Description

It is estimated that high blood sugar levels indirectly lead to more than three million deaths worldwide each year, according  to researchers who looked at levels linked to heart disease and stroke.

Blood sugar is the amount of glucose in the blood. High blood glucose levels are very toxic and it also can hinder insulin absorption so cells that don’t get glucose lack the fuel they need. These two problems cause the symptoms of diabetes.

The Harvard School of Public Health in Boston concluded blood sugar levels are responsible for one over million diabetes deaths, as well as almost 1.5 million deaths from heart disease and 700,000 deaths from stroke worldwide each year.

Researchers believe that since the risk of death rises with blood sugar levels well below the benchmark used to define diabetes, deaths linked to diabetes are likely underestimated.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Alpha-Lipoic Acid has been shown to improve blood sugar metabolism, improve blood flow to peripheral nerves, and stimulate the regeneration of nerve fibres. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is used to help treat symptoms of nerve damage in people suffering from Type I and Type II diabetes.

Gymnema Sylvestris Extract: Gymnema Sylvestris Extracts have been shown to enhance glucose control by helping to increase the production (or activity) of insulin.

Bitter Melon: Bitter Melon has been shown to contain an insulin-like substance that promotes improved blood sugar control.

Holy Basil: Holy Basil has a blood sugar lowering effect in people with non insulindependent diabetes. Research suggests that Holy Basil can be used in conjunction with diet and drug therapy in the treatment of mild to moderate type 2 diabetes.

Chromium: Chromium helps maintain healthy glucose levels for people with blood sugar concerns. It helps insulin regulate blood sugar and it enhances insulin absorption.

Fenugreek: Studies have shown that participants with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar levels after consuming Fenugreek. In clinical trials, diabetic patients showed significant improvement in blood cholesterol levels. Serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides were all reduced.

Bilberry Extract: Bilberry Extract helps improve circulation and can enhance the strength of capillaries and artery walls. Bilberry Extract may reduce inflammation and circulation problems that have been linked to heart disease. Bilberry Extract also contains a substance called glucoquinine, which has the ability to significantly lower blood sugar levels.

Ingredients

EACH VEGETARIAN CAPSULE CONTAINS

Medicinal Ingredients

• Alpha-Lipoic Acid... 100 mg
• Bitter Melon Extract (Momordica charantia) (whole fruit) (12:1 from 1200 mg Bitter Melon)...100 mg
• Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) (leaf) (2% Ursolic Acid)... 100 mg
• Gymnema sylvestris Extract (leaf) (75% Gymnemic Acids)... 75 mg
• NeOpuntia® N opal C actus (Opuntia ficus-indica) (leaf)...50 mg
• Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus) (fruit) (25% Anthocyanosides)...20 mg
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) (seed)...20 mg
• Chromium (HVP* C helate)... 100 mcg
  *HVP: Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein

Encapsulated in a vegetarian capsule (carbohydrate gum, purified water, silica) with Microcrystalline C ellulose, L-Leucine and silica.

F.A.Q.

You only mention Type 2 Diabetes in your information. Can I take this product if I have Type 1 Diabetes?

Absolutely, yes, follow the same instructions.

Are there any cautions I should be aware of when taking GlucoSense and other medications?

All of the ingredients in GlucoSense will affect blood sugars, so a consumer on any type of diabetic medication must closely monitor their blood sugar as they may have to make adjustments. GlucoSense will help to decrease blood sugars further so this is extremely important..  Holy Basil, Fenugreek and Bilberry are all cautioned with anti-coagulant medicatoin and are not recommended to be used together.

Are your capsules GMO free?

Yes, both our capsule shells and our softgel shells are GMO free.

Why have your cautions and your recommended (or suggested) usages changed so dramatically on many of your labels?

The changes you may be noticing to our suggested usage and cautionary statements have been at the directive of Health Canada.  There have been many regulatory changes with regards to Natural Health Products causing companies to change their labels accordingly.  We have been updating our website, product information sheets and labels on the actual products to reflect these regulations as quickly as we possibly can.

Where do you source your products from?

All of our products are manufactured at a GMP facility certified by Health Canada. All raw materials come in and are tested for purity, safety and potency. If they do not meet our standards they are rejected and sent back or destroyed. We use the highest quality ingredients available. Many of our products contain proprietary patented ingredients that have been clinically researched. We also use organic whenever we can.

Are your products gluten free?

All of our products are manufactured in a facility that is not dedicated to be gluten free. Therefore we cannot guarantee that any of our products are gluten free since there is always a possibility of cross-contamination.

Are your products peanut free?

Following compliance with food regulations, in order to make a negative claim such as "peanut free", it would be necessary to insure a zero tolerance of any peanut traces, including the possibilty of cross contamination.  Although our manufacturing facility has a policy in place for allergen control, there is no specific policy for peanuts, nor is there a specific "no peanut agreement" with our raw material suppliers.

If a product does not specify "vegetarian capsule", then what is it made from?

These capsules are gelatin capsules sourced from either pork or beef.

Are any of your products "vegan-friendly"?

Yes, AdrenaSense, BioSil, EstroSense and MenoSense (from our Preferred Nutrition and WomenSense lines), our MacaPunch Products and the Ultimate Anti-Stress Vegan formula are all vegan friendly.

