Many diabetics often wonder are there vitamins that can help with diabetes? The best answer is that researchers are still testing various vitamins and the conclusions can sometimes be confusing. The following list is not inconclusive, but offers some vitamins that you can consider and the reasons behind what they do. Remember the best thing for diabetes is a well balanced diet and exercise.
Zinc: For decades it has been known that a physical chemical relationship exists between insulin and zinc. Studies have shown that urinary excretion of Zinc is markedly increased in individuals with diabetes, if hyperglycemia is the primary etiology. Replacement with oral Zinc supplementation should provide sufficient treatment to help counter this. Zinc is important in insulin action and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc supplementation has shown potential beneficial antioxidant effects in people with Type 2 Diabetes. It is believed that Zinc supplementation has beneficial effects on glycaemic control and promotes healthy lipid parameters. (1)
Magnesium: Magnesium is important because of its role in blood sugar metabolism. Magnesium is the mineral insulin uses to deposit glucose into the cells. This pathway makes magnesium deficiency a likely suspect in the event of a problem with glucose metabolism.(2)
Vitamin C– studies have shown that diabetics may have a lower level of vitamin C because high blood sugar prevents Vitamin C from being absorbed. The current recommended dose is 60mg per day. (3)
Chromium– may help the body to respond to insulin. A diet high in romaine lettuce, onions and tomatoes can help to prevent this deficiency.(4)
Vitamin D– Vitamin D has been shown to be lacking in people with poor diabetic control. Vitamin D may be beneficial for a diverse array of health issues, including, but not limited to, cancers, diabetes, lung function, and bone health. A very important study done in Nov. 9 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, researchers reported that blood vessels are less like to clog in people with diabetes who get adequate vitamin D. More importantly the study showed in patients with insufficient vitamin D, immune cells bind to blood vessels near the heart, and then trap cholesterol to block those blood vessels. This vitamin may be one of the most significant for people with diabetes to consider.(5)
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References:
(1) Effects of zinc supplementation on diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome. http://www.dmsjournal.com/content/4/1/13
(2) Magnesium&Diabetics, Coad, Tanya. Livestrong.com. http://www.livestrong.com/article/361668-magnesium-diabetics/
(3) The Best Vitamins to Help with Diabetes Treatment. Johnson, Ana. Smarty pants health simplified. June 4,2012. http://smartypantsvitamins.com/best-vitamins-for-diabetes/
(4) Vitamin D may prevent clogged arteries in Diabetics. Science Daily, Nov. 13, 2012. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113134222.htm
