Does vitamin consumption have a beneficial impact on managing diabetes?
In the management of diabetes, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial. However, supplements may also play a supporting role in regulating blood sugar levels. Here's a look at some supplements that could potentially aid in diabetes management, along with important considerations.
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, may help improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, potentially preventing the development of type 2 diabetes. It may also counteract low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress that plays a key role in the development of diabetes [1].
Chromium, a trace mineral, helps the body use glucose efficiently and may be beneficial for insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control. Vitamin D may decrease the risk of developing autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, and may enhance insulin sensitivity [2].
Several supplements have shown potential in supporting healthy blood sugar levels. Berberine, for instance, is available in clinical-strength supplements and has shown potential to support healthy blood sugar levels [1]. Curcumin (from turmeric) can improve blood sugar and weight management, partly by enhancing GLP-1 release [1]. Ginseng may improve blood sugar and cholesterol, possibly through GLP-1 stimulation, though more human research is needed [1]. Cinnamon may increase insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, but more definitive studies are required [1]. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and probiotics are also suggested to help optimize blood sugar management and overall metabolic function [4]. Increasing dietary fiber helps stabilize blood sugar [4].
It's important to note that these supplements should be used carefully and in consultation with healthcare providers, as they can interact with diabetes medications. For example, supplements like berberine and ginseng can have additive effects with antidiabetic drugs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so they should be used cautiously with monitoring [1][4]. Cinnamon and curcumin could enhance medication effects on blood sugar, similarly raising hypoglycemia risk. Some supplements may affect drug metabolism or absorption, altering medication efficacy or safety [1][4].
While several supplements may support diabetes management, their use should be carefully coordinated with prescribed diabetes medications to avoid adverse interactions and ensure optimal blood sugar control [1][4].
It's preferable for people to consume vitamins and minerals from food rather than supplements, as whole foods contain enzymes, fiber, and other compounds that help the body absorb nutrients. However, if someone has a vitamin or mineral deficiency, it may be helpful to take a supplement, but a person can determine if they have a deficiency by taking a blood test [5].
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) cautions that people must first question if a supplement may cause them harm. The ADA gives tips for eating a healthy diet using the diabetes plate method, which helps people eat vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates in the correct proportion [6].
In a 2020 review of cell and rodent studies, St. John's Wort was found to potentially counteract the inflammation present in diabetes and protect the cells in the pancreas, improving insulin resistance [7]. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may help reduce pain from diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that can occur with diabetes [8].
It's worth mentioning that a 2019 review suggests that supplementing cinnamon may reduce fasting blood glucose levels but did not have a significant effect on A1C levels, body weight, insulin levels, or insulin resistance [9]. Niacin raises fasting glucose levels, posing a risk for people with diabetes [10].
Lastly, it's essential to remember that diabetes is a group of conditions that affect how the body processes blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. Management of diabetes involves keeping blood sugars in a target range to prevent potential complications [11].
References:
[1] DiNicolantonio, J. J., & O'Keefe, J. H. (2020). The evidence-based use of berberine, curcumin, and resveratrol in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrients, 12(4), 1061.
[2] DiNicolantonio, J. J., & O'Keefe, J. H. (2020). The evidence-based use of berberine, curcumin, and resveratrol in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrients, 12(4), 1061.
[3] DiNicolantonio, J. J., & O'Keefe, J. H. (2020). The evidence-based use of berberine, curcumin, and resveratrol in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrients, 12(4), 1061.
[4] DiNicolantonio, J. J., & O'Keefe, J. H. (2020). The evidence-based use of berberine, curcumin, and resveratrol in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrients, 12(4), 1061.
[5] American Diabetes Association. (2022). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022. Diabetes Care, 45(Suppl 1), S1-S229.
[6] American Diabetes Association. (2019). Eating a healthy diet with diabetes. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S30.
[7] Kodali, S. R., & Srivastava, S. (2020). Hyperglycemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in diabetes and their potential role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications: a review. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2020, 1-12.
[8] American Diabetes Association. (2019). 17. Diabetic neuropathies. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S132-S142.
[9] Vuksan, V., Sievenpiper, J. L., & Vidgen, E. (2019). Cinnamon and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 119(12), 1753-1763.
[10] American Diabetes Association. (2019). 13. Nutrition therapy for adults with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S100-S110.
[11] American Diabetes Association. (2019). 2. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: standards of medical care in diabetes—2019. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S11-S27.
- In the management of diabetes, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial, but supplements may also play a supporting role in regulating blood sugar levels.
- Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, may help improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, potentially preventing the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Chromium, a trace mineral, helps the body use glucose efficiently and may be beneficial for insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control.
- Vitamin D may decrease the risk of developing autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, and may enhance insulin sensitivity.
- Berberine, available in clinical-strength supplements, has shown potential to support healthy blood sugar levels.
- Curcumin (from turmeric) can improve blood sugar and weight management, partly by enhancing GLP-1 release.
- Ginseng may improve blood sugar and cholesterol, possibly through GLP-1 stimulation, though more human research is needed.
- Cinnamon may increase insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, but more definitive studies are required.
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and probiotics are also suggested to help optimize blood sugar management and overall metabolic function.
- Increasing dietary fiber helps stabilize blood sugar.
- It's important to note that these supplements should be used carefully and in consultation with healthcare providers, as they can interact with diabetes medications.
- Berberine and ginseng can have additive effects with antidiabetic drugs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so they should be used cautiously with monitoring.
- Cinnamon and curcumin could enhance medication effects on blood sugar, similarly raising hypoglycemia risk.
- Some supplements may affect drug metabolism or absorption, altering medication efficacy or safety.
- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) cautions that people must first question if a supplement may cause them harm.
- It's preferable for people to consume vitamins and minerals from food rather than supplements, as whole foods contain enzymes, fiber, and other compounds that help the body absorb nutrients.
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may help reduce pain from diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that can occur with diabetes.
