The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning against the use of an unregulated supplement called kratom that has addictive and potentially dangerous health effects. The FDA says some people are using the botanical substance for pain relief and to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. As of February 2018, the FDA had received reports of 36 deaths linked to kratom. Some people with diabetes may also be experimenting with kratom in an attempt to increase their insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar, but there is no evidence kratom has any such effects. Read more