Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that might lead to nerve damage, heart disease and blindness if left untreated. Diabetes comes in two forms. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough, or any, insulin, the hormone that metabolizes glucose, and is commonly treated with insulin injections. People with type 2 diabetes produce enough insulin, but their bodies cannot use it properly. It is usually treated with medicines that help stabilize blood sugar levels. Certain minerals and vitamins might also play a role in the treatment of diabetes, although they should not be used in place of diabetes medicines. Do not take supplemental vitamins and minerals without talking to your doctor first.
Examples
Examples of minerals and vitamins that might play a role in the treatment of diabetes include vanadium and vitamin B-6. The University of Maryland Medical Center says the trace mineral vanadium mimics the action of insulin and might also help lower high blood glucose levels in people with diabetes, but adds that evidence to prove this is mixed. Vitamin B-6 might also help control blood glucose levels.
Sources and Administration
A wide variety of foods contain vitamin B-6 in varying quantities, including potatoes, chicken, trout, spinach and tomato juice. Vanadium is found in shellfish, beer, grain and mushrooms. Both are also available as dietary supplements. Guidance regarding a suitable dose of vitamin B-6 to support diabetes treatment is lacking, but your doctor might be able to advise you. The University of Maryland Medical Center says the dosage of vanadium that has been used to treat diabetes is above the tolerable upper intake level and might not be safe. Get medical advice before taking supplemental vanadium.
Scientific Evidence
An analysis of clinical trial data published in the May 2008 issue of "QJM" concludes that not enough strong evidence is available to support the use of vanadium as a treatment for diabetes. The article's authors conclude that routine use of vanadium for diabetes cannot be recommended. Clinical trials evaluating the effects of vitamin B-6 on diabetes are lacking, but the results of an early animal study, published in the July 1999 issue of "Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism," show that diabetes might cause vitamin B-6 deficiency and that taking supplemental vitamin B-6 might be necessary.
Safety Considerations
Vanadium might cause side effects, including diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. It might also cause anemia and high cholesterol, and lower your white blood cell count. Keep in mind that it might also heighten the effects of your diabetes medicines and lower your blood glucose levels too much. Don't take more than 1.8 mg daily, as it might cause liver or kidney damage. The Office of Dietary Supplements says taking too much vitamin B-6 might cause nerve damage. Don't take more than 100 mg daily unless advised to do so by your doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B-6
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vanadium
- "QJM"; "A Systematic Review of Vanadium Oral Supplements for Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes"; D.M. Smith et al; May 2008
- "Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism"; "Effect of Diabetes on Vitamin B-6 Requirement in Experimental Animals"; M. Okada et al; July 1999
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