Diabetics have a greater than normal need for nutrients. This is why diabetic vitamin supplements are so important. In particular, diabetics have a less than effective vitamin C metabolism. This is because insulin is what normally transports the antioxidant into your cells. Since diabetics lack sufficient amounts of the insulin hormone, the vitamin cannot be received by the cells. When you consider that diabetics already have a weakened immune system, a vitamin C deficiency can be a real problem.
Diabetic vitamin supplements also contain chromium, which is a very important nutritional supplement. The same as with vitamin C, the cell’s insensitivity to insulin causes lowered levels of chromium in the body. The nutrient is best taken in the form of niacin bound GTF chromium, or Chromemate. This diabetic vitamin, along with vitamin B6, and biotin, have all been found to help prevent diabetic neuropathy (nerve disease). Other diabetic vitamins and minerals which help to improve diabetes are as follows:
- Vitamin D – This vitamin helps to reduce the cell’s resistance to insulin, and in turn helps the diabetic to control their blood sugar levels easier. It also helps in preventing the formation of cataracts.
- Alpha lipoic acid – This powerful antioxidant helps reduce the risk of peripheral nerve damage. Peripheral nerve damage is a condition which causes many complications in diabetes. Alphlipoic acid also helps to keep blood sugar levels stay balanced.
- Vitamin E – Just like vitamin C, vitamin E is useful as an antioxidant. The website, Diabetes-Guide.org suggests taking the natural form, D Alpha, rather than the synthetic form, DL Alpha.
- Vitamin B6 – Taking this diabetic vitamin supplement helps to preventand improve neuropathy
- Vitamin B12 – Taking this diabetic vitamin supplement helps to preventand improve neuropathy
- Zinc – Taking zinc help to improve insulin action
Magnesium is a mineral which should be noted because diabetics have a hard time retaining this as well. Remember that before taking any nutritional supplements, you should speak with your doctor. This is because they could interfere with certain medications.
Diabetic Vitamin Packs
Diabetic vitamin packs are formulated especially for the nutritional needs of diabetics. They provide the essential nutrients that are needed for optimal diabetic health. Many people opt for a diabetic vitamin pack to help them stay balanced. There are many brands of these diabetic packs out there. Check out the following options:
- Nature’s Bounty Diabetes Support Pack
- Nature Made Diabetes Health Pack
- Vitamin World Advanced Diabetes Support Pack
- Dr. Weil Vitamin Packs