What is the connection between vitamin E and diabetes? According to an article posted by NutraIngredients.com, a daily dose of vitamin E may help delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. The article states that researcher in New Zealand have found that vitamin E temporarily improves insulin resistance. Other studies have shown that a healthy dose of vitamin E and antioxidants lower the risk and help diabetics gain better control over their blood sugar.
ScienceDaily.com also reports on the subject. It states that research has found that about 40% of diabetics can reduce their risks of heart attack and heart disease by taking vitamin E supplements. This was found by a research team at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, known for winning the Nobel Prize in science. The leader of the study, Dr. Andrew Levin, states that if these findings of diabetes and vitamin E are confirmed,then “Vitamin E would represent an inexpensive and safe way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart attack in a significant portion of diabetic patients.”
Good sources of vitamin E include spinach, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, nut, seeds, avocado, tomatoes, peaches, apples, and blackberries. A daily dose of 400 IU is recommended as well. Large doses of vitamin E are usually safe for most people, but you should speak to your doctor before making any dietary changes such as this.
Other Helpful Vitamins
Many studies have shown that Vitamin C and E, taken together do wonders in preventing and helping diabetes. Both of these are antioxidants. Antioxidants help because they neutralize unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells (free radicals). The presence of free radicals is a risk factor for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and nerve damage.
Research has found that diabetics have lower levels of vitamin C in general. The vitamin has shown to improve glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Too much Vitamin C has been shown to cause problems such as kidney stones and diarrhea, so speak to your doctor about the safest amounts to take.
Vitamin D is another vitamin that may be helpful in diabetes treatment. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to obese children and teenagers. It is said that this deficiency leads to fatigue, decreased stamina, decreased bone strength, and an increase in muscle aches that may cause children to exercise less. Another study found the more than 90 percent of the type 2 diabetes patients tested were found to be vitamin D deficient.
