Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition that occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, which may lead to major health issues such as kidney damage, cardiovascular disease and blindness. You can help keep your blood sugar levels stable by eating healthily, taking regular exercise and monitoring your blood glucose levels regularly. You may also need to take prescription medicines and insulin. Some supplements may help to alleviate diabetes symptoms. However, you should not use them in place of treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
The antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid may improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disorder that affects some diabetes patients, according to the results of a study published in the October 2007 issue of Chinese medical journal, "Zhonghua Yuxue Zazhi." The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that alpha-lipoic acid is also sometimes used to lower blood sugar levels, but adds that more research is needed to prove it works. Alpha-lipoic acid is found in some foods including spinach, potatoes and broccoli or may be taken as a dietary supplement. Seek advice from your doctor before using it.
Green Tea
Polyphenols found in green tea may help maintain vascular health and help the body to use insulin, NCCAM notes. The results of a study published in the February 2010 issue of the "Journal of Endocrinological Investigation" show that green tea polyphenols used in combination with pomegranate extract and vitamin C may prevent cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes. However, data published in the November 2010 issue of "Nutrition Research" shows that green tea polyphenols have no effect on glucose or insulin levels. Green tea is likely safe for most adults but its caffeine content may cause irritability, insomnia and anxiety.
Chromium
The mineral chromium may help to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control, according to data published in the August 2006 issue of "Diabetes Care." However, NCCAM notes that more research is needed to confirm these effects. Short-term chromium supplementation is likely safe, RxList notes. However, it may cause side effects including headaches, nausea and may impair your coordination. Do not take chromium if you have kidney or liver problems, if you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes patients, according to research published in the February 2009 issue of "Current Opinion in Lipidology." However, NCCAM notes that more research is needed to confirm this. Oily fish and fish oil supplements are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Talk to your doctor before taking a fish oil supplement, as it may interact with other drugs you are taking or cause side effects.
References
- Patient UK: Type 2 Diabetes
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Diabetes and CAM: A Focus on Dietary Supplements
- PubMed: Curative Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes: A Clinical Study
- PubMed: The Effects of Polyphenol-Containing Antioxidants on Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Without Complications
- PubMed: Chromium Picolinate Supplementation Attenuates Body Weight Gain and Increases Insulin Sensitivity in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes
- RxList: Chromium
