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|  Diabetes is a condition that must always be managed by a doctor. Having said that, there are supplements available to complement conventional drugs and that can help prevent some of the more long-term developments associated with diabetes.
Diabetes occurs when the either the pancreas stops producing insulin completely (type 1 diabetes), or the body’s cells stop responding to insulin (type 2). As insulin is responsible for the extraction and use of glucose from your blood, a shortage creates glucose saturation that, if left untreated, can cause major complications. The cause of diabetes is still unknown, although there are thought to be genetic factors involved as well as lifestyle factors such as obesity. It has been found that those with excess weight - particularly around their middle – are especially at risk and, as this is where most men put on the added pounds, it puts them in a higher risk category. Many men are unaware that they may have diabetes until the complications set in. These include heart disease, strokes, kidney disorders, problems with the eyes, nerve damage causing numbness or tingling in the hands and feet and impotence (erectile dysfunction). People with both types of diabetes can use the supplements listed. They can also be used with prescription drugs, but only with the full knowledge and supervision of a doctor as they may alter dosage requirements.
Useful supplements:
Chromium may have a beneficial role to play in diabetes. It is an essential mineral involved in the metabolism of sugars in the body. This helps to utilise insulin and so maintain normal blood sugar levels. Chromium supplementation also appears useful in treating obesity by increasing lean muscle mass. Cinnamon has been found to significantly reduce blood sugar levels by researchers. They found that the active ingredient in cinnamon acts as an insulin substitute in type 2 diabetes (it appears to have no benefit in type 1 diabetes). It also seems to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels – thus helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. Fish oils are known to be effective in lowering triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the bloodstream and fat tissue, and are found at higher levels in type 2 diabetes sufferers. Triglycerides play a major role in coronary heart disease. There have been concerns expressed that fish oils may have a bad effect on the balance of LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and glucose control. However, recent research has found this not to be the case. Magnesium deficiencies are frequently seen in type 2 diabetes patients, but it isn’t known whether this is as a result of diabetes, or a cause. Several studies have suggested that taking a magnesium supplement can control blood glucose and may influence the release and activity of insulin. It may also play a role in delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes and in warding off its devastating complications. Vitamin B complex may improve carbohydrate tolerance in diabetics by helping in the production of the enzymes that convert glucose into energy. Vitamin B3 (niacin) in particular plays a major role in this area – to the extent that, in some cases, insulin requirements may be reduced. Additionally, many of the B vitamins help prevent nerve damage – one of the more common symptoms of diabetes. Vitamin C has been reported to reduce the activity of the enzyme responsible for accumulation of sorbitol in eyes, nerves, and kidneys of people with diabetes. It is the accumulation of sorbitol in these areas that is believed to be the cause of their deterioration. Experimental evidence suggests that administration of high-dose vitamin C has beneficial vascular effects in type 2 diabetes. Zinc, like magnesium, helps the body to use insulin. Because of zinc’s key role in the regulation of insulin production and glucose utilization, the ability to synthesize and secrete insulin and use glucose is improved by taking a zinc supplement. High blood glucose levels impair wound healing, so zinc helps in this area, too, by stimulating the healing of wounds and skin problems. At the risk of being accused of harping on, I can’t emphasize enough that diabetes is a condition that is not self-treatable. If you suspect you are at risk, you MUST see your doctor and only take supplements with the full knowledge and support of your physician.
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