Thirty-one percent of the 29.1 million diabetics in the United States turn to complementary and alternative medicine, including dietary supplements, to keep their disease under control Indeed, the amount of money spent on nutritional supplements might be astonishing. Experts think it’s bigger than the pharmaceutical business after everything is said and done.
Although certain supplements have been shown to be beneficial, there is no conclusive evidence. Type 2 diabetes management may benefit from dietary supplements, but you shouldn’t rely on them in place of your medicine.
A Closer Look at Diabetes Type 2 Supplements
Telling your doctor about any supplements you’re taking or thinking about taking is essential since some supplements might interact with diabetic medication or other medications, such as blood thinners.
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Type 2 diabetics typically take the following nine dietary supplements:
Chromium
Chromium, a vital trace mineral and metal, is considered to lower blood sugar. Whole-grain and rye bread include it as a naturally occurring ingredient. Chromium picolinate, chromium chloride, and chromium nicotinate are all forms of chromium supplements.
Approximately 20 years ago, chromium was a popular topic of discussion. Chromium looks safe for the majority of individuals when taken in little amounts for short periods of time, but it can induce adverse effects such as renal problems, which are already a concern for certain diabetics.
Magnesium
Magnesium for healthy bones, muscles, blood pressure, and heart rhythm, this metal is needed. Diabetics tend to have low magnesium levels, which is associated to a reduced ability to produce insulin and an increased risk of insulin resistance.” Taking a magnesium supplement might be beneficial if a blood test reveals that your levels are depleted. Magnesium can induce diarrhea if taken in excess. Ensure that you consult your doctor before using it or any other supplement. Magnesium-rich foods include pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts like almonds and cashews as well as fish like halibut and tuna.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Essential Fatty Acids of the Omega-3 Variety The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, various vegetable oils (such as canola and soybean), walnuts, and wheat germ all fall under this category. Omega-3 supplements are available in the form of pills or oils. There was no effect on blood glucose management or total cholesterol levels, according to a review published in the journal PloS One in October 2015. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish have been shown to enhance HDL (good) cholesterol in persons with diabetes, whereas omega-3 fatty acids from flax seed oil may have the same effect. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to enhance LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in several studies. It’s time for more studies, particularly long-term ones that focus on diabetes-related heart disease. Drugs for thinning the blood and lowering the blood pressure can potentially interact with fish oil.
Vanadium
Vanadium as, like chromium, vanadium may be found in very small amounts. Researchers discovered in the 1980s that it might reduce blood sugar levels. ‘Vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten, as well as their heavier counterparts, can imitate insulin,’ explains Weiner. Insulin may be replaced in animal cells by these minerals, according to studies. However, additional studies revealed that it had no impact on blood sugar levels.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine Diabetes patients, according to Tipton, are not helped by glucosamine. The only evidence in its favor is anecdotal, which means that a few people claim that it has been beneficial to them. Glucosamine is necessary for joint cartilage repair and maintenance, but taking it orally may not deliver it to the right places in the body at the right dose.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
The acid lipoic or alpha lipoic acid (ALA), also known as thioctic acid, is a kind of vitamin-like molecule. Free radicals can cause cell harm if they aren’t neutralized. The nutrient ALA can be found in a wide variety of foods including liver, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes. ALA supplements are used by people with type 2 diabetes to assist their systems in better utilizing insulin. Diabetic neuropathy can be prevented or treated with ALA (a nerve disorder).
However, further investigation is needed to confirm the therapeutic advantages of ALA. ALA may reduce iron levels in the blood and may interfere with some cancer medications. If you’re taking ALA, you’ll want to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels because it can drop them too much.
Bitter Melon
A Bitter Melon despite its unfortunate moniker, bitter melon is a fruit and vegetable supplement. There is some evidence that bitter melon and other botanical can reduce blood sugar levels. Bitter melon is a favorite of professionals since it is typically safe for the vast majority of the population. To begin, she suggests taking 900 mg and modifying the amount as needed.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in certain persons, according to research. Oatmeal and other dishes, such as coffee, can benefit from the addition of cinnamon, provided you choose the unsweetened variety.
Using supplements is OK, as long as you see your doctor beforehand to make sure they are safe and won’t interfere with your standard diabetic treatment.
