuals with low 
incomes who have no insurance coverage. It would also be desirable if such 
a composition could be purchased over the counter, thereby making it more 
widely available to individuals at high risk of maturity-onset diabetes. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides a nutritional system for improving glucose 
metabolism, comprising a first supplement comprising a source of vanadate 
and a source of chromium and a second supplement comprising Gymnema 
sylvestre and lipoic acid. Gymnema sylvestre is provided as an extract 
from Gymnema sylvestre leaves. The preferred source of vanadate is vanadyl 
sulfate and the preferred source of chromium is selected from the group 
consisting of chromium picolinate, chromium glucose tolerance factor, and 
mixtures thereof. The source of chromium may comprise both chromium 
picolinate and chromium glucose tolerance factor. It may be desirable for 
the first supplement to further comprises L-carnitine. 
Another aspect of the invention provides a nutritional system for improving 
glucose metabolism, comprising a first supplement comprising a source of 
vanadate and a second supplement comprising a component selected from the 
group consisting of Gymnema sylvestre, lipoic acid and combinations 
thereof, wherein the second supplement is substantially free from 
vanadate. The first supplement preferably further comprises a source of 
chromium. 
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of administering a 
nutritional supplements. The method comprises the steps of administering a 
daily dosage of a first nutritional supplement over a first time period 
and administering a daily dosage of a second nutritional supplement over a 
second time period following the first time period. These steps may be 
repeated as desired. In one embodiment, the first nutritional supplement 
comprises a source of vanadate and a source of chromium, and the second 
nutritional supplement comprises Gymnema sylvestre and lipoic acid. In an 
alternative embodiment, the first nutritional supplement comprises Gymnema 
sylvestre and lipoic acid, and the second nutritional supplement comprises 
a source of vanadate and a source of chromium. The first and second time 
periods may be the same or different, preferably between about 2 and about 
6 months, most preferably about 3 months or about 90 days.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The present invention provides a nutritional supplement that enhances 
glucose metabolism. While the supplement may be used by individuals with 
no apparent symptoms of diabetes, the supplement is ideal for use by 
individuals with maturity-onset diabetes or juvenile diabetes to prevent, 
reduce or eliminate the necessity of using insulin. The supplement 
contains ingredients which work together to enhance the effect of insulin 
on the regulation of glucose concentration in the blood by facilitating or 
assisting metabolism of glucose in the cells of the body. 
In one aspect of the invention, a nutritional supplement is provided which 
comprises a source of vanadate, such as vanadyl sulfate, and a source of 
chromium, such as chromium picolinate. The nutritional supplement produces 
insulin-like effects that prevent, reduce or eliminate the need to 
administer insulin. It is preferred that the supplement be taken 
throughout the day in order to make the vanadate and chromium available to 
the cells when needed. It is particularly preferred that the daily dosage 
be taken in approximately equal amounts with breakfast, lunch and dinner 
in order for the nutrients to assist in glucose metabolism following 
mealtime when they are needed the most. Optionally, the nutritional 
supplement may further comprise L-carnitine. 
In another aspect of the invention, an alternative nutritional supplement 
is provided with comprises a source of gymnema sylvestre and a source of 
lipoic acid. This alternative nutritional supplement also produces 
insulin-like effects the prevent, reduce or eliminate the need to 
administer insulin. It is preferred that the supplement be taken 
throughout the day in order to make the vanadate and chromium available to 
the cells when needed. It is particularly preferred that the daily dosage 
be taken in approximately equal amounts with breakfast, lunch and dinner 
in order for the nutrients to assist in glucose metabolism following 
mealtime when they are needed the most. 
In yet another aspect of the invention, a plurality of nutritional 
supplements and a nutritional program are provided. The plurality of 
nutritional supplements comprise a "Phase I" supplement comprising a 
source of vanadate and a source of chromium and a "Phase II" supplement 
comprising a source of gymnema sylvestre and a source of lipoic acid. The 
plurality of nutritional supplements are alternated to prevent 
accumulation of the nutrients in the body and also to overcome 
desensitization that can occur after a nutrient is taken over a period of 
time. While the nutritional supplements may be alternated at almost any 
frequency and taken over almost any duration, it is preferred that each 
Phase be taken for between about 2 and about 6 months, most preferably 
between about 2 and about 3 months, before alternating back to the other 
Phase. 
