Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which cells become resistant to insulin. Its complications are among the leading causes of death in the United States. And as a result, finding new ways to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes are a priority in medical research. Results of scientific research published in the "Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry" showed that vanadyl sulfate may increase cell sensitivity to insulin and, subsequently, improve glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Vanadyl Sulfate
Vanadium is a metal found in trace amounts in most cells. It is an essential nutrient and catalyzes various enzymatic reactions in the body. Vanadyl sulfate, a compound form of vanadium, has been associated with reduced risk of toxicity compared to vanadium and is the most widely studied and popular form of vanadium used in over-the-counter supplements.
Vanadyl Sulfate Affects Blood Glucose
In a 2009 study published in the "Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry," K.H.Thompson and researchers examined the effect of vanadyl sulfate on type 2 diabetics. Participants who were given 20 mg of vanadium sulfate daily over four weeks had improved fasting blood glucose levels and decreased HbA1c levels. HbA1c measures an individual's average blood glucose levels for the previous two to three months. Participants who received a placebo experienced greater symptoms of diabetes. Other studies have showed improvements in insulin sensitivity in participants with type 2 diabetes when administered at doses of 100 mg per day.
Safety of Vanadyl Sulfate
The average American diet provides approximately 6 to 18 mcg of vanadium daily. Supplemental forms of vanadium are available in doses as high as 20 mg, which is over 3,000 times the vandium obtained in the average American diet. Large doses of vanadyl sulfate may not be safe for long periods of time. Long-term use of many vanadium compounds have been linked to kidney damage, kidney necrosis, and cell toxicity.
Vanadyl Sulfate Therapy
Vanadyl sulfate or medications containing vanadium compounds may be a treatment option for type 2 diabetics in the future and may be prescribed as an adjunct treatment. Research is lacking, however, on long-term safety of vanadyl sulfate in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, if you are thinking about taking vanadyl sulfate, you need to first know the risks and talk with your doctor.
References
- "Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry"; Insulin-like Effects of Vanadium: Basic and Clinic Implications: I. Goldwaser, et al; May 2000
- "Physiological Genomics"; Diabetes-altered Gene Expression in Rat Skeletal Muscle Corrected by Oral Administration of Vanadyl Sulfate; G.R. Willsky, et al; August 2006
- "Toxicology Letters"; Evaluation of Genotoxicity of Oral Exposure to Tetravalent Vanadium in Vivo; P. Villani, et al; April 2007
- "Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry"; Vanadium Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: a View to the Future; K.H. Thompson, et al; April 2009
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Vanadium/Vanadyl Sulfate Monograph; February 2009
- "Journal of Clinical Investigation"; Oral Vandayl Sulfate Improves Hepatic and Peripheral insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus; N. Cohel, et al; 1995
