Type-2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, and it is characterized by high blood glucose, or sugar levels. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and type-2 diabetics either do not produce enough insulin, respond abnormally to it, or are insensitive to it. A healthy diet and exercise are crucial for the management of type-2 diabetes, and certain supplements can play a supporting role. Some supplements are toxic in high doses, however, and you should talk to your health-care practitioner before taking any new supplements.
Magnesium
According to Laura Shane-McWhorter in her book "The American Diabetes Association: Guide to Herbs and Nutritional Supplements," more research needs to be done, but magnesium may be beneficial to type-2 diabetes sufferers. It is estimated that at least 25 percent of diabetics are low in magnesium, and low magnesium levels have been correlated with insulin resistance. A study cited by the American Diabetes Association was done on 63 type-2 diabetics. Half were given a magnesium chloride supplement daily and the other half were given a placebo. The study found that those taking the magnesium experienced an increase in insulin sensitivity and a vast decrease in fasting glucose levels, as well as a decrease in A1C, which is a measurement of average glucose levels over a three month time period. The recommended dose is 350 mg daily.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that can help to reduce free-radicals and prevent them from causing damage in your body. More importantly perhaps, it has been found to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. This is significant because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in diabetics. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, says that Coenzyme Q10 may improve heart health, reduce blood sugar levels and help to manage high blood pressure in diabetics. The recommended dose is 200 mg, twice daily.
Alpha-lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, is another potent antioxidant that is beneficial to type-2 diabetics. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, says that it may help to improve your body's ability to respond to insulin and consequently, may help to lower your blood sugar levels. It may also help to prevent diabetic neuropathy, which is a nerve disorder. Shane-McWhorter says that numerous studies have confirmed the efficacy of ALA for the prevention and treatment of nerve damage; however, more research needs to be done to confirm ALA's effect on blood sugar levels. The recommended dose is 600 mg to 1,200 mg daily.
Tea
Drinking tea or taking a green tea extract may also be beneficial. According to NCCAM, tea is rich in polyphenols, which is a type of antioxidant. Polyphenols have been found to reduce cardiovascular disease and to increase insulin sensitivity. Take green tea supplements as directed on the bottle. Alternatively, Shane-Mcwhorter says drinking six cups of oolong or green tea daily is equally beneficial, and it has been found to decrease blood sugar levels measurably in type-2 diabetics.
References
- The Univesity of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
- "The American Diabetes Association: Guide to Herbs and Nutritional Supplements"; Laura Shane-McWhorter; 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Diabetes and CAM: A Focus on Dietary Supplements
