Supplementation can be pretty tricky in case of diabetics. They can be type 1 or type 2 diabetics. Even minor changes in a diabetic’s diet can cause blood sugar variations. This can even cause a whole host of other health conditions. Diabetics often cope with things like blood sugar spikes and inflammation. Thus, adding supplements into their routine can be useful. And, this might even reduce the damaging effects of the disease. For instance, evidence propose that berberine reduce glucose levels in diabetics. In addition, there’s further research showing that vitamin D improves the insulin sensitivity.
Diabetes and Lifestyle Considerations
It’s very critical to discuss with a doctor before including supplements. Patients nowadays reach out to registered dietitians. They provide expertise regarding out of the dozens of supplements available in market, which ones best suit the diabetics.
Vitamin supplements for diabetes
Vitamins play a key role in glucose metabolism. Deficiency of these nutrients may increase the need of supplementation. Supplementation manages and prevents diabetes complications. In diabetics, the abnormal sugar metabolism produces free radicals in excess. This lowers the antioxidants in the blood. This causes lack of vitamins such as A, C, and E. These are potent antioxidants. Certain diabetes drugs can reduce the absorption of B9 (folic acid) and B12. So, if a person is taking diabetes drug for a long time, supplements may also be necessary.
Vitamin A
The active form of Vitamin A is retinol. It is a potent antioxidant. Retinol copes with stress, also improves the working of pancreatic cells. This is vital as pancreatic cells are responsible for insulin production.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supplements reduce the levels of sugar and lipids in type 2 diabetics. Supplements also help to lower the risk of diabetes complications.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E supplements reduce the risk of foot ulcers, heart problems, and retinal damage. Additionally, vitamin E delays the development of diabetic complications.
Vitamin B1
Diabetics, may it be type 1 or 2 experience Vitamin B1 deficiency. Thiamine supplements are seen to lower the sugar levels in diabetics. This also reduces the risk of nephropathy. Check the normal sugar level chart to get information about the blood sugar levels.
Vitamin B9
Folate supplementation helps to improve blood sugar control. They help to lower down the levels of HbA1c. Moreover, it improves:
- insulin resistance in diabetics (type 2 patients)
- serum insulin
Vitamin B1 with B6, B12 helps to improve the signs of eye damage (retinal damage).
Vitamin B12
B12 plus B9 and B6 helps to improve the signs of diabetic retinopathy. These signs can be:
- retinal edema (fluid build-up in the eyes)
- increased sensitivity to light.
When taken with lipoic acid, vitamin B12:
- improves nerve function, and
- defends against diabetic neuropathy.
Minerals for diabetics
Different types of mineral supplements for diabetics can be:
- Magnesium
Magnesium controls the levels of blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes associates with low levels of magnesium. Also, few studies propose a benefit for consuming a magnesium supplement with diabetes. Magnesium helps to improve the insulin sensitivity.
- Berberine
Berberine lowers down the blood glucose levels in diabetics. The supplement is so powerful that its action is comparable to diabetes drug Metformin. Berberine supplement amazon are A-rated GMP certified. This means that examination of every aspect of their manufacturing process is done. This may include the laboratory testing for stability, product formulation, and potency.
- Probiotics
Probiotics are living bacteria offering several health benefits on intake. These bacteria occur naturally in the person’s gut. Yet, their replenishment may occur via external means. This supplement improves the gut health and digestion. It may rarely come up with its link to improve diabetes. Probiotics improve the body’s ability to use and handle carbs. The beneficial bacteria improve the gut’s microbiome. And, eventually the way it processes the carbs. And, hence reduces the levels of blood glucose and A1c over time.
Also, probiotics help to improve blood sugar readings. They do so by decreasing swelling in the body. And, this helps to prevent further damage of pancreatic cells. These cells are responsible for insulin production.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a beneficial supplement for diabetes. Consuming 2 grams of a supplement of cinnamon for 12 weeks considerably improves the hemoglobin or HbA1c levels in Type 2 diabetics. Cinnamon has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.
- Vitamin D
There is an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes in individuals having low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin. This decreases the risk of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is often the precursor for type 2 diabetes.
Before beginning their use, remember that supplements may hinder with diabetes drugs. Based upon the needs, it is important to discuss with a doctor regarding:
- suitable dosage
- how to use
Follow a nutritious diet to keep the sugar levels in check. If a diet lacks satisfactory nutrition, including supplements can help. A registered dietitian or a health coach expertise in reversal of diabetes can be found at Breathe Well-being. Breathe is a natural Diabetes Reversal Program. It is completely customized without any harsh restrictions.
