Studies show that there is a link between diabetes and vitamins, at least in the area of vitamin deficiency in patients with diabetes. Certain vitamins are necessary to help your body absorb nutrients and digest food properly. If a diabetic patient is low in these vitamins, it can definitely affect the treatment results.
If you have diabetes, vitamins may be recommended and necessary for your overall health. There are many diabetes vitamins and supplements available on the market that are manufactured without using ingredients that can be harmful for people with diabetes.
Vitamins for diabetes can include multivitamins, vitamin D, vitamin B and others that a diabetic patient needs. Blood tests can be done at your physician’s office to determine any deficiencies. Your physician will then make treatment recommendations. You might also be referred to a diabetic specialist or a dietician to develop a diet and supplementation plan.
Vitamins and diabetes can go hand in hand. Once you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor is going to recommend a treatment plan that will include diet and activity changes, blood glucose monitoring, and possibly medications and/or insulin. These changes will be much more effective if you have the proper vitamins in your system to absorb and digest the foods you are consuming.
There are several recommendations about which vitamins are best for fighting diabetes. According to an article reviewed by Susan Weiner, a registered dietician and expert in the field, research is beginning to show that garlic, CoQ10, Omega-3 fatty acids, ALA, Chromium and Magnesium may help fight the battle with diabetes.
Other recommendations include vitamin D, vitamin B and multivitamin supplementation. Vitamin D helps with the absorption of nutrients. Without vitamin D your body will have a hard time utilizing insulin to metabolize sugar. If you are having difficulty controlling your diabetes despite following your recommended treatment plan, ask your doctor to check to see if you have any vitamin deficiencies.
Is there a connection between b vitamins and diabetes?
The jury is still out regarding vitamin B supplementation and diabetes. It is known that people with diabetes tend to have higher levels of homocysteine in their blood and vitamin B has been shown to decrease this. As summarized in an article written by Dr. Bradley, a naturopathic doctor specializing in diabetes, excess homocysteine can cause heart disease and this in combination with diabetes can lead to diabetic nephropathy, which is condition that affects the kidneys.
However, excess vitamin b can also be difficult for the kidneys to handle. One such study, referenced in the Los Angeles Times, showed that vitamin B supplements actually make the problem worse instead of better.
As with anything, there are pros and cons to the supplementation argument. The best way to determine which supplementation is best for you is to get your levels tested and follow your physician’s recommendations. If you feel your physician may be incorrect, get a second and even third opinion. This is your life and your health and you have the right to make sure you are receiving the care you need and deserve.
