Must-Have Supplements for Diabetes
B-Complex Vitamins
Vitamins B6 and B12 specifically support nerve health, which is critical for addressing conditions such as diabetic nephropathy. Biotin is another B-complex vitamin that is necessary for both metabolism and growth. Biotin is also involved in the manufacture and utilization of protein, fats and carbohydrates. .
Vitamin D
Vitamin D turns on genes that boost production of antimicrobial peptides called cathelicidins, which destroy viruses, bacteria and other germs. Because people with diabetes are more prone to infections due to diabetic ulcers and periodontal disease, making sure your body has optimal levels of this fat-soluble vitamin is important.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the body’s premier fat-soluble antioxidant. It improves glucose control and protects blood vessels and nerves from free radical damage, which is accelerated by the diabetes. Studies have shown that high doses of supplemental vitamin E may even reverse damage to nerves caused by diabetes and protect against diabetic cataracts and atherosclerosis. When taking vitamin E, take only the natural form of it. You can tell it’s natural if it’s listed as d-alpha-tocopherol or d-alpha-tocopheryl. Synthetic vitamin E is listed as dl-alpha-tocopherol or dl-alpha tocopheryl (note the “l”).
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral crucial for energy production and protein synthesis, cellular replication and DNA production. Magnesium has also been shown to decrease insulin resistance, helping to keep blood sugar levels in check.
Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral that improves the action of insulin and helps move glucose and other nutrients into the cells. Chromium doesn’t cause the body to make more insulin—it just helps insulin work better. At least 15 well-controlled clinical trials examining the effects of supplemental chromium on patients with diabetes, insulin resistance and other blood sugar abnormalities have shown that this mineral improves glucose metabolism.
Berberine
Berberine, a plant alkaloid, targets AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a very basic and ancient regulator of metabolism present in all animals and plants. AMPK stimulates the uptake of glucose into the cells, improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production in the liver, which is in overdrive in diabetic patients.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is an extract from the leaves of a climbing plant native to the forests of central and south India. The leaves of the plant contain gymnemic acids, which have been shown to slow the transport of glucose from the intestines to the bloodstream. This, in turn, helps to keep blood sugar levels in the healthy range.
Chinese medicine has been using cinnamon for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. It has been the subject of numerous studies to determine its effect on blood glucose levels. A 2011 study has shown that cinnamon, in whole form or extract, helps lower fasting blood glucose levels. More studies are being done, but cinnamon is showing promise for helping to treat diabetes.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant. Some studies suggest it may:
However, more research is needed. Furthermore, ALA needs to be taken with caution, as it has the potential to lower blood sugar levels to dangerous levels.
Bitter melon is used to treat diabetes-related conditions in countries like Asia, South America, and others. There is a lot of data on its effectiveness as a treatment for diabetes in animal and lab studies.However, there is limited human data on bitter melon. There are not enough clinical studies on human. The human studies currently available are not of high quality.
Because herbs have strong medicinal effects on the body, they can interact with some drugs in ways that can be dangerous to your health. If you are taking any medication (prescription or over-the-counter), talk to your doctor before using herbal products