The goal of a diabetic is to achieve blood glucose control, which is greatly affected by your diet. Certain vitamins can help your body improve blood glucose clearance and insulin secretion and sensitivity. One of these vitamins may be vitamin E. This vitamin may also work to help reduce negative health problems often associated with diabetes.
Vitamin E and Blood Sugar
Vitamin E may improve the action of insulin on blood glucose clearance. A study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 1993 found that diabetics who supplement with vitamin E can experience a reduction in blood glucose through better glucose clearance, an increased ability of cells to bring in glucose and better glucose metabolism inside lean muscle tissue. Nondiabetics taking a vitamin E supplement also experienced the same favorable effects. Another study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" in 2008 tested the effects of vitamin E and C on blood glucose. Participants with a history of impaired fasting glucose underwent a vitamin E supplement of 1,000 mg per day for four weeks. At the end of the study both glucose and insulin levels were reduced, indicating better glucose clearance and response to insulin.
Benefits
Diabetics may benefit from vitamin E not only in blood glucose control but because of their risk of heart disease. A study published in "Diabetes Care" in 2004 found that vitamin E supplementation in some diabetics decreases the chances of dying from a heart attack or heart disease. According to the head researcher of the study, Dr. Andrew Levy, certain diabetics who carry the haptoglobin 2-2 protein in their blood have a 500 percent increased risk of heart disease. In the patients with this protein, a 400 mg per day supplement of vitamin D was enough to decrease their risk by 43 percent.
Recommendations and Sources
The current recommendations for vitamin E intake vary by age. Children between the ages of 1 and 3 need 6 mg per day. From ages 4 to 8, kids need 7 mg per day. Those between the ages of 9 to 13 should consume 11 mg per day. After age 14, the adolescent and adult need increases to 15 mg per day. Sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, peanuts, avocados, spinach and carrots. Vitamin E supplements also are available online or at your local pharmacy.
Precautions and Warnings
For vitamin E to have an effect on your blood glucose and insulin sensitivity, it may be necessary to supplement your diet. However, before you take any new supplements, you should consult with your doctor. Certain supplements may interact negatively with medications you may be on.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Pharmacologic Doses of Vitamin E Improve Insulin Action in Healthy Subjects and Noninsulin-Dependent Diabetic Subjects; G. Paolisso et al.; May 1993
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Evidence for Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Combined Administration of Vitamin C and E in Older Persons with Impaired Fasting Glucose: Impact on Insulin Action; M.R. Rizzo et al.; August 2008
- Science Daily.com; Good News About Vitamin E: May Help Some Diabetics; 2004
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin E; Jane Higdon, PhD; June 2008
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