Dietary supplements are popular for treating and preventing type 2 diabetes. But, the true question is how effective they are?
Many supplements can affect a person differently; some may prove effective, while others won’t. For example, omega-3 supplements in fish oil or cinnamon seem not to help with diabetes at all.
However, chromium or magnesium seems to be effective for some people.
The need for conclusive evidence is still necessary. Even though a healthy diet is important for regulating diabetes, supplements and green malay Kratom are also a crucial part of treating diabetes type 2. This way patients can regulate their blood sugar levels.
Why are Supplements Important?
Diabetes is a disease that discards the nutrients from the body through urine. In addition, those who have type 2 diabetes often lack water-soluble minerals and vitamins. People mostly don’t replace the lost nutrients in their body.
As a result, they face many consequences.
Supplements are also important for supporting the body with the use of insulin. This is a key factor for diabetics. This way they can regulate their blood sugar levels. Therefore, they need to take high-quality supplements.
With them, they can reduce the chance of getting sick or developing an infection.
Are They Safe?
Some dietary supplements can cause side effects. Some of which are caused by treatments for diabetes or kidney problems. The FDA recommends we don’t purchase illegal supplements because they can be dangerous.
Some of the dangerous supplements are the ones that promise they can cure diabetes. In other words, focus on the products that have proved they work. Consult the doctor if you want to change any dietary supplements.
Best Supplements
Vanadyl Sulfate
This supplement can mimic the effects of insulin in the body and can manage healthy blood sugar levels. We can take 100 mg per day.
Banaba Leaf Extract
Banaba leaf extract is a famous supplement from Asia. It has corosolic acid which helps the glucose move to the cells. This way the extract balances the blood sugar levels. Therefore, we need to be careful not to consume more than 3 mg per day.
B-Complex
Vitamins B12 and B6 are important for nerve health, especially for diabetic neuropathy. Besides, it can have positive effects on both growth and metabolism.
Moreover, B-complex is connected with the manufacture and the use of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. We can take 300 mcg of biotin, 75 mg of B6, and 150 mcg of B12 per day.
Magnesium
This mineral is important for protein synthesis, production of energy, DNA, and cellular replication. Plus, it can decrease insulin resistance and manage blood sugar levels. So, we can take about 500-1,000 mg of magnesium per day.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Sylvestre extract comes from leaves native to south and central India. They can transport the glucose from the intestines directly to the bloodstream because of the gymnemic acids they contain.
The recommended dose is 400 mg per day.
Purslane
This plant is also known as a weed in America. But, Asians and Europeans love to eat it. Moreover, it can increase insulin sensitivity, transport glucose and enhance the glucose intake inside the cells.
This is the reason why this supplement can be ideal for diabetics. The recommended dose is not more than 180 mg per day.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can improve the creation of antimicrobial peptides, which in turn can get rid of germs, viruses, and bacteria. Besides, those with diabetes are highly prone to infections, so it is highly recommendable for them to use this supplement.
If we want to keep our health at an optimal level, we can use 2,000 IU of this supplement per day.
Indian Kino Tree Extract
This extract comes from very old wood. It is used in traditional medicine in Ayurveda in India.
Because of the flavonoids, kino tree extract can improve the transport of sugars from the bloodstream directly into the cells; it can manage blood sugar levels and promote insulin sensitivity.
If we take the standard kino tree extract, we can take up you 450 mg per day.
Chromium
Chromium among the other supplements can help transport glucose, nutrients and improve the action of insulin in the system. However, it doesn’t create insulin. It may improve our glucose metabolism, but we should consult our doctor before taking it.
If we want to take it, we can consume from 200-400 mcg of this supplement per day.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is the ideal and most important fat-soluble antioxidant. It can manage healthy blood sugar levels, protect nerves and blood vessels from radical damage.
Plus, there is even a possibility that vitamin E might protect from atherosclerosis and cataracts. If we want to consume it, you can take up to 200 IU per day.
Berberine
This plant alkaloid is a basic regulator for the metabolism in plants and animals. It can also improve insulin sensitivity, stimulate glucose in the cells, and lower the production of glucose in the liver.
We can take 1,500 mg of berberine supplement per day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a popular supplement for people who have or don’t have diabetes. It can decrease the level of sugar that piles up in damaged cells, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Moreover, it can decrease the level of sorbitol.
So, we need at least 1,000 mg of this vitamin per day if we want it to work.
Supplements for Weight Loss
The FDA approved two prescribed drugs that might help with losing weight. People with diabetes have a hard time losing weight. That is why they consider the option to get supplements.
Because obesity is so rampant, it is no wonder why many try to find the easiest alternative to shed some pounds. Here are two of the supplements that might contribute to weight loss:
- Lorcaserin
- Phentermine
Even though both efficacy and safety are important, these drugs can cause certain side-effects. Therefore, if you want to take them, you have to talk to a doctor first.
Herbs and supplements can be dangerous for our health if we don’t use them properly. Make sure you always consult with a doctor while consuming any form of medication before deciding on taking dietary supplements.
Source: IJRMS | NIH | ModernMedicine
