An average person may not do without dietary supplements to improve health, so what about a diabetic patient who suffers from unstable blood sugar levels?
Medications are effective in lowering high blood sugar levels, but some dietary supplements may also help improve certain body functions related to insulin and blood sugar.
So, what is the best dietary supplement for diabetics? And why might a diabetic patient need dietary supplements?
The Importance of Dietary Supplements for Diabetics
Some diabetics may lean toward taking vitamin and mineral supplements to help treat symptoms or complications of diabetes.
Although some dietary supplements can affect how the body deals with blood sugar, it is essential to conduct further research to determine if vitamins have beneficial anti-glycemic effects.
Otherwise, certain vitamins and minerals can provide additional support for people with type 2 diabetes, whether through improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, or protecting nerve health.
However, a doctor must always be consulted to choose the appropriate dietary supplement, especially since some ingredients may cause a decrease or increase in blood sugar, or perhaps interact negatively with diabetes medications.
The Most Important Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for Diabetics
Based on the above, the most important vitamin and mineral supplements for diabetics include:
1. Chromium
Chromium is a natural mineral in the body, and one of its functions is to help control blood sugar levels by making the hormone insulin more effective, which is the hormone that prevents blood sugar levels from rising.
In the case of type 2 diabetes, the body may not produce enough insulin, or it may not respond to insulin as it should. Some research indicates that people with diabetes may have low levels of chromium, but it is not clear whether chromium supplements help treat diabetes or not.
However, a small study showed that taking 1000 micrograms of chromium picolinate may be effective in helping the body respond to insulin (reducing insulin resistance), but more studies are still needed.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is famous for its role in maintaining bone health and supporting immunity; it also contributes to maintaining blood glucose levels.
On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency is linked to insulin resistance, and many people with type 2 diabetes have low levels of vitamin D at the time of diagnosis.
High-dose, short-term vitamin D supplements can help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and cumulative sugar levels (HbA1c) in people with type 2 diabetes who suffer from a vitamin D deficiency.
However, vitamin D is not a cure in the literal sense for diabetes; rather, its use must be in accordance with a doctor's instructions and not as a substitute for prescribed medications.
3. Omega-3
Omega-3 acids help the body build cells and provide them with energy. Although they do not directly affect blood sugar levels, they affect certain things that constitute the general health of diabetic patients.
For example, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce triglyceride levels, improve good cholesterol levels, reduce bad cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and protect against cardiovascular complications that can result from diabetes.
However, it is essential to talk to a doctor before taking omega-3 supplements for diabetic patients.
4. Magnesium
The body needs the mineral magnesium to perform its functions efficiently and help nerves and muscles work well; it may also help regulate blood sugar levels.
Magnesium deficiency may be more common among people with diabetes, and low magnesium levels may contribute to the development of prediabetes.
For example, an analysis of seven studies involving more than 280,000 people found that increasing magnesium intake by 100 mg per day through food or dietary supplements reduces the risk of developing diabetes by up to 15%.
However, there is no evidence that magnesium prevents or treats diabetes, and a doctor may recommend magnesium supplements for diabetics if their levels are already low.
5. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant found naturally in every cell of the body. It helps reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress resulting from chronic metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, and more specifically, diabetic neuropathy.
Alpha-lipoic acid may be useful for diabetics who suffer from persistent burning and numbness in the feet or limbs, and it may also be useful in enhancing insulin sensitivity and fasting blood sugar levels, but a doctor must be consulted before taking alpha-lipoic acid supplements.
6. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 supplements may be useful for those with diabetes and also those who simultaneously suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency.
It is noted that the drug Metformin (for treating diabetes) may cause a vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia, and therefore it may be useful to take vitamin B12 supplements, but under medical supervision.
The Best Dietary Supplement for Diabetics from the Pharmacy
AlJawaher Almotamayza Pharmacies provide a range of dietary supplements and Diabetic Products specifically for diabetics, which you can choose from after consulting a doctor to determine what is most appropriate:
1. Diaben Liquid Drink with Cappuccino Flavor
Diaben is a liquid drink with a cappuccino flavor that contains chromium, zinc, selenium, and vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin B12. It is used for those suffering from malnutrition in conjunction with diabetes.
2. Glucerna SR Vanilla
Glucerna SR milk is a dietary supplement for diabetics that meets all nutritional needs and contains all vitamins and minerals, as well as carbohydrates, without causing an increase in blood sugar levels.
3. Glucerna G1
Glucerna G1 is a milk that helps regulate blood sugar levels and contains chromium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins; it is a supportive dietary supplement for diabetics.
4. Nestle Resource Diabetic
Nestle Resource Diabetic is a dietary supplement for diabetics containing minerals such as chromium, magnesium, and selenium, and vitamins such as vitamin B12. It is also rich in fiber and high-quality whey protein and is used as part of a complete nutritional system for diabetics.
5. Jamieson Chromium 200 mcg
Jamieson Chromium tablets help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin function in the body, in addition to compensating for chromium deficiency in diabetics.
6. Thiotacid 300 mg
Thiotacid tablets contain alpha-lipoic acid, which helps reduce nerve pain associated with diabetes.
7. Diabetone Dietary Supplement for Diabetics 30 Capsules
Diabetone is a dietary supplement for diabetics that supports maintaining blood sugar levels; it contains 20 nutrients, including chromium, vitamin B12, and vitamin B1.
Tips for Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
It is recommended to follow these tips to better control your blood sugar levels:
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Take the diabetes medications prescribed by the doctor exactly according to their doses.
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Practice physical exercises regularly, as they help control blood sugar and can contribute to weight loss.
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Focus on eating vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, eggs, low-fat dairy products, legumes, nuts, and whole grains.
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Avoid processed foods, foods rich in sugar, and sweetened beverages.
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Eat foods rich in fiber, as they help manage blood sugar, such as peas, beans, oats, and fruits like apples and pears, and vegetables.
