Diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose. Untreated diabetes and consistently high blood glucose can lead to vision problems, nerve damage, kidney malfunction, skin disorders, heart disease and stroke. A healthy diet, regular physical activity and prescription medications can help manage diabetes. Diabetics may benefit from dietary supplements, but many have not been scientifically proven to be safe or effective. Diabetics should consult a physician prior to taking supplements due to the risk of side effects and medication interactions.
Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral found meat, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and spices. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), chromium may sensitize the body to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. Diabetics are often resistant to the effects of insulin, which results in high blood glucose. Currently the benefit of chromium for diabetics is controversial because study results have been inconsistent. Most Americans get 50mcg of dietary chromium a day. Diabetics may benefit from 200-1,000mcg of chromium a day however the UMMC says the long-term safety of high doses of chromium is unknown.
The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) says supplements are sold as chromium chloride, chromium nicotinate, chromium picolinate, high-chromium yeast and chromium citrate. Supplements may interact with medications like beta-blockers, corticosteroids, insulin, nicotinic acid, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications.
Magnesium
The UMMC says low blood magnesium levels have been associated with poor blood glucose control. Magnesium-rich foods include whole grains, green leafy vegetables, bananas, legumes, nuts and seeds. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) says the effects of magnesium supplements on blood glucose have been inconsistent but eating a diet rich in magnesium may lower the risk of contracting diabetes. The ODS says diabetics may benefit from magnesium supplements because magnesium is often lost in the urine when blood glucose is high. Supplemental magnesium is sold as magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate or magnesium carbonate.
Fiber
According to the UMMC fiber-rich diets can help prevent Type 2 diabetes, lower blood glucose and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetics. Fiber is widely available in fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as supplements like beta-glucan and psyllium. The UMMC says fiber supplements may reduce the absorption of certain medications and advises that medications and fiber supplements be taken one to four hours apart. Supplements should be taken with lots of water to minimize side effects like gas and bloating.
Vanadium
Vanadium is a trace mineral found in mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley, dill weed, beer, wine, grains and artificially sweetened drinks. The UMMC says vanadium appears to work like insulin to lower blood glucose, however scientific studies have been inconsistent.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body from damage that causes chronic diseases. ALA is in liver, spinach, broccoli and potatoes. The NCCAM says ALA supplements may help diabetics use insulin more effectively to lower blood glucose. It may also help treat diabetic complications like nerve damage. Diabetics taking ALA supplements should monitor their blood glucose because ALA may cause blood glucose to go too low, which is also unhealthy.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, flaxseed, vegetable oil and wheat germ. Supplements are available as capsules or oils like fish oil or flaxseed oil. The NCCAM says studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help lower triglycerides and cholesterol in diabetics. High triglycerides and cholesterol are dangerous for diabetics because it increases the risk of heart disease.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are antioxidants found in tea and dark chocolate. According to the NCCAM laboratory studies have shown that the polyphenols in green tea may benefit insulin activity and glucose control. More research is needed to confirm these results.
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