Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is compound your body produces naturally. This substance exists in the mitochondria, or central energy-producing portion, of your cells. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, helping provide protection against free radicals. Some people take CoQ10 supplements in an attempt to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, although more research is necessary to confirm this substance's potential medicinal properties.
CoQ10
Although CoQ10 exists throughout your body, the highest concentrations of this vitamin-like substance are present in your pancreas, liver, heart and kidneys. Your body contains the highest levels of CoQ10 during the first 20 years of your life. Some foods, such as oily fish, organ meats and whole grains, provide dietary sources of this compound. The supplemental form of CoQ10 comes from a blend of sugar cane, fermented beets and certain strains of yeast.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious disorder that affects the way your body processes carbohydrates, leading to an increase in glucose levels within your blood. Without proper treatment, diabetes can cause blindness, stroke and heart disease. Being overweight puts you at a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes, the most common form of this disease. Eating a diet low in fat, cholesterol and salt may help prevent type-2 diabetes. Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of taking CoQ10 to help control blood sugar levels in diabetes patients, although the University of Maryland Medical Center advises that this compound may help people with diabetes manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Tiredness
CoQ10 plays an important role in helping your cells produce adenosine triphosphate, a source of energy that supports muscle contractions and protein production. A deficiency of CoQ10 in your body can cause fatigue and weakness, as well as seizures. Deficiencies of this nutrient are very rare. While some preliminary research indicates that CoQ10 may help boost athletic performance and help people with fatigue syndromes, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support these claims, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Precautions
Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms of pre-diabetes or diabetes, including extreme thirst, unusual tiredness, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss. CoQ10 is not a customary or standard treatment for treating diabetes or tiredness. Avoid taking any nutritional supplement to treat a health condition without first consulting your doctor. CoQ10 may interact with certain blood pressure medications, blood-thinning medications and other drugs.
