According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a survey in 2002 determined that Diabetes Mellitus (DM) affects roughly 18 million people in the United States. Diabetes was also the sixth leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 2000. The most common complications of diabetes include heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system disease, and amputations. In long-term diabetes, it is also important to supplement with the intention of protecting the organs from damage caused by chronic exposure to elevated blood sugar levels.
Supplements for Blood Sugar Balance
Certain key nutrients include chromium, zinc, vitamin D and vanadium. According to a review of research in the June, 2009 edition of "Canadian Family Physician," chromium appears to be an effective means for improving glycemic control. Zinc supplementation is supported by a study in the Dec, 2008 edition of "Purinergic Signal," which determined that zinc plays a critical role in regulating secretion of insulin in the body. Vanadium may help to prevent zinc loss from the pancreas. Botanical medicines such as gymnema and cinnamon also have positive effects on blood sugar regulation.
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin B12
Uncontrolled diabetes and chronically elevated blood sugar levels may cause damage to the peripheral nerves resulting in numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. This complication is referred to as diabetic neuropathy or "stocking and glove syndrome." According to naturopathic physician Dr. Nicole Schertell, injectable forms of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) and oral supplementation with alpha lipoic acid may be helpful in reducing pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Omega-3 Fish Oils
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 65 percent of deaths among people with diabetes are due to heart disease and stroke. Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish oils, and have been shown to exhibit numerous therapeutic actions on the cardiovascular system. The 2009 edition of "Current Pharmaceutical Design" concluded that omega-3 fatty acids may improve arrhythmias, prevent life-threatening blood clots (thrombosis), prevent the build up of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis), and offer anti-inflammatory benefits. It is through these mechanisms that omega-3 fish oils may assist in preventing coronary heart disease, sudden cardiac death and heart failure.
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication in which a blockage or leakage of blood vessels causes damage to the retina of the eye. Bilberries (Vacinnium myrtillius) have been shown to improve vision and to provide strong antioxidant activity in addition to promoting healthy blood sugar levels. A study in the March, 2010 edition of "The Journal of Nutrition" found that bilberry extract significantly reduced blood sugar levels and enhanced insulin effectiveness. Bilberry is an ideal supplement to use in the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
References
- Canadian Family Physician; Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes; Nahas R, et al; 2009.
- Nicole Schertell, ND; Whole Life Health Care; Newington, NH.
- Journal of Nutrition; Dietary anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract ameliorates hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in diabetic mice; Tikakawa M, et al; 2010.
- Purinergic Signalling; Extracellular ATP and zinc are co-secreted with insulin and activate multiple P2X purinergic receptor channels expressed by islet beta-cells to potentiate insulin secretion. Richards-Williams C, et al; 2008.
- Current Pharmaceutical Design; Polyunsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular disease; Calzolari I, et al; 2009.
