{"id":6779,"date":"2024-06-11T18:14:55","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T16:14:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/nmns-breakthrough-in-diabetes-management-an-in-depth-analysis\/"},"modified":"2026-09-19T23:23:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T21:23:25","slug":"nmns-breakthrough-in-diabetes-management-an-in-depth-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/nmns-breakthrough-in-diabetes-management-an-in-depth-analysis\/","title":{"rendered":"What research shows about NMN and glucose metabolism \u2014 an overview"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; row_position_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; flex_gap_desktop=&#8221;10px&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]<em>This article summarizes scientific research, some of which was conducted on animals and cells. It is not medical or treatment advice and does not replace guidance from your GP or diabetes care team. <\/em><\/p>\n<h2>NMN and diabetes: what does science really say?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Short answer about NMN and diabetes:<\/strong> NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a precursor to NAD+ and is being researched for its potential role in glucose metabolism. In one randomized, placebo-controlled study of women with prediabetes, muscle tissue insulin sensitivity improved after ten weeks of NMN. Blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipids did not change in that study. Evidence that NMN prevents, treats, or counteracts complications of diabetes in humans is currently lacking.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/De-doorbraak-van-NMN-in-diabetesbeheer-een-diepgaande-analyse.webp\" alt=\"NMN and diabetes: research into NMN and glucose metabolism\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Key points about NMN and diabetes at a glance<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>NMN is an NAD+ precursor; NAD+ levels decline with age.<\/li>\n<li>The best-known human study (<em>Science<\/em>, 2021) included 25 postmenopausal women with prediabetes and overweight: 13 received 250 mg of NMN per day, 12 received a placebo, for 10 weeks.<\/li>\n<li>Insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue improved; blood glucose, blood lipids, and liver insulin sensitivity did not.<\/li>\n<li>Research into diabetes complications such as kidney damage is primarily preclinical (animal and cell research).<\/li>\n<li>Diabetes management remains a medical process: always consult your doctor about supplements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What is NMN and why is it being researched in glucose metabolism?<\/h2>\n<p>NMN is a molecule that your body uses to produce <strong>NAD+<\/strong> (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in energy production in our cells, DNA repair, and proteins such as sirtuins, which are associated with metabolism and cellular aging. NAD+ levels in various tissues decline with age. Researchers are therefore looking at whether supplementing NAD+ precursors like NMN can support metabolism.<\/p>\n<p>Insulin resistance, a hallmark of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, is linked to impaired energy management in muscle, liver, and fat cells. This makes NAD+ a logical subject of research. Note: a biologically plausible pathway is not yet a proven effect. You can read about how NMN is converted in your body in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/what-does-nmn-really-do-in-your-body\/\">what NMN really does in your body<\/a>, and a broader overview can be found in <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/all-about-nmn-how-this-molecule-can-improve-your-energy-skin-and-metabolism\/\">everything about NMN explained<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>The most important human study on NMN and diabetes: insulin sensitivity in prediabetes<\/h2>\n<p>In 2021, researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, led by Samuel Klein, along with colleagues from Japan, published a study in the journal <em>Science<\/em>: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33888596\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women<\/a>. It was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.<\/p>\n<h3>Setup and results<\/h3>\n<p>The 25 participants were postmenopausal women with prediabetes and overweight or obesity. Thirteen women took 250 mg of NMN daily for 10 weeks, while twelve received a placebo. Using a <em>hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp<\/em>, the gold standard for measuring insulin sensitivity, researchers looked at how well insulin stimulates the uptake of glucose into muscle tissue.