Nutritional Supplements for Diabetics
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Vitamins and Supplements for People with Diabetes
With so many vitamins and supplements on the market, how can you know which ones will be most beneficial to diabetics? While it is always wise to consult with your doctor or nutritionist, it is also a good idea to read labels carefully and to research health claims of various products.
Information
Some vitamins and supplements that may help diabetics are noted here, along with the benefits that they are believed to provide.
Diabetic Multi-Vitamins
Diabetic Multivitamins are widely accepted as a safe source of essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function optimally. While a well-rounded diet should preclude the need for multivitamins, in reality many people do not receive all of the nutrients they need from food alone.
Fiber
Fiber supplements may be an excellent way to control blood sugar levels. A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine (May 2000) shows that type 2 diabetics who eat more fiber than the recommended daily allowance (24 grams) can significant lower their blood sugar levels. Antioxidants
Antioxidants may provide significant benefits to diabetic patients. Antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A (beta carotene), C, and E fight free radicals. (Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause damage by stealing electrons from a healthy cell's molecules.) Recent studies have shown that antioxidants help prevent neuropathy and retinopathy. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that aids in glucose uptake. It helps vitamins A and C work better, detoxifies the body, and guards against degeneration in the eye. Selenium, another antioxidant, has been suggested as beneficial to diabetics. However, according to a Cornell University study, selenium may actually cause insulin resistance. Xingen Lei, one of the authors of the study, cautions that too many antioxidants may be harmful.
Corsolic Acid
Corsolic acid is believed to increase glucose uptake, as reported by DiabetesHealth.com. One study demonstrated that banaba leaf extract (a common source of corsolic acid) lowered glucose in type 2 diabetics.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid, is naturally found in evening primrose oil and borage oil. It is sometimes used as an anti-inflammatory supplement, and has been shown to improve nerve damage in diabetics. Folic Acid
Folic acid and other B vitamins may help vascular disease in diabetics. They are purported to help lower the levels of homocysteine in the blood, a substance that can cause heart disease and vascular problems. Since diabetics have trouble metabolizing homocysteine, folic acid may be a useful supplement.
Chromium
Chromium has been shown to improve glucose tolerance in both type 1 and 2 diabetics (Andersen, 1998). Chromium increases insulin binding and insulin reception, and did not exhibit any documented side effects in Andersen's study. Popular Supplements
Here is a list of some popular supplements
Here is a list of some of popular supplements.
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Genesis Today - 4Sleep & Relaxation - Herbal Dietary Supplement
- Genesis Today - 4Sleep & Relaxation
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Genesis Today - Power4 - Fruit Juice Liquid Dietary Supplement
- Genesis Today - Power4
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Genesis Today - Açai 100 - 100% Açai Juice
- Genesis Today - Açai 100
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Genesis Today - Protein 100 - Liquid Protein Dietary Supplement
- Genesis Today - Protein 100
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GSL Sugar Balance
- Sugar Balance by GSL combines herbs and nutritional supplements to increase the release of insulin from the pancreas and increase the number of insulin receptors, thus increasing insulin sensitivity. It may also improve glucose tolerance and help the body to process blood sugars.
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Multi-betic Multi-Vitamin, Mineral, Antioxidant and Supplement
- Multi-betic Advanced Diabetic Formula with Alpha Lipoic Acid, Lutein & Lycopene. Helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, Helps to support normal vision & macular health, Helps to promote nerve health & function.
New Guestbook
Lifeteam wrote...
Wow...you share some good insight on the relationship btwn certain vitamins and diabetes. Keep on sharing and educating .
Posted May 17, 2008
TheHerbalGuy wrote...
Very interesting lens on diabetes. Very informative indeed. flax seed can likewise help reduce blood sugar levels being enriched with Omega 3 EFAs, lignans and dietary fibers from its husk as well.
Posted November 15, 2007
AmazingJourney wrote...
amazing information! Thanks for becoming part of my amazing jouney! top notch job!
Posted November 02, 2007
krisManuel wrote...
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Posted November 02, 2007
jb46 wrote...
I learning something new everyday about diabetes, I think are Lenses Complement Each Other
Posted October 17, 2007
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