Diabetes News, Articles & Information

There are numerous dietary supplements that can aid in the treatment and management of diabetes. It is recommended you consult a doctor before beginning a supplement regime that includes one or more of the supplements below.

#1 Magnesium

Diabetics tend to have much lower magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium deficiency is thought to be a potential risk factors for diabetes and supplementation of around 400mg a day has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in people who have already developed diabetes. Magnesium may also help reduce cardiovascular risk factors and high blood pressure. A Taiwanese study conducted in 1999 found that an individuals risk of dying from diabetes was inversely proportional to the amount of magnesium in that individuals drinking water.

Magnesium rich foods include beans, spinach, broccoli, soy products, spinach, nuts, grains, and most varieties of fish. The recommended daily intake of magnesium is 320mg for adult men and 270mg for adult women however diabetics may benefit from 400mg or more of magnesium a day.

#2 Alpha-lipoic Acid (ALA)

Aplpha-lipoicacid is an anti-oxidant that can help reduce glucose levels in the blood of diabetics, reducing the requirement for inuslin. There is also some evidence that ALA may reduce the risk of kidney damage in diabetics and can help reduce the symptoms of neuropathy (nerve damage) such as numbness and tingling in the feet and toes.

#3 Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin can help improve the ability of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels by increasing the activity of an enzyme called glucokinase. Researchers have found that the higher an individuals blood sugar levels are, the lower their biotin levels tend to be. Many diabetics are deficient in biotin so consumption of a wide variety of biotin rich foods is recommended. Biotin is found in foods such as corn, soy, nuts, cauliflower, milk and eggs.

#4 Chromium

Chromium helps lower fasting blood glucose levels, raises “good” HDL cholesterol levels, and lowers triglyceride levels in the blood. A Chinese study found that those with a daily intake of 1,000mcg of chromium had significantly improved insulin control and lower blood-glucose levels two hours after a meal.

#5 Zinc

Zinc is a central element in the metabolism of insulin, the ability of the body to synthesize and secrete insulin is reduced when zinc levels in the body are low. Laboratory results have shown that zinc can help promote both the production and action of insulin. Diabetics tend to excrete zinc at higher rates than non-diabetics so are at a greater risk of developing zinc deficiency.

Most meats provide an excellent source of zinc with oysters, beef, chicken, lobster, lamb and pork all rich in the mineral. Vegetarian sources of zinc include milk, cheese, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and wholegrain breads and cereals.

#6 Manganese

Diabetes sufferers tend to have lower manganese levels than other people. Manganese is an important component of key enzymes involved in the metabolism of glucose and therefore those who are deficient in manganese often have an impaired blood glucose management. Manganese rich foods include pineapples, almonds, peanuts, spinach, brown rice, and tea.