What are the Supplements for Diabetes?

More and more diabetics are exploring the world of supplements for diabetes. Although there are a number of medications available to control the condition, most experts agree that supplementation along with healthy eating and exercise habits can make a difference.

Searching for natural supplements for diabetics is a little easier if you listen to what the experts say first. Some suggest that diet alone is not enough, because regular exercise lowers insulin resistance and improves type-2 diabetes.

As far as supplements, some of the most recommended are an extract of Asian bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and two other herbal remedies, ayurvedic gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) and prickly-pear cactus.

Chromium can help stabilize blood sugar levels and can be helpful in treating type-2 diabetes. Magnesium is another of the important mineral supplements for diabetes.

Diabetes is the most common problem associated with low magnesium. Studies show as magnesium intake rises, the risk of developing type-2 diabetes declines. However experts don’t agree whether low magnesium levels are the cause of diabetes or the result.

In any case most people, especially seniors, don’t get enough magnesium and they should look at the various forms of magnesium as natural supplements for diabetics, such as magnesium acetate, aspartate, carbonate, chloride, citrate, glycinate, hydroxide, lactate, oxide or pidolate.

Diabetics have a high need for Vitamin E, because it improves insulin activity, acts as an antioxidant and as a blood oxygenator. Those with low blood levels of Vitamin E are more likely to develop type-2 diabetes. It may take three months of taking Vitamin E supplements for you to see any benefits. If you have high blood pressure limit your Vitamin E to 400 international units a day.

Those with type-1 diabetes have low Vitamin C levels and it is recommended that they supplement their diets with one to three grams a day of Vitamin C. Diabetics with neuropathy are deficient in Vitamin B6 and natural supplements for diabetics will help their condition. Vitamin B12 has been used as a supplement for diabetes to treat neuropathy with some success, at doses up to 500 mcg three times a day.

Biotin is B vitamin that processes glucose and it’s recommended that you try 16 mg. of biotin for a few weeks to see if it lowers your blood sugar levels. Niacin is a form of Vitamin B3 and high levels several times a day impair glucose tolerance. The message here is to avoid it if you’re a diabetic. Smaller amounts may be helpful for type-2 diabetics.

Manganese deficiency was found to result in diabetes in guinea pigs and diabetics tested have only half the manganese of non-diabetics. Potassium supplements for diabetes have improved insulin sensitivity and taking insulin often causes a potassium deficiency. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant and blood oxygenator and helps diabetics process carbohydrates.

These are the most recommended natural supplements for diabetics and the more you learn about each the better you will feel about their remedial effects. 

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