Nutrition Supplements and Type 2 diabetes

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM),
there are six dietary supplements that can help to ease the complications associated
with Diabetes. Taking these
supplements may also help to delay the on-set of
Type 2 Diabetes in some cases. Some of the supplements below have been tested in
clinical trials.

People with diabetes should be aware that the labels on the supplement’s packaging
may not accurately indicate the exact make-up of the product inside. pharmaceutical
grade supplements are far more reliable. Speak with your doctor if you want to use
dietary supplements to discuss the pros and cons.

Here is a brief description of the six most important supplements involved in Diabetes
control:

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that can help to protect your cells against
damage caused by free radicals. ALA helps to reduce oxidative stress on your cells,
a condition that is caused by high blood sugar levels.ALA may help to reduce blood
sugar levels.  Foods containing ALA include liver, spinach, broccoli and potatoes.
Click on Alpha-Lipoic Acid for more details.

Chromium

Chromium is an essential trace mineral as well as a metal that may help to reduce
blood sugar levels when taken in low doses. The mineral is naturally found in many
foods, such as meats, animal fats, fish, brown sugar, whole-what, rye breads, tea
and coffee. While chromium may help to lower blood sugar, it has also proven to
have dangerous side effects when taken in high doses. These side effects often include
headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding and psychiatric problems. Click on Chromium
for more details.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is an antioxidant that has been shown to help
cells make energy in some cases. Meats and seafood are the primary sources of CoQ10,
but the vitamin may also be found in tablets and capsules. Click on Coenzyme Q10
for more details. Studies on the effectiveness of CoQ10 have shown mixed results.

Garlic

Garlic is a common household herb that has been known to have very effective medicinal
purposes. While studies are mixed as to the true effectiveness of garlic in treating
Type 2 Diabetes, it some tests claim that garlic may help to lower the risk of getting
Diabetes when garlic is consumed regularly. However, consuming garlic in high doses
may also lead to stomach disorders and diarrhea. Click on Garlic for more details.

Magnesium

The mineral Magnesium has been proven to have overall very good affects on the body,
especially on the heart, nerves, muscles, bones and way glucose is processed in
the body. Foods that contain high doses of Magnesium include leafy vegetables, nuts,
seeds and some whole grains. Many people also get their doses of Magnesium through
tablets and daily vitamin supplements.

People with Diabetes often have lower than normal levels of Magnesium in their systems.
Therefore, taking a Magnesium supplement may help to boost the body’s overall health
while also helping to reduce blood sugar levels. Click on Magnesium for more details.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found in
fish, fish oil, vegetable oils, walnuts, wheat germ and many dietary supplements.
Omega-3s are often considered to be one of the most important dietary supplements
because of the overall health benefits of the substance. Omega-3s not only help
to lower triglyceride levels, but they have been shown to reduce the risk of heart
disease and stroke – two conditions that are very common for Diabetics. Click on
Omega – 3 Fatty Acids for more details.

Please note: If you are considering taking
supplements to help control your Diabetes, supplements should accompany your nutrition,
medication and exercise plan. Supplements
should not replace any other form of diabetes treatment. It is always
recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider for more information about
how supplements can be added to other diabetes treatments.