Vitamins for Diabetics

Diabetes 101

Before we begin, let's look at diabetes. In a nutshell, it means the body has lost its ability to regulate blood sugar levels properly. One key player in this is insulin, a powerful hormone that prevents blood sugar levels from reaching dangerous levels, among other things. When the release and effect of insulin is out of whack, the whole system breaks down. Much can be done to stabilize blood sugar with smart adjustments to eating and exercise habits, but some vitamins do indeed seem to have a proven impact.

Vitamins for Diabetics

These are vitamins, minerals, or groups of either substance that have shown themselves consistently helpful. Others are being studied, but as of now these are the most important items to consider.

Chromium

This mineral is no overnight cure, but the more long term you look, the more of a star player it becomes. Simply put, chromium works directly to sensitize your insulin receptors. That does not mean it cures diabetes, but it means an important force pulling in the other direction than the disease. However, since this is an area that may require delicate calibration -- especially if you're on prescription meds -- you should always consult with your doctor before embarking on self-medication with chromium.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, E and the bulk of the B-family are increasingly showing themselves to provide a systemic boost. The same goes for minerals like selenium, zinc and other common antioxidants. While all antioxidants don't have a direct impact on blood sugar management, studies have shown diabetes uses up more antioxidants. Deficiency puts your whole body at a disadvantage, meaning the disease gets an edge. Don't give it that advantage.

Vanadyl Sulfate

Bodybuilders take this fairly new supplement to get ripped. Insulin promotes fat storage, so they take vanadyl for the alleged insulin-sensitizing effect, ie. less insulin has to be released to control blood sugar levels. Naturally, this is of great interest to diabetes sufferers. Unfortunately, while some studies have supported the claims, the jury is still out on the long-term safety of this mineral. A supplement containing 10 to 25 mg taken each day is generally considered safe, but ask your doctor about it before supplementing.

Evening Primrose Oil

Diabetes can lead to certain nerve damage, which can be counteracted with daily supplementation of gamma-linolenic acid, the active ingredient in evening primrose oil. Most experts recommend a dosage of 250 to 500 mg per day.

Folic Acid

Finally, let's not forget folic acid. It seems almost everything is fortified with folic acid these days thanks to its proven ability to prevent birth defects in unborn children, but it also has a positive impact on cardiovascular health for those with diabetes. If you eat a normal diet with lots of cereal, bread, pasta and similar common grain-based products, you probably get plenty of folic acid -- but double-check if you're unsure.

Conclusion

Do you need special vitamins for diabetics-branded products, or can you get equally good results getting the vitamins from food or regular vitamin supplements? Pre-packed vitamin cocktails are more convenient, of course, but most diabetes sufferers will be just fine eating a balanced diet and taking over-the-counter vitamin supplements as needed.