The connection between vitamin b and diabetes is an anomaly of sorts. Many studies have shown that vitamin b has found helpful in the treatment of diabetes. This of course caused many diabetics to begin taking high doses of the vitamin. This should stop immediately, according to Canadian researcher. Instead of reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke, it appears as though the vitamins increase it (LAtimes.com, 2010).
This team, led by Dr. David Spence of the University of Western Ontario in London, organized a clinical trial in hopes of demonstrating the vitamin B and diabetes benefits. However, they found that those taking the vitamin started to have a decrease in kidney function. Specifically, it affected the kidney’s ability to filter out toxic wastes from the blood sugar in these patients. Eight people in the study suffered a heart attack and six a stroke. Spence’s immediate hypothesis is that kidney damage from diabetes led to the buildup of the supplement in these patients. He also added that multivitamin supplements that include vitamin B should not be a problem.
Vitamin B Complex and Diabetes
Vitamin B complex supplements include B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9, and B-12. These vitamins work together to convert glucose to energy as well as to control muscle and nerve contractions, regulate chemical reactions of the body, and maintain the health of skin, hair, and nails. Diabetes is one condition in which people commonly take B-complex supplements in order to help control blood sugar levels or to replace them to avoid a vitamin deficiency.
Another connection between diabetes and vitamin B is that Metformin (a drug typically used in diabetes) has been found to cause a vitamin B-12 deficiency in some patients. If vitamin B-12 is not replaced it could cause pernicious anemia, which leads to nerve and cell damage. Complete multivitamins contain all of the B-complex vitamins; however, it may not be enough to treat a deficiency. Vitamin B-complex vitamins can usually be taken daily, but speak to your doctor to be sure there is no risk.
Signs of a vitamin b and diabetes deficiency are fatigue, weakness, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, as well as weight loss and loss of appetite. A person may also experience memory loss. If any of these symptoms occur, a doctor’s appointment should be made. Do not begin taking vitamin b supplements until you speak to your doctor and find out what she recommends.
