Diabetes is a serious condition that involves high levels of glucose, or sugar in the bloodstream. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains that people with diabetes either don't make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that their bodies make. Since insulin transports glucose from the bloodstream to the cells, this leads to high blood sugar levels. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that if uncontrolled, possible complications of diabetes include heart problems, neuropathy and vision problems. Though diabetes is most often treated by medications and diet, supplements may also help to manage diabetes. It is important to always discuss supplements with your doctor before taking any supplements and to make sure your doctor thinks that the supplements you are interested in taking is safe for your specific situation.
Chromium
American Diabetes Services states that chromium supplements may help the body to handle blood sugar levels. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that chromium may reduce blood sugar levels, which can be helpful for diabetics, but it is possible for blood sugar to go too low. Diabetics taking chromium need to continually monitor their blood sugar level to make sure it goes neither too high nor too low. American Diabetes Services recommends that diabetics take 50 to 200 micrograms of chromium every day as part of a plan to manage diabetes.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that alpha-lipoic acid, also known is ALA, is an antioxidant that may improve the body's ability to use its own insulin and thus reduce blood sugar levels. ALA can also help to prevent neuropathy, which is a painful but common complication of diabetes, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids may help to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risks that diabetics have of developing heart disease, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which states that diabetics are at a higher rate of heart disease than healthy individuals, but taking these polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce triglycerides, thereby reducing risk of heart disease. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil may interact with other medications so it is important to talk to your doctor before using them.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another good supplement for diabetics to take, according to American Diabetes Services, which states that diabetics who took vitamin E supplements had reduced risks of complications from diabetes including heart attacks, cataracts and certain types of cancer. The Office of Dietary Supplements explains that vitamin E is not measured in micrograms or grams like other vitamins; instead it is measured in International Units because of its many different forms and bioactivities. American Diabetes Services recommends that diabetics take 100 to 400 IU of vitamin E every day.
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