In a further aspect of the invention, the nutritional supplement may 
optionally include other certain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes 
and/or herbs. These additional ingredients may be included in a common 
pill along with the vanadyl sulfate, chromium picolinate and L-carnitine 
or may be taken as a separate pill, preferably taken more or less 
simultaneously. 
Nutritional supplements according to the present invention are not intended 
to eliminate the need for an individual to follow a program of appropriate 
diet and exercise, nor does it eliminate the need for insulin in all 
cases. Rather, the supplements of the present invention improve glucose 
metabolism by enhancing the effects of natural or administered levels of 
insulin and an appropriate diet and exercise program. 
A nutritional supplement containing effective amounts of metabolically 
available forms of vanadate and chromium will improve glucose metabolism, 
particularly in individuals with maturity-onset diabetes. Vanadate and 
chromium perform different insulin-like functions which, when administered 
in appropriate ratios and forms, enhance glucose metabolism in 
substantially the same way as insulin itself. 
As discussed above, insulin performs at least two important functions. 
First, insulin improves the utilization of glucose by the body cells which 
in turn controls blood glucose concentrations from getting too high. 
Second, insulin transports fatty acids to fat cells for storage, thereby 
reducing the mobilization of fats from fat storage areas which can result 
in abnormal fat metabolism as well as deposition of lipids in vascular 
walls to cause atherosclerosis. 
The first function of insulin mentioned above, that of improving the 
utilization of glucose, is enhanced by the combination of vanadate and 
chromium. Vanadate ions, like insulin, stimulate glucose transport, 
activate glycogen synthase, increase glycogen syntheses in fat cells, and 
stimulate carbohydrate uptake in the liver. Glycogen synthase is an enzyme 
which causes the conversion of glucose into glycogen. Glycogen itself is a 
polysaccharide which is the chief carbohydrate storage material in humans. 
It has been found that maximum glycogen synthase activation produced by 
vanadate is indistinguishable from that of insulin. Evidence that strongly 
suggests a common mechanism of action for insulin and vanadate includes 
the following findings: (1) with maximum insulin, additional quantifies of 
vanadate are without effect; (2) with sub maximal insulin, additional 
quantities of vanadate increase both the glycogen synthase activation 
state and 2-deoxyglucose transport to the level obtained with maximum 
insulin; (3) insulin and vanadate counteract the activating effect of 
adrenaline on glycogen phosphorylase in a similar manner; adrenaline 
partially reverses vanadate and insulin activate glycogen synthase within 
similar time frames. Thus, the presence of invivo vanadate can lead to 
improved glucose metabolism and enhance the effects of natural or 
administered levels of insulin. 
The preferred source of vanadate is vanadyl sulfate. Once ingested, vanadyl 
sulfate typically forms vanadate which is a salt of vanadic acid. While 
doses as low as 10 mg of vanadyl sulfate may provide some enhancement of 
glucose metabolism, the preferred dosage of vanadyl sulfate for an 
individual with diabetes weighing from about 150 pounds to about 250 
pounds is in the range between about 30 mg and 150 mg per day. The most 
preferred dosage of vanadyl sulfate is about 60 mg per day. Whereas 
vanadyl sulfate has been previously included in certain dietary 
supplements, dosages ranging between 1 mcg and 1,000 mcg (1 mg) are 
inadequate to provide significant insulin-like effects. 
Chromium, like vanadyl sulfate, possesses properties which both mimic and 
enhance the effects of insulin. Chromium enhances the effects of insulin 
by indirectly assisting amino acid uptake by muscles, stimulates protein 
synthesis and retards the rate of protein breakdown. Many clinical studies 
with supplemental chromium have shown only modest improvements in glucose 
tolerance due to poor absorption of nutritional (trivalent) chromium. In 
this respect, trivalent chromium has a strongly positive charge that 
impedes its movement across cell membranes. Due to the presence of 
competing ions such as copper, iron, manganese and zinc in the human body, 
adequate absorption of chromium occurs only when the metal is associated 
with a natural chelating agent, such as picolinic acid. Because of its 
unique structure, picolinic acid has a strong affinity for transitional 
metals such as zinc, manganese, and chromium. In this respect, it binds 
tightly to these metals thereby neutralizing their positive charges and 
expediting their movement across cell membranes. 