<\/p>\n<p>After NMN, muscle tissue insulin sensitivity increased, while there was no change in the placebo group. The researchers also saw stronger insulin signaling (phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR) and changes in genes related to muscle building and muscle remodeling. See also the <a href=\"https:\/\/medicine.washu.edu\/news\/anti-aging-compound-that-improves-metabolic-health-in-mice-improves-muscle-glucose-metabolism-in-people\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">explanation from WashU Medicine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>What did not improve<\/h3>\n<p>Equally important is what did not change: blood glucose levels, blood pressure, blood lipid profile, liver insulin sensitivity, liver fat content, and inflammatory markers. Klein himself indicated that it is too early to make clinical recommendations. This is a small, short-term study in a specific group; therefore, the results should not be extrapolated to men, younger people, or people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n<p>We also discuss this study in more detail in <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/nmn-metabolism-and-insulin-sensitivity-a-breakthrough-for-prediabetes-and-aging\/\">NMN improves insulin sensitivity in prediabetes<\/a> and in <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/nmn-and-women-breakthrough-in-insulin-sensitivity-2025\/\">NMN and women<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>What do meta-analyses say about NMN and diabetes, glucose, and fats?<\/h2>\n<p>There are now several randomized studies with NMN in adults, including people with overweight, the elderly, and people with increased metabolic risk. Research groups have combined these studies into systematic reviews and meta-analyses, for example in <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39531138\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Current Diabetes Reports<\/em><\/a> and in <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39116016\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition<\/em><\/a>. They look at outcomes such as fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin resistance, and lipids.<\/p>\n<p>A recurring point in these types of overviews is that the underlying studies are small, short-term, and differ in dosage, population, and measurement method. This limits the certainty of the conclusions. Always read the original publications for precise figures. An overview article in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41392-021-00723-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy<\/em><\/a> also discusses the mechanisms through which NMN might influence insulin resistance.<\/p>\n<h2>NMN and diabetes complications: what do we know from animal research?<\/h2>\n<p>Much of the attention on NMN and diabetes comes from <strong>preclinical research<\/strong>: studies in mice, rats, and cell cultures. In animal models of diabetes and obesity, researchers have investigated whether NMN can influence glucose tolerance, energy metabolism, and damage to organs such as the kidneys. A recent study, for example, examined the role of NMN in <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/41113491\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">diabetic nephropathy<\/a> via communication between kidney cells.<\/p>\n<p>Such results are valuable for forming hypotheses, but animal models are not humans. Dosages, metabolism, and disease progression differ significantly. There is currently <strong>no human evidence<\/strong> that NMN prevents or delays diabetic kidney disease, eye damage, nerve damage, or other complications in humans.<\/p>\n<h2>NMN, TMG, and GlyNAC: a broader picture<\/h2>\n<p>Those who delve into NMN and diabetes will also encounter NAD+. Those who look further into NAD+ will also find <strong>TMG<\/strong> (trimethylglycine) and <strong>GlyNAC<\/strong> (glycine plus N-acetylcysteine). TMG plays a role in methylation, while GlyNAC supports the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant. These substances are being researched in the context of cellular aging, but none of the three have been shown to treat diabetes.<\/p>\n<p>You can read more about the combinations in our explanation of <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/what-is-glynac\/\">what GlyNAC is<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/nmn-tmg-bundle-2026\/\">NMN + TMG bundle<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/nmn-tmg-and-glynac-the-longevity-stack\/\">longevity stack with NMN, TMG, and GlyNAC<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How could NMN influence insulin sensitivity?<\/h2>\n<p>The proposed mechanism works through NAD+. Muscle cells need NAD+ to process glucose efficiently and convert it into energy. When NAD+ levels drop, the cell&#8217;s energy management can be disrupted, which is linked to insulin resistance. NMN is converted into NAD+ in the body, so in theory, it can support this pathway.<\/p>\n<p>In the <em>Science<\/em> study, researchers did indeed see changes in insulin signaling in muscle tissue, but that is an intermediate step. Whether this leads to better health outcomes in the long term, such as a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, has not been studied.<\/p>\n<h2>Safety and caution<\/h2>\n<p>In short-term studies in adults, NMN dosages are generally well tolerated, but long-term data are lacking. