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The role of vitamins and minerals in the treatment of diabetes

The role of vitamins and minerals in the treatment of diabetesType 2 diabetes is spreading like a bushfire and is the major cause of vision loss, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and leg amputations. Many people have insulin resistance, the early stage of type diabetes that is associated with fatigue, untimely hunger, and increasing weight. The diet plays a major role and according to a new review article that is published in Human Nutrition and Metabolism, various B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin E, and zinc influence insulin resistance and diabetes treatment. Previous research has also shown that chromium and magnesium play a role in insulin resistance and blood sugar regulation.

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Overview of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids

 

Overview of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids

Vitamins, minerals, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and Q10 are nutrients that we need in certain quantities in order to support vital body functions.
Nutritional supplements containing vitamins and minerals must be labeled in accordance with the reference values.

This overview serves as general information about the different vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids and how they work.

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THE VITAMIN AND MINERAL GUIDE

the Vitamin and Mineral Guide

Alcohol abuse impairs the uptake and utilization of vitamins

- increasing your risk of pancreatitis and other complications

Alcohol abuse impairs the uptake and utilization of vitaminsA new American study shows that chronic alcohol abuse impairs the ability of the pancreas to absorb vitamin C, and that increases the risk of infection of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and other diseases. Lack of certain B vitamins may also damage the pancreas and increase the risk of encephalitis.

Antioxidant therapy may help women suffering from type 1 diabetes

Antioxidant therapy may help women suffering from type 1 diabetesIt is widely established that women of childbearing age have high levels of estrogen that protect them against cardiovascular disease. However, if they have type 1 diabetes, having high estrogen levels actually increases their risk of these diseases. A group of scientists is therefore planning to investigate whether nutritional supplements with antioxidants can protect diabetics against cardiovascular disease and the premature death caused by these ailments.

Antioxidants protect against several types of diabetes

Antioxidants protect against several types of diabetesAntioxidants such as vitamins C and E are known to be inversely related to type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease. In a new Swedish study that is published in Nutrients, scientists have found that vitamin E also protects against type 1,5 diabetes, which is similar to type 1 and type 2 diabetes because it involves both autoimmune reactions and insulin resistance. The scientists list different foods that are rich in vitamin E and also describe how vitamin E protects the pancreas against autoimmune attacks and oxidative stress.

Blood sugar, diabetes, and supplements

Blood sugar, diabetes, and supplementsType 2 diabetes is spreading like a bushfire. An alarmingly many people have metabolic syndrome – or pre-diabetes – which is characterized by insulin resistance, hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels and abdominal obesity (apple-shaped body). Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome are associated with enormous human and socio-economic costs. In this article, we will look closer at chromium, vitamin D, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 plus relevant diet changes to see how they can positively affect blood sugar levels, cholesterol balance, and weight control. We will also take a closer look at supplements that are able to prevent diabetic neuropathy, a disorder that can lead to amputations.

Can cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression be a result of chromium deficiency?

Can cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression be a result of chromium deficiency?Chromium is primarily known for its role in insulin utilization and blood sugar control. However, chromium is also important for macronutrient metabolism and the circulatory system. Chromium’s role in health has been debated and a group of scientists have looked closer at the link between low blood levels of chromium and global health burdens such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. How do we get enough chromium from the diet and what supplements have the highest bioavailability?

Chromium supplements benefit patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Chromium supplements benefit patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseaseType 2 diabetes is spreading like a bushfire and even more people suffer from something called metabolic syndrome, a prediabetic stage characterized by insulin resistance, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and apple-shaped figure caused by a blood sugar imbalance. Chromium supplementation helps improve insulin sensitivity and lowers weight and blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a placebo-controlled study that is published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research. It is advisable to lower your carbohydrate intake and to choose a chromium supplement with good bioavailability.

Chromium yeast can cure your sweet tooth

Chromium yeast can cure your sweet toothDo you feel an insatiable desire for sweets all the time? Do you find yourself snacking in between meals? A simple think like a daily chromium supplement may resolve your problem and even help you lose weight.

CLA helps persons with overweight

CLA helps persons with overweightYet another scientific study confirms that CLA is effective. A new Spanish double-blind randomized study has shown that 3 g of CLA daily given to a group of healthy, overweight persons, reduced their amount of fat and their weight over a period of 24 weeks.