It is preferred that chromium be provided in a biologically active form of 
chromium, particularly chromium picolinate or chromium glucose tolerance 
factor. In chromium picolinate, the picolinic acid serves as an effective 
metal chelator that improves the utilization and uptake of the chromium 
and plays an important physiological roll in trace mineral absorption. 
Chromium is believed to be the active factor while the picolinic acid 
serves as the chelator to improve bioavailability. Animal studies have 
shown chromium picolinate to be absorbed and retained five to ten times 
better than other forms of chromium and have also found it to be 
remarkable safe. The preferred dosage of chromium picolinate for an 
individual with diabetes weighing from about 150 pounds to about 250 
pounds is in the range between about 150 and about 600 mcg per day, with 
about 300 mcg per day being most preferred. The preferred dosage of 
chromium glucose tolerance factor is between about 50 and about 400 mcg 
per day, with about 100 mcg per day being most preferred. While the 
supplement may include only one form of chromium, it is preferred that the 
supplement include both forms in their preferred doses given above. 
The second function of insulin mentioned above, that of transporting fatty 
acids to fat cells for storage, may be enhanced by L-carnitine. By 
preventing fatty build-up, this amino acid aids in weight loss, decreases 
the risk of heart disease, and improves athletic ability. Carnitine can be 
manufactured in the body if sufficient amounts of lysine, B1, B6 and iron 
are available. However, vegetarians are more likely to be deficient in 
carnitine due to a diet that is low in lysine. The preferred dosage of 
L-carnitine for an individual with diabetes weighing from about 150 to 
about 250 pounds is in the range between about 100 mg and about 1,000 mg 
per day. The most preferred dosage of L-carnitine is about 150 mg. 
Because L-carnitine can be manufactured in the body, it is possible to 
complement the L-carnitine with sufficient amounts of lysine, vitamin B1, 
vitamin B6 and iron to facilitate production of L-carnitine. Therefore, 
while lysine, vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and iron are not essential to the 
function of the present invention, it is preferred that the supplement 
include between about 5 and about 10 mg per day of both vitamins B1 and 
B6, and between about 10 mg and about 25 mg of iron. It is most preferred 
that vitamins B1 and B6 be supplied by a dose of between about 30 mg and 
about 70 mg of a B-complex. 
Two water soluble extracts, GS3 and GS4, obtained from the leaves of 
Gymnema sylvestre, a woody climber growing in the tropical forests of 
central and southern India, may be used to bring about blood glucose 
homeostasis through increased serum insulin levels. It is believed that 
Gymnema sylvestre appears to enhance endogenous insulin, possibly by 
regeneration/revitalization of residual beta cells in the endocrine 
pancreas that are responsible for insulin production. Daily 
supplementation with Gymnema sylvestre has been shown to cause a 
significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and 
glycosylated plasma proteins, thereby allowing conventional drug dosages 
to be decreased. Both juvenile and adult onset diabetes appear to respond 
to the action of Gymnema sylvestre. 
Lipoic acid has been found to exhibit antioxidant properties and metabolic 
enhancement which facilitates regeneration of damaged nerves. Lipoic acid 
also appears to reduce the degree of glycation, or reaction, of proteins 
caused by excess blood sugar, which is common in diabetics. It is 
generally recognized that many of the metabolic complications that occur 
in diabetics are a result of persistent elevation of blood sugar, which 
then attaches to the blood proteins. Lipoic acid substantially reduces 
glycation, increases insulin sensitivity, and may lower flood sugar 
levels. 
The present invention provides a first nutritional supplement for diabetics 
which combines vanadyl sulfate and chromium picolinate. It is also 
preferred that the first nutritional supplement include L-carnitine. The 
present invention also provides a second nutritional supplement for 
diabetics which combines Gymnema sylvestre and lipoic acid. 
The supplements of the present invention are formulated to produce 
insulin-like effects that prevent, reduce or eliminate the need to 
administer insulin. It is preferred that either supplement be taken 
throughout the day to be available to the cells as needed. It is 
particularly preferred that the daily dosage be taken in approximately 
equal amounts with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each of the supplements of 
the present invention provide nutrients to assist in glucose metabolism 
following mealtime when they are needed the most. 
