Vitamin Supplement & Diabetes

As is always the case, be sure to discuss any vitamins or other supplements you would be interested in adding to your diet with your physician before making any changes.  While vitamins and supplements can be very beneficial they can also have adverse affects when taken in combination with certain drugs or in too high a dose.  Your doctor is your partner in managing your diabetes and can help you make the best possible choices where your health is concerned.

Below is a list of vitamins and supplements that have been shown to be beneficial in the management of diabetes.

Folic Acid - has been attributed to helping with vascular disease in people with diabetes.  It is said to act upon homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is a substance normally metabolized into amino acids by the body but in high levels it can cause vascular problems and heart disease. Two groups of people are known to have problems metabolizing homocysteine, those with a rare genetic problem that causes early heart attacks and people with diabetes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - found in fish, flaxseed and canola oil, omega-3 fatty acids have been found to lower triglyceride levels, but the final word on their effect on glucose control still eludes researchers.

Alpha-lipoic acid - aids in glucose control and has been shown to act as a very strong antioxidant in the fight against diabetes.

Gamma-linolenic acid - has been shown to improve nerves that have been damaged from diabetes.

Selenium and vitamin E taken together could play a role in controlling some negative affects diabetes has on the liver.

Chromium - The ability of the element chromium to improve blood sugars is a hotly debated diabetes topic. There is some evidence that it has a role in glucose homeostasis [equilibrium] and when taken correctly under doctor's supervision, can do no harm.

Vitamin B6 plays a role in a variety of biochemical reactions in the human body including the metabolism of amino acids and glycogen, the synthesis of nucleic acids, hemoglobin, sphingomyelin and other sphingolipids, and the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters including serotonin and dopamine.

Vitamin D plays a role in strengthening the body's immune system, assisting blood cell formation, and may support processes that reduce the risk of developing some forms of cancer. It is believed that vitamin D may protect people from a number of other conditions including multiple sclerosis, autoimmune arthritis and diabetes.

This list may seem a bit overwhelming, however many of these vitamins and other supplements can be found in combination with one another making it much easier for you to take them.

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