Diabetic Nutritional Supplements

Supplements as a Part of Combating Diabetes

Diabetes is a state where your body has lost the ability to effectively regulate the levels of blood sugar, which in turn hinges on how your system handles insulin. There can be different reasons for this, but the consequences are potentially dire. Therefore, if you have suspicions you may be on the verge of, or already have acquired diabetes, you should consult with your doctor right away.

In most cases, adjustments to your diet and exercise habits go a long way towards combating diabetes and increasing your quality of life. Thus, think of nutritional supplements as an extra boost to your overall efforts, not a magic bullet in and by itself.

What is in Diabetic Nutritional Supplements

Chromium - Since diabetes is directly linked to blood sugar management, it is no surprise the most common ingredient is chromium. This mineral has a big impact on how sensitive the body is to insulin (the more sensitive, the better). Studies have been done with diabetic patients seeing good results from dosages up to 1,000 mcg of chromium per day, but this is several times the RDI and should not be done without the supervision of a doctor; otherwise, play it safe and stick with the standard recommendation of 200 mcg (usually the amount found in over-the-counter diabetic nutritional supplements anyway).

Vanadyl Sulfate - Vanadyl sulfate, which is the most commonly sold form of vanadium, has shown itself to also increase insulin sensitivity. It is sometimes sold as a weight loss supplement, which in turn also helps decrease risk of, and severity of diabetes, although the jury is still out on the real-life impact of prolonged supplementation of this mineral. Until we know more about long-term effects, you should check with your doctor before making it a regular part of your long-term supplementation regime.

Fiber - You know it's great for general gut health and regularity, but did you know fiber is also good for managing blood sugar swings? Since fiber takes time and effort for the stomach to process, it effectively slows down any potential release of blood sugar too. A slower release of blood sugar means less need for dramatic insulin spikes, which is good news for pre-diabetics and diabetics alike. Plus, it's fills you up while adding little or no calories, making it a perfect component of a weight-loss regimen -- another key factor in getting diabetes under control.

Antioxidants - Vitamins like C, E, B1, B2, B6 and B12, and minerals like zinc, selenium and others with free radical-fighting properties are commonly found in the diabetic nutritional supplement cocktails as well. While the scientific community isn't entirely in agreement on whether they have direct impact on insulin and blood sugar management, they certainly help tilt the balance in your favor by giving your overall health a boost. Think of it as aiding the good cause by eliminating the nuisances that might otherwise have made things more difficult for your body. Additional effects are gravy.

Magnesium - Here is another case where the experts aren't entirely in agreement whether to give a blanket recommendation for magnesium or not. Some studies show magnesium to give insulin control a boost, and we know there's a direct link between magnesium deficiency and risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes. But we also know excess magnesium can be downright hazardous for certain medical conditions frequently found in diabetes sufferers (heart disease, kidney disorders). Bottom line: As always, check with your doctor to see if this one is for you. Good luck!