The present invention further provides a nutritional system and method for 
diabetics which avoids desensitization that can occur after taking the 
same supplement continuously for a prolonged period of time. The 
nutritional system comprises both the first and second nutritional 
supplements, described above, maintained in separate capsules, preferably 
even in separate bottles. The nutritional system is administered by taking 
a daily dosage of either the first or second nutritional supplements for a 
period of months, then switching to the other nutritional supplement for a 
period of months. The period of months for administering the first and 
second nutritional supplements may be the same or different lengths of 
time. However, the preferred period of months is between about 2 and about 
6 months, with the even more preferred period of months being between 
about 2 and about 4 months. The most preferred period of months is about 3 
months or 90 days. 
It is noted that the first and second nutritional supplements could be 
combined in a single pill, alternated between meals, alternated daily or 
alternated at any other frequency, and still be effective for reducing the 
effects of insulin lack. However, the cells of the body would eventually 
become desensitized to such supplements or methods of administering the 
supplements because of the substantially continuous presence of the 
nutrients. The present invention is most effective over extended period of 
time by alternating supplements after a period of months. It is important 
to understand that the period of months allows sufficient time for the 
body to clear itself of trace amounts of the nutrients and to avoid 
desensitization. Accordingly, as other nutrients are found to have 
beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, it may be desirable to provide 
additional nutritional supplements that can be administered in a rotation. 
In this manner, the period of months between successive use of the same 
supplement could be extended. 
It may be desirable that the nutritional supplements include other certain 
vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and/or herbs. These additional 
ingredients may be included in a single pill along with the vanadyl 
sulfate, chromium picolinate and L-carnitine or may be taken as a separate 
pill taken more or less simultaneously. 
Vitamins that are particularly beneficial to the metabolism of glucose are 
the B-complex vitamins and vitamin A. Even where the supplement includes 
L-carnitine, it is preferred that the supplement include between about 5 
and about 10 mg per day of both vitamins B1 and B6, and between about 40 
mg and about 60 mg per day of niacinamide (vitamin B3). It is most 
preferred that the supplement include a dose of between about 30 mg and 
about 70 mg per day of B-complex vitamins where the amounts of vitamins 
B1, B3 and B6 included therein are about 6 mg, 50 mg and 6 mg, 
respectively. 
Vitamin A is necessary to the utilization of protein. It may be taken as 
beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the liver, or as the 
vitamin itself. The preferred dose of vitamin A is between about 10,000 IU 
and about 20,000 IU per day, with the most preferred dose being about 
15,000 IU per day. 
Minerals are also important in the metabolism of glucose and may be 
ingested from food or included in a supplement. In order to be certain 
that sufficient amounts of the most important minerals are available, it 
is preferred that the supplement also include magnesium, potassium, 
calcium, copper, selenium, and zinc. The preferred daily doses of these 
minerals is about 380 mg magnesium, about 114 mg potassium, about 760 mg 
calcium, about 2 mg copper, about 80 mcg selenium, and about 50 mg zinc. 
It should be recognized that the amounts of these minerals can vary widely 
within the scope of the present invention. L-glutamine is an important 
amino acid in curbing fatigue and the craving for sugar. The preferred 
dose of L-glutamine is between about 100 mg and about 500 mg per day, with 
about 300 mg per day begin most preferred. 
Many different enzymes may be incorporated into the supplement, in 
accordance with the invention, to assist in the digestion of food. The 
preferred enzymes include pancreatin, amylase, papain, lipase and betaine. 
Pancreatin is an enzyme derived from the secretions of an animal pancreas. 
It is preferred that the supplement include pancreatin in doses ranging 
between about 50 and about 150 mg per day. It is most preferred that the 
supplement include about 100 mg pancreatin per day. 
Amylase is an effective digestive enzyme secreted in high concentrations in 
the human body. Amylase is found in saliva and works to break down 
carbohydrates. It is preferred that the supplement include amylase in 
doses ranging between about 50 and about 150 mg per day. It is most 
preferred that the supplement include about 100 mg amylase per day. 
Papain is a proteolytic enzyme that works exclusively to break down 
proteins. It is preferred that the supplement include papain in doses 
ranging between about 25 mg and about 70 mg per day each. It is most 
preferred that the supplement include about 45 mg per day of papain. 
Lipase is an enzyme that aids in the digestion of fat. It is preferred that 
the supplement include lipase in doses ranging between about 80 mg and 
about 230 mg per day each. It is most preferred that the supplement 
include about 150 mg lipase per day. 
Betaine, a preferred form of hydrochloric acid (HCl), aids in the digestion 
of tough foods, such as fibrous meats, vegetables, and poultry. It is also 
preferred that the supplement include between about 100 mg and 200 mg per 
day of betaine, with about 150 mg per day being most preferred. 
