Nutritional Supplementation for Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is the fastest growing disease in the US and around the world. While there is great controversy as to why so many people are plagued by this disorder, that fact is that it is now an epidemic. Essentially diabetes is a lack of control of blood glucose levels, usually due to inadequate insulin production or to insulin resistance.  Type 1 diabetes has been associated with children at young ages and is a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin. Traditionally Type 2 diabetes was limited to adults usually over the age of 35, however it is insidiously invading younger and younger people, even children. At this point there is no real “cure” for diabetes however, due to modern medicine, it can be very well managed if monitored frequently and correctly. There are numerous oral medications as well as injectable drugs, insulin etc.

The most important factors in diabetes is early detection. In most patients the first diagnosis comes about 10-15 years after the actual “pre-diabetic” phase of the disease. Unfortunately, internal organ damage has already started; especially cardio-vascular, liver, pancreas, and kidney disorders

A major key to fighting diabetes is diet, exercise and weight management. Controlling or eliminating sugar from the diet, and mild to moderate daily exercise 15-30 minutes per day will go a long way toward controlling and slowing this devastating disorder. Eliminating a high fat, high carbohydrate diet and reducing excess body fat will affect diabetes dramatically. Weight needs to be within normal limits to avoid medications and insulin injections.

Before succumbing to medication intervention, a great alternative is nutritional supplementation. The following supplements have been proven to be effective in helping to manage diabetes. As with all substances that have the potential to lower glucose levels, constant monitoring to avoid low blood sugar is mandatory with all of the following:

Alpha-Lipoic Acid, is a powerful anti-oxidant,

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant. Some studies suggest it may lower blood sugar, and help with insulin resistance.

Vitamin B-1/ Thiamine

This is a water soluble vitamin whose deficiency has been associated with cardio-vascular disease, and diabetes.

Chromium, a trace element necessary for good health, has been highly recommended by experts for decades for use with decreasing diabetes. Like most things, too much may cause kidney problems.

Cinnamon, an extremely common and favorite spice around the world has been used as a Chinese remedy to improve health for centuries. Many studies in the past 20 years show it be beremarkable for lowering sugar in diabetic patients.

Green Tea. A potent anti-oxidant and great for hunger reduction. Containing polyphenols and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), studies show it helps with insulin and glucose control, and lowering risk of heart disease.

Magnesium. Is also an essential mineral that helps to reduce blood pressure, glucose, and insulin sensitivity.

Resveratrol, from grapes and grape seeds, it’s anti-oxidant, and reduces blood glucose.

Zinc, popular for helping with colds and flu is also good for reducing blood sugar.