From the Research
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to significantly reduce fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, with a recommended dosage of more than 10 mL per day. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2025, found that apple cider vinegar reduced fasting blood sugar by -21.929 mg/dL and HbA1c by -1.53, and increased insulin levels by 2.059 μu/ml 1.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
- Reduces fasting blood sugar levels
- Lowers HbA1c levels
- Increases insulin levels
- May improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels
Recommended Usage
- Take 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of diluted apple cider vinegar before meals, especially carbohydrate-rich ones
- Always dilute apple cider vinegar in water before consuming to prevent damage to tooth enamel and esophageal tissue
Precautions
- People taking insulin or certain diabetes medications should use caution as combining with vinegar might cause dangerously low blood sugar levels
- Those with gastroparesis, a common diabetic complication involving delayed stomach emptying, should avoid apple cider vinegar as it may worsen symptoms
- Consult with your healthcare provider before adding apple cider vinegar to your diabetes management routine
The evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar can be a useful complement to standard diabetes treatments, but it should not be used as a replacement for medication, proper diet, exercise, and regular blood glucose monitoring 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. However, based on the most recent and highest quality study, the recommendation is to use apple cider vinegar as a complementary treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes, with a focus on reducing fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels 1.