Herbs beneficial against the causes of symptoms of diabetes, including high 
blood pressure, may also be incorporated into the supplement without 
departing from the scope of the invention. These herbs include, but are 
not limited to, ginseng, huckleberry, evening primrose oil, garlic, gotu 
kola, juniper berries, and suma. The preferred herbs are ginseng and 
huckleberry. The preferred dose of ginseng is between about 150 mg and 
about 350 mg per day, with about 275 mg per day being most preferred. The 
preferred dose of huckleberry is between about 100 mg and about 200 mg per 
day, with about 150 mg per day being most preferred. 
Guar gum is a water soluble fiber that has been shown to lower blood 
glucose levels, aid in lowering cholesterol levels, and curb the appetite. 
Guar gum must be taken as a liquid as should not be included in any pills, 
capsules, tablets or other solid forms. However, the nutritional 
supplement of the present invention could be prepared in the form of a 
liquid drink which could include guar gum. 
The supplements of the present invention can be manufactured in accordance 
with procedures known in the art. While the supplement may be formed into 
a pill with starch or a liquid drink, it is generally preferred that the 
supplement be prepared in a capsule. 
EXAMPLE 1 
Two nutritional supplements, Phase I and Phase II, were prepared according 
to the following daily dosages: 
______________________________________ 
Phase I 
Vanadyl Sulfate 60 mg 
Chromium (Picolinate) 300 mcg 
Chromium (Glucose Tolerance Factor) 
100 mcg 
L-Carnitine 150 mg 
L-Glutamine 300 mg 
Magnesium 380 mg 
Potassium 114 mg 
Calcium 760 mg 
Copper 2 mg 
Vitamin A 15,000 IU 
Niacinamide (B-3) 50 mg 
Vitamin (B-1) 6 mg 
Vitamin (B-6) 6 mg 
Selenium 80 mcg 
Zinc 50 mg 
Pancreatin 100 mg 
Papain 75 mg 
Amylase 100 mg 
Betaine (HCL) 75 mg 
Lipase 150 mg 
Huckleberry 150 mg 
Ginseng 275 mg 
Phase II 
Gymnema sylvestre (extract) 
750 mg 
Lipoic acid 100 mg 
Cat's claw 500 mg 
Pullunan 350 mg 
L-Methionine 200 mg 
Pancreatin 100 mg 
Lipase 100 mg 
Amylase 100 mg 
Dandelion root 300 mg 
Folic Acid 400 mcg 
Copper (chelated) 2 mg 
Iodine 150 mcg 
Manganese (chelated) 7.5 mg 
Selenium (chelated) 80 mcg 
Zinc (chelated) 50 mg 
Vitamin B-1 6 mg 
Niacinamide (B-3) 50 mg 
Vitamin B-6 6 mg 
______________________________________ 
The daily dosages of both the Phase I supplement or the Phase II supplement 
were divided into six (6) capsules. Two of these six capsules were taken 
along with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Phase I was administered 
for a period of three months, then Phase II was administered for a period 
of three months. This pattern of alternating between Phases I and II was 
repeated to provide continuous benefits to diabetics while avoiding 
desensitization that can occur from continuous use of a single supplement 
formulation. 
While much of the foregoing disclosure has focused on insulin lack, 
diabetes can also occur in individuals whose pancreas is producing plenty 
of insulin but the cells of the body are insulin resistant. Vanadyl 
sulfate can increase the response that a cell has to insulin by activating 
the insulin receptor sites on the surface of the cell and within the cell. 
Furthermore, this activation of insulin receptors may be permanent. 
The nutritional supplement of the present invention may be used not only as 
a treatment for poor glucose metabolism or diabetes, but also for 
prevention of diabetes by giving the metabolism a boost before full-blown 
diabetes develops. In fact, because the activation of insulin receptors 
and other effects may be permanent, the supplement could be considered to 
be a cure for diabetes in some individuals and circumstances. 
It will be understood that certain combinations and sub combinations of the 
invention are of utility and may be employed without reference to other 
features in sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the 
scope of the present invention. As many possible embodiments may be made 
of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it 
is to be understood that all matters hereinabove set forth or shown in the 
accompanying drawing are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a 
limiting sense. 
While the foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiment, the scope 
thereof is determined by the claims which follow: