Managing blood sugar levels is essential for your health. When blood sugar is in excess, conditions such as glucose intolerance or diabetes occur. Conventional therapy for controlling sugar levels focuses on glucose-lowering agents such as anti-diabetes oral medication or insulin. However, alternative medicine proposes that vitamins and herbs to achieve healthy blood glucose levels can be taken along with standard drugs. If you consider taking vitamins for achieving optimal levels of blood glucose, you should first talk to your health-care provider.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is an essential vitamin to control sugar levels and prevent cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes, according to Dr. Matthias Rath's Research Institute. The molecule of sugar has similar structure with the molecule of vitamin C and when there is excessive glucose in the blood, cells block the transport of this nutrient, leading to vitamin C deficiency; by supplementing a diabetic with vitamin C and other nutrients, the need for insulin, the hormone that controls sugar levels is decreased, says Dr. Rath.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant qualities. Vitamin E may help control blood glucose levels and decrease cholesterol levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. According to a study published in the March 2011 issue of "Current Diabetes Reports," both vitamins C and E are potentially beneficial for treating and preventing type 2 diabetes. This conclusion was based on a review of 12 clinical and preclinical studies that evaluated the benefits of various vitamins and herbs for managing diabetes.
Vitamin D
A significant effect on sugar control was observed when supplementing with vitamin D and calcium in individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes in a study published in the November 2010 issue of "Annals of Saudi Medicine." This study involved 80 participants who were vitamin D deficient and received 4,000 IU of vitamin D and 1,200 mg of calcium daily over a 12-week period.
Considerations
It appears that vitamins C, D and E may help to manage the levels of glucose in your blood, especially when you have deficiencies in these nutrients. A low sugar, low fat diet, along with daily exercise, will also help you to stay healthy and better control your blood sugar levels. Consult a qualified health care professional to find the optimal dosages of vitamins and other nutrients that may help to better control your blood sugar levels. Keep in mind that vitamins should not be used to replace conventional drugs prescribed for controlling glucose levels.
References
- Dr.Rath's Research Institute: Breakthrough Discoveries in Diabetes
- "Current Diabetes Reports" ; Nutritional Supplements and Their Effect on Glucose Control; T.Lee et al; March 2011
- "Annals of Saudi Medicine"; Glycemic Changes after vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Vitamin D Deficiency; KS.Aljabri et al; November, 2010
- Univeristy of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin E
