| How to keep damage from diabetes at bay | 2002-06-21
DEAR DOCTOR - I have been diagnosed with mild diabetes which is currently controlled by diet. Are there any supplements I should consider taking? A vitamin and mineral supplement that includes magnesium, chromium, zinc and vitamin B3 (niacin) is useful, as these nutrients are involved in glucose metabolism. Chromium and vitamin B3 combine with amino acids in the body to form an organic complex known as Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), which interacts with insulin to regulate the uptake of glucose by cells. Supplements that present chromium in the form of GTF (derived from yeast or bacterial cultures such as NDS Chromium Plus) appear to be most biologically active. In one study, almost half of those with diabetes who took supplements providing 200mcg chromium per day needed less insulin or oral medication. The effects were twice as good in those with non-insulin dependent diabetes such as yourself, than in those with insulin dependent diabetes. High dose antioxidants (vitamins C, E, carotenoids and selenium) help to mop up the excess harmful free radicals produced during diabetes and also seem to improve glucose metabolism, especially high dose vitamin E (eg 800 i.u. daily). In a group of 40 people with diabetes, those taking 150mg pycnogenol (pine bark extracts) daily showed significant improvements in retinal changes after just two months treatment, compared with no benefit in those taking placebos. Bilberry extracts also help to protect the eyes from some of the long-term retinal damage associated with diabetes. An ayurvedic herb, gymnema sylvestre, and pfaffia (Brazilian ginseng) are also used to improve insulin output and normalise blood sugar levels. Garlic and omega-3 fish oils will help to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. As fish oils and herbal remedies may affect insulin production, monitor blood glucose levels carefully if you are taking prescribed medication for diabetes, as it is important to avoid hypoglycaemic attacks. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2002/06/21/hbrew21.xml |