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and people with chronic conditions or on medication, there is not enough research to draw conclusions. Therefore, always choose a supplier that is transparent about purity and origin, and discuss use with your doctor. Practical points of interest can be found in our <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/buying-nmn-in-the-netherlands-your-complete-nmn-guide-to-2025\/\">guide on buying NMN in the Netherlands<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How to read supplement research critically<\/h2>\n<p>News reports about a &#8220;breakthrough&#8221; rarely paint the full picture. Pay attention to four things: does it involve humans, animals, or cells; how many participants were there; how long did the study last; and what outcome was measured\u2014an intermediate measure like muscle insulin sensitivity or a hard outcome like HbA1c or complications. An improvement in an intermediate measure is interesting but says nothing yet about your ultimate health.<\/p>\n<h2>What we cannot conclude from this<\/h2>\n<p>This overview combines studies with different designs, target groups, and outcome measures. This is useful for outlining the current state of research. For NMN and diabetes, therefore: the research is interesting, but it is explicitly not proof that:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>NMN prevents or treats diabetes;<\/li>\n<li>NMN lowers your blood sugar or can replace medication;<\/li>\n<li>findings from animal research will be repeated in humans;<\/li>\n<li>long-term use in people with diabetes is safe and effective.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Are you using medication such as metformin or insulin, or do you have an increased risk of hypoglycemia? Never change anything about your treatment yourself. Discuss every supplement with your doctor or pharmacist first.<\/p>\n<h2>Lifestyle remains the foundation for prediabetes and diabetes<\/h2>\n<p>Even with NMN and diabetes, the proven foundation for insulin sensitivity is still: exercise and strength training, sufficient protein and fiber, healthy weight, sleep, and stress management. Supplements can at most be an addition and are not a replacement. You can find background articles on our site about <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/healthy-aging-tips-what-does-research-prove-about-nmn-tmg-and-glynac\/\">healthy aging<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/benefits-for-muscle-and-liver-health-the-science-behind-nmn-and-healthy-aging\/\">muscle and liver health<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/longevity-supplements-in-2026-energy-focus-and-vitality-at-the-cellular-level\/\">longevity supplements<\/a>. For reliable, general information about diabetes, you can visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetesfonds.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Diabetes Fund<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thuisarts.nl\/diabetes-type-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thuisarts.nl<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions about NMN and diabetes<\/h2>\n<h3>Can NMN cure or treat diabetes?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Regarding NMN and diabetes, there is no evidence that NMN cures or treats diabetes. There are studies on effects on insulin sensitivity, but the results are limited and have not been translated into medical guidelines.<\/p>\n<h3>Does NMN lower blood sugar in diabetes?<\/h3>\n<p>In the <em>Science<\/em> study of women with prediabetes, muscle tissue insulin sensitivity improved, but blood glucose levels did not change. A blood sugar-lowering effect has therefore not been demonstrated.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I use NMN alongside diabetes medication?<\/h3>\n<p>That is a question for your doctor or pharmacist. There is limited research on interactions, and medical supervision is important for medication that affects blood sugar.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the dosage used in research?<\/h3>\n<p>In the study of prediabetic women, 250 mg of NMN per day was used for 10 weeks. This is a research dosage and not advice. You can find more practical information in our <a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/buy-nmn-what-to-look-out-for\/\">guide on what to look for with NMN<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Is there research on NMN and type 2 diabetes in humans?<\/h3>\n<p>The best-known research focuses on prediabetes in postmenopausal women. Research in people with diagnosed type 2 diabetes is more limited, and there are no conclusions on which treatment advice can be based.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion: interesting field of research, not a treatment<\/h2>\n<p>Research into NMN and diabetes, and into glucose metabolism in general, is fascinating and evolving. There are signals from animal research and from early human research, such as improved muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women. At the same time, the studies are small and short-term, and important outcomes such as blood glucose remained unchanged. There is not yet proof that NMN prevents or treats diabetes in humans.<\/p>\n<p>Do you have diabetes or prediabetes? Stay with your treating physician for guidance. Supplements are at most a topic to discuss <em>together with<\/em> that doctor, never a replacement.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/shop\/\">View our NMN products<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. 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