Supplements and Diabetes

 

There are many ways you can help prevent diabetes or improve your current therapy.

Zinc: diabetics lose zinc in the urine and zinc is involved with the synthesis,secretion and utilization of insulin.

http://www.jacn.org/content/17/2/109.short

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6384460

 

-Magnesium: Urinary loss of Magnesium is common in diabetics.  Low levels of magnesium can result in impaired insulin action and worse resistance.

 

Vitamin D3: has been shown to reduce insulin resistance.  It should be taken with Vitamin A, Calcium and Magnesium.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19781131

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19555519

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=14817463

 

-Chromium – the Low Molecular Weight Chromium Binding Protein binds to insulin receptor to activate insulin.

http://jn.nutrition.org/content/130/4/715.full

 

-Fiber – reduces blood sugar levels, decreases appetite and slows digestion.  It also decreases blood lipids and lowers insulin secretion.  It can help prevent the onset of Type 2 DM.  Chia and Psyllium are best for appetite control.

 

-R-Alpha-lipoic Acid– This is a well studied antioxidant theat helps to control and reverse diabetic complications.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7575750

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584999000891

 

N-acetyl-cysteine: NAC .  This supplement has been clearly shown to reverse insulin resistance.  As a potent antioxidant it can stop oxidative damage caused by high blood sugar and help lower blood pressure.  It protects the eyes, kidneys, nerves, pancreas and liver from oxidative damage.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12057717

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12799318

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19636205

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17338280

 

-Essential Fatty Acids (fish oil, krill oil GLA Oils, Flax seed oils, cocconut oils) – These all aid in insulin sensitivity, protect against neuropathy, reduce BP, cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduce inflammatory mediators.

 

-B vitamins – Niacin decreases diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Thiamin reduces diabetic complicatins.  B6, B12, and folic acid all reduce neuropathy.

 

Gymnema Sylvestre leaves: help to reduce carb cravings. and can help regenerate Beta cells in the pancreas (helping to improve insulin secretion), and enhances insulin sensitivity.

 

Cinnamon : reduces fasting plasma glucose concentration (reduces A1C), reduces postprandial hyperglycemia, lowers lipids, slows emptying of stomach.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21711570

 

There are many more supplements to help prevent diabetes and diabetes control.  Supplements such as Bonito fish peptides, ginko biloba, holy basil, green tea extract, bilberry/blueberry, vinegar, hawthorne, vanadium, curcumin and resveratrol.  For more information on doses of any of the above mentioned supplements or any information on improving your diabetic control, contact us.  If you are on diabetic meds or have high blood glucose, be sure to let your physician know if you are initiating any of these therapies.  Of course exercise is essential to getting the full benefit of the

Exerpt from a presentation by Dr.Mona Morstein ND,NHANP, Nova Scotia Naturopathic Conference, Halifax, N.S. Sept 22, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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