Diabetes mellitus is a class of diseases that can affect how your body utilizes blood sugar, or blood glucose. You require glucose because it provides your body and mind with energy. If you have diabetes, you have too much glucose, and this can contribute to other conditions, including heart, kidney and vision problems. The two type of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, have similar symptoms. These include increased thirst, increased need to urinate, hunger, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, frequent infections and blurry vision. Consume a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet if you have diabetes. Vitamins may also play an important role in the occurrence, prevention or treatment of this disease.
Vitamin B-3
Vitamin B-3 may play a role in diabetes treatment. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, evidence indicates that one form of this vitamin, called niacinamide, may help delay your need for insulin when managing type 1 diabetes, but more research is needed to establish a clear benefit. You should consult your doctor before taking this vitamin in supplement form. You can obtain vitamin B-3 from natural food sources, including beets, beef liver, beef kidney, salmon, fish and sunflower seeds. Some foods, such as breads and cereals, may also be fortified with vitamin B-3.
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Vitamin E
According to a study in the 2004 issue of "Diabetology", vitamin E may play a role in diabetes. This study, conducted by researchers at Monash University in Australia, found that supplementing with vitamin E in the early stages of diabetes may have a beneficial effect on dysfunctional endothelium -- the lining of the arteries -- which may affect blood and nutrient flow through your arteries. Good sources of vitamin E include avocado, olive oil, almonds, nut butters and spinach.
Vitamin C
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, research suggests that supplementing your diet with vitamin C when you have diabetes may reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart disease. This may be due to vitamin C's role as an antioxidant. Antioxidants act to protect your body from free radicals, harmful agents that cause cellular damage, infection and illness. You can obtain this vitamin naturally from foods such as lemons, limes, kiwis, oranges, grapefruits, broccoli and bell peppers.
Vitamin D
A study in the 2005 edition of the journal " Diabetology" reported that a deficiency in vitamin D can increase your risk for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. According to this study, a deficiency in this vitamin has altered insulin production and secretion in both human and animal research. Therefore, consuming sufficient intake of this vitamin may play a role in preventing the onset of diabetes. You can naturally obtain vitamin D from sunlight and certain foods, including salmon, sardines, mackerel and fortified breads and juices. You can also consider taking a supplement. Consult your doctor to see if vitamin D might be beneficial for your condition.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin B3 (Niacin); Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C
- "Diabetology"; Early vitamin E supplementation attenuates diabetes-associated vascular dysfunction and the rise in protein kinase C-beta in mesenteric artery and ameliorates wall stiffness in femoral artery of Wistar rats; S.J. Wigg et al.; June 2004
- "European Journal of Nutrition"; Is a Low Blood Level of vitamin B12 a cardiovascular and diabetes risk factor? A systematic review of cohort studies; S.B. Rafnsson et al.; March 2011
- "Diabetology"; Vitamin D And Diabetes; C. Mathieu et al.; July 2005
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes: Symptoms
