Type-2 diabetes affects 17 million Americans. Currently, it is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Type-2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough insulin, or to properly use it. Perhaps no other disease is as closely linked to nutrition as diabetes. There are nutritional supplements and herbs that appear to help reduce some symptoms of diabetes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
There are three major types of omega-3 fatty acids that are derived from foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). People with diabetes sometimes experience high triglyceride and low HDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help lower triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes), and raise HDL.
Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin and is required to process glucose. It can work synergistically with insulin and independently in increasing the activity of glucokinase. This enzyme is responsible for the first step in glucose utilization. Glucokinase is present only in the liver, and in diabetics, its concentration is very low. Biotin therefore can improve the body's ability to release insulin in response to elevated blood sugar levels.
Vitamin C
The chief role of vitamin C, also known as ascorbate and ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C has a chemical structure similar to sugar glucose. When the blood glucose level is elevated, more vitamin C than usual is needed for the vitamin to perform its functions in the body. Therefore vitamin C may play a role in improving glucose tolerance with type-2 diabetics.
Minerals
Magnesium and chromium are trace minerals and can improve glucose use. Chromium is directly involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Magnesium performs a variety of functions for the body, including muscle and nerve functioning, supporting the immune system, as well as helping regulate blood sugar levels. The mineral zinc plays an important role in the production and storage of insulin. Manganese is a trace mineral that is present in very small amounts in the body. It is suggested that some people with diabetes have significantly lower levels of manganese in their bodies and a deficiency could impair glucose metabolism.
Other Remedies
Fiber can slow down the digestion of carbohydrates (sugars), which results in better glucose metabolism. Fenugreek is a food and spice commonly eaten in many parts of the world. It can help support healthy blood sugar and serum cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. Inositol is a naturally occurring nutrient and is an important part of several key bodily processes including the health of cell membranes and blood cholesterol levels. It may also help with diabetic neuropathy. There has been a lot of talk these days about cinnamon, which may improve blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with type-2 diabetes.
Warning
If you are using herbs or supplements, be sure to inform your doctor. If symptoms of your type-2 diabetes worsen, it is important to notify your doctor right away.
