A diabetes diagnosis elevates dietary nutrition to the forefront of a person’s health priorities. Some dietary supplements can assist those with diabetes in the nutritional aspect of managing the disorder. Further on down in this blog are some supplements that could help in this regard.
Diabetes, and Dietary Nutrition
Diabetes is a condition marked by blood-glucose levels that are too high (hyperglycemia), due to insufficient or non-existent insulin production. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is a crucial hormone responsible for enabling the body to process glucose (sugar), and turn it into energy.
Diabetes can cause a wide variety of advanced health problems if it isn’t managed properly.
Managing diabetes usually requires a combination of conscientious living and eating patterns, medication, and managing one’s blood glucose level. Dietary nutrition is a significant aspect of daily life that those with diabetes (both type I and type II alike) must get right in order to remain healthy. Managing glucose is the most important dietary priority, and this is done mainly by managing carbohydrate consumption.
Some dietary supplements have the potential to benefit people with diabetes. Their primary contribution is supporting glucose regulation. and some supplements could make other contributions as well. Particular supplements also have properties which could help prevent type II diabetes in those who are prediabetic.
Natural Supplements for Diabetes
Dietary supplements can be a useful assist for managing and/or preventing diabetes. However, they are not a replacement for prescription medications and other diabetes treatments. Here are five supplements which are known to have real potential to help those with diabetes:
American ginseng: Concentrated amounts of the American strain of the ginseng herb is useful for reducing blood sugar levels, particularly after a meal. Research has shown it can make this reduction by about 20% in persons with diabetes. It is believed to do so by supporting insulin production.
Cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. It has been shown to reduce both fasting blood sugar, as well as insulin resistance, in those with type II diabetes. It can also do so for those who are prediabetic, thereby reducing the chance that someone with prediabetes actually becomes diabetic. It could also help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels in diabetic individuals.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease blood sugar, as well as decrease insulin resistance. By decreasing insulin resistance, the body’s cells are better able to absorb glucose from the blood. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids could result in improved biomarkers including hemoglobin A1C and total cholesterol.
Probiotics: Healthy probiotic bacteria could help manage blood sugar in a roundabout sort of way. Not only are probiotics very valuable for gut health, but they could help manage carbohydrate breakdown. Research suggests that probiotics could also reduce inflammation, thereby supporting blood glucose regulation. Probiotics can support the pancreas, as well.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a substance which could help to mitigate peripheral neuropathy, a symptom experienced by many people with diabetes, and which causes sensations of burning, numbing, and tingling. ALA also has the potential to support insulin production.
If you or a loved one of yours has diabetes, consider the specific benefits of these five supplements. It’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement for diabetes.