Juvenile diabetes is a serious condition that changes a child’s life. Here, we take a brief look at the ramifications of juvenile diabetes, and then discuss some of the best natural remedies which can help manage this condition.
Experiencing Juvenile Diabetes
Juvenile diabetes is another name for type I diabetes which occurs in children. Diabetes is a serious autoimmune disorder which causes the body to cease production of insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving glucose from the bloodstream into the rest of the body’s cells, in order for cells to produce energy.
Various factors play into the development of juvenile diabetes, including family history, genetics, and environmental factors. The implications of the condition are pivotal. There is no cure for type I diabetes. Treatment is necessary in order to treat and manage type I diabetes, most especially monitoring blood sugar and taking insulin. This is done with guidance and supervision of a medical specialist.
Juvenile diabetes management necessitates living a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise, and a healthy diet low in fat and high in nutrition. Type 1 diabetes also means regular blood tests such as the A1C test, testing of fasting blood sugar, and more.
Supplements for Those with Juvenile Diabetes
Nutrition is, of course, crucial to managing diabetes. A variety of vitamins and nutrients can positively contribute to the bodily processes which are affected by diabetes. Here is a look at some of the best supplements for adolescents and individuals who have type I diabetes.
Vitamin D supplementation has the potential to be very helpful for children diagnosed with type I diabetes. It works like this: Beta cells are special cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. Vitamin D is very helpful in reducing inflammation in beta cells, thereby preserving them from destruction, which occurs as a result of diabetes. By preserving beta cells, vitamin D can prolong the timespan wherein the body of a growing child is able to produce insulin after the condition sets in. This makes for an easier management of diabetes, and better health outcomes.
Zinc is an essential trace mineral, required for a huge range of bodily functions. Research shows that zinc can be very helpful for diabetic children and adults alike. First, zinc works similarly to insulin, in that it supports glucose transport. Zinc also helps to inhibit the progression of diabetes and the organ complications that can come with it, by combating oxidative stress. A zinc supplement is safe even for children because it has a low toxicity profile.
Alpha lipoic acid(ALA) is a natural antioxidant which can help cells better absorb glucose. ALA also has the potential to mitigate peripheral neuropathy which occurs due to diabetes. 100mg per day is the recommended dose.
Psyllium husk fiber: Fiber consumption has a reputation for supporting digestion. Research shows that it is also useful as a means to stabilize blood sugar. Supplementing with psyllium husk fiber is one of the best ways to consume fiber for this very purpose. This makes it potentially very useful for those with juvenile diabetes.
In addition to the proper medical measures to treat and manage diabetes, nutrition plays an important role. If you or your child is living with juvenile (type 1) diabetes, then consider how these supplements can help. It’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking a supplement for the first time.