Patients with diabetic neuropathy can improve blood sugar control and quality of life with selenium yeast supplementation

Type 2 diabetes is often complicated by diabetic neuropathy, an insidious condition associated with poor circulation, increased morbidity, and, in the worst cases, amputation. Diet and lifestyle play an important role in the development of the disease, which is caused by disturbances in the metabolism of blood sugar and fats. New research now suggests that supplementation with organic selenium yeast can significantly improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and quality of life in patients with diabetic neuropathy. This is shown in a placebo-controlled study published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, which reduces the cells' ability to take up blood sugar. As a result, both elevated blood sugar and elevated insulin levels occur, causing fatigue, overweight, high blood pressure, an impaired lipid profile, and other metabolic disturbances. Overall, type 2 diabetes is characterized by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, in which free radicals cause damage to blood vessels and other tissues.
Diabetic neuropathy is a later complication in which inflammation causes damage to the part of the nervous system that regulates circulation. The feet and legs are particularly affected, and in severe cases, amputation may be considered. In addition, diabetic neuropathy can affect control of urination, bowel movements, and sexual function.
Although treatments have improved, type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy remain a leading global health burden, and there is therefore still a need for better adjunctive treatments.
The trace element selenium has several different functions in the body and is involved, among other things, in the body's antioxidant defense and in the regulation of blood sugar. Since selenium deficiency is also known to be relatively widespread, the purpose of the new study was to investigate in greater detail whether selenium supplementation can affect blood sugar, quality of life, and sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.

Selenium yeast affects blood sugar on several parameters

The study included 50 patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, who were divided into two identical groups. One group received a daily supplement containing 200 micrograms of selenium in the form of selenium-enriched yeast, which contains several organic selenium compounds. The other group received matching placebo. The participants also had blood samples taken to analyze a number of markers related to blood sugar. The participants' quality of life and sleep quality were assessed according to specific international methods (WHOQOL-BREF and SSIQI). Potential confounding factors such as age, sex, BMI, and the degree of neuropathy were also taken into account. The study lasted eight weeks and showed that, compared with placebo, selenium yeast supplementation could significantly:

• Reduce fasting blood sugar (FBS)
• Reduce long-term blood sugar (HbA1c)
• Reduce HOMA-IR, which estimates the degree of insulin resistance
• Increase the body's insulin sensitivity based on fasting blood sugar and a score called QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index)
• Improve quality of life and sleep quality

The researchers therefore conclude that selenium yeast supplementation can significantly improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Since all participants tolerated the selenium yeast used in the study, it may therefore be a beneficial supplement for improving metabolic control of blood sugar and other processes in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. However, more and longer-term studies are needed in this area to clarify the effect of selenium yeast on the nervous system.

Selenium's effect on neuropathy

Selenium is incorporated into some powerful antioxidants called GPXs (glutathione peroxidases), which counteract damage to peripheral nerves caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. This is stated in an earlier study published in Current Neuropharmacology.
There are also indications that selenium may help protect the electrical signals of nerves and pain-signaling channels, which may reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. This is stated in an earlier placebo-controlled study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research.

Also pay attention to vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12

It should be emphasized that the diet as a whole has a major impact on blood sugar regulation, and it may be beneficial to avoid refined carbohydrates and focus more on getting enough protein and healthy fats with all meals.
Many people with diabetes and diabetic neuropathy also have hidden deficiencies of vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 due to insufficient sunlight, an unbalanced diet, and metabolic disturbances. These deficiencies contribute to the development and worsening of the disease, including the development of diabetic neuropathy. You can read more about this in this article.

• Diabetics are often deficient in vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12

References:

Payam Bahari et al. Impact of organic selenium supplementation on glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with diabetic neuropathy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. European Journal of Nutrition. 2026

Mustafa et al. Selenium and Neurological Diseases: Focus on Peripheral Pain and TRP Channals. Current Neuropharmalogy. 2020.

Mahsa Ghazisoltani et al. Selenium-Enriched Yeast Supplementation and Its Influence on Nerve Function Parametres and Oxidative stress Markers in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. 2025