Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A daily nutritional supplement and method of administering it to assist in the metabolism of glucose are disclosed. The supplement includes sources of vanadate and chromium as well as L-carnitine.