Can your products be used after the expiry date has passed?

Supplements generally keep their potency long after the expiry date. There is certainly no safety issues with consuming after the expiry date has passed however the potency degrades over longer periods of time.

Do all of your products have NPN numbers?

Some of our products have received NPN numbers. Others are in the application process or are waiting to be reviewed by Health Canada.

Can I purchase products directly from you? I went to a health food store and the prices seem very expensive.

We only sell to Health Food stores since they have a personal commitment to the natural health lifestyle. Consumers are then able to buy our products from knowledgeable staff that are genuinely interested in helping people be well - people who care! Always be sure to look for in store promotions or coupons when you are making your purchases as this can help alleviate your cost concerns.

Do all health food stores carry all of your products?

To find Health Food stores in your area that carry our products, please click on "Store Locator" at the top of this screen.  All you have to do is enter your postal code and you will be given a list of retailers in the radius that you choose. We do recommend calling ahead to see if they stock the item you are looking for and in most cases if a store does not normally carry something, they will offer to do a special order for you.

Are any of your products tested on animals?

No, there is no animal testing on any of our products.

Should your supplements be taken with or without food?

Most of our products will specify directly on the bottle whether they should be taken with a meal or not. If nothing is stated, then the choice is yours as to when the best time is for you to take them.

I like the sound of many of your products. Am I able to take different formulas at the same time?

Yes, it's safe to combine various WomenSense products to help support the body in achieving optimal health. The same applies to the Balanced Planet products, Dr. Whitaker's formulas and to Brad King's. If you are unsure of any combination, then please consult your Health Care Practitioner.

I have heard that drinking green tea along with my supplements will end up flushing out all the nutrients? Is this true?

No, you are fine taking your supplements with green tea. Coffee inhibits the absorption of nutritients, but the caffeine in green tea will not pose the same problem.

Can you tell me if I can combine any of your supplements with the medication(s) I am on, as prescribed by my doctor?

It is best to consult your Doctor or alternative Health Practitioner before taking any new supplements while on medication.

Can I take your products when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

We are not able to make any recommendations with any of our products when it comes to pregnancy or while nursing. You must contact your Health Practitioner, Naturopath or Pharmacist.

I understand that you put a recommended dosage on your labels, but I can take more or less than that, right? And, really, do I have to take the product every day?

With regards to the recommended dosage, we would suggest you speak to your Doctor or Health Care Practitioner before increasing any amounts. As with any supplement you can determine your amount based on your personal preference - if you find that a product works for you immediately then you should be fine to take it just on the days you feel you need it, but again we suggest you discuss this with you MD or HP. Some consumers find that a product needs to be in their system for a few days to a few weeks before they notice results and/or feel the full benefits.

I don't understand why when I purchase your product and open the bottle, the contents don't even fill 1/2 of the packaging that is being used?

The containers we use are determined based on product fill and required label information, as well as capsule count when/where applicable.  Sometimes we do have to use a larger bottle than seems necessary because of the information required on the labels - requirements both from Health Canada and in order for the label to be clear and legible to our consumers.  Also, in a case where we are offering larger volume (ie/ 400g versus 200g or 180 capsules versus 90 capsules), then we have to put the contents in a bigger container in order for there to be differentiation on the shelf.

What is your 100% money-back guarantee?

Our 100% money back guarantee ensures that if a customer is not completely satisfied with their purchase, they can return it to their point of purchase and we will credit the Health Food store 100% of their purchase price from us.  We cannot dictate if a store will give cash back or an in-store credit ~ but we do promise to credit them, regardless of the reason for the return.

Studies

Berberine HCL: Zhang Y, Li X, Zou D, et al. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:2559-2565.

Zhang H, Wei J, Xue R, et al. Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 mellitus patients through increasing insulin receptor expression. Metab Clin Exp 2010; 59:285-292.

Dans AM, Villarruz MV, Jimeno CA, Javelosa MA, Chua J, Bautista R, Velez GG. The effect of Momordica charantia capsule preparation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus needs further studies. J Clin Epidemiol. 2007 Jun;60(6):554-9. 

John AJ, Cherian R, Subhash HS, Cherian AM.Evaluation of the efficacy of bitter gourd (momordica charantia) as an oral hypoglycemic agent--a randomized controlled clinical trial. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2003 Jul;47(3):363-5.

Ahmad N, Hassan MR, Halder H, Bennoor KS. Effect of Momordica charantia (Karolla) extracts on fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels in NIDDM patients. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull. 1999 Apr;25(1):11-3.

Cactus: Linarès E, Thimonier C, Degre M.The effect of NeOpuntia on blood lipid parameters--risk factors for the metabolic syndrome (syndrome X). Adv Ther. 2007 Sep-Oct;24(5):1115-25. 

Tesoriere L, Butera D, Pintaudi AM, Allegra M, Livrea MA. Supplementation with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit decreases oxidative stress in healthy humans: a comparative study with vitamin C. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;80(2):391-5

Albarracin CA, Fuqua BC, Evans JL, Goldfine ID.Chromium picolinate and biotin combination improves glucose metabolism in treated, uncontrolled overweight to obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008 Jan-Feb;24(1):41-51.

Singer GM, Geohas J. The effect of chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation on glycemic control in poorly controlled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized trial. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 Dec;8(6):636-43.