Diabetics have complicated deficiencies of vitamins and Q10

Diabetics have complicated deficiencies of vitamins and Q10Diabetes is spreading like a bushfire across the globe, but even if governments, doctors, and health authorities have tried desperately to bend the curve, they have not succeeded so far. On the contrary. Today, diabetes is controlled with help from different medical drugs that do not address the underlying cause and actually affect or organ systems. Because of this, diabetics often have impaired quality of life and shorter lifespans than healthy individuals. What is more, diabetics have widespread vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiencies, which are associated with diabetic neuropathy, which is a serious complication. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) are also linked to reduced levels of Q10, a compound that is necessary for energy turnover, the heart, and the cardiovascular system.

Higher dietary vitamin C intake can improve your liver function and blood sugar levels

Higher dietary vitamin C intake can improve your liver function and blood sugar levelsNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver disease that is spreading like a bushfire. NAFLD is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, which is an early stage of type 2 diabetes. What you eat plays a major role, and a large Chinese study has actually demonstrated that higher dietary intake of vitamin Ccan improve blood sugar levels and the liver function. It is also wise to lower your intake of carbohydrates, especially fructose that can put a huge strain on the liver and turn it into a virtual “fat factory”.

Lack of vitamin B12 during pregnancy increases the risk of type-2 diabetes in the child

Lack of vitamin B12 during pregnancy increases the risk of type-2 diabetes in the childA new study reveals that children of mothers’ who lacked vitamin B12 during their pregnancy are at increased risk of metabolic diseases like type-2 diabetes. The study also shows that too little vitamin B12 may lead to abnormal levels and malfunctions of the hormone leptin, which signals satiety.

Lack of vitamin D is linked to diabetic neuropathy

- a disabling and potentially life-threatening complication

Lack of vitamin D is linked to diabetic neuropathyType 2 diabetes is currently treated with a number of different medical drugs. However, the medicine is not able to deal with the underlying causes of the disease that affects most organ systems. A Chinese study has demonstrated that vitamin Ddeficiency is linked to diabetic neuropathy, which is an insidious condition and is associated with inflammation, pain, amputation, circulatory failure, and early death.
It is important to get plenty of vitamin D at all times in order to prevent and treat the early phases of diabetic neuropathy.

Lack of vitamin E is widespread

 – especially among those with metabolic syndrome, an early stage of type-2 diabetes

Lack of vitamin E is widespreadMillions of people who are overweight suffer from blood sugar imbalances and metabolic syndrome – often without being aware of it. A study shows that people with metabolic syndrome are severely vitamin E-deficient. This poses a serious threat to their health, as vitamin E is important for the liver, the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, and the body’s ability to protect its cells against oxidative stress and carcinogenic substances. The study, which is published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, reveals that normal measurements of a person’s vitamin E status are misleading.

Make sure to get a good night’s sleep

it’s the ultimate and essential “brainwash”

Make sure to get a good night’s sleep  it’s the ultimate and essential “brainwash”Groundbreaking research reveals that the human brain is detoxified during our sleep. On the other hand, toxins accumulate in the brain if we suffer from sleep disturbances, increasing our risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and numerous other conditions. If you are not helped by the most common guidelines for better sleep, supplementing with the “sleep hormone” melatonin may be an obvious solution that even offers plenty of positive “side effects.”

Medical drug against type 2 diabetes is a frequent cause of vitamin B12 deficiency

- which may lead to serious physical and mental diseases

Medical drug against type 2 diabetes is a frequent cause of vitamin B12 deficiencyRecent studies reveal that around 20% of people who take metformin, a drug against type 2 diabetes, are vitamin B12 deficient (or borderline deficient). Lack of vitamin B12 may cause anemia, increased risk of osteoporosis, and symptoms of the nervous system that may be confused with ageing processes. It even looks as if lifestyle changes may have a more positive effect on blood sugar management.

New Danish study: Dietary guidelines for diabetics have been misleading for decades

New Danish study: Dietary guidelines for diabetics have been misleading for decadesDiabetes is spreading with epidemic proportions, and an alarmingly high number of people are affected by metabolic syndrome, an early stage of diabetes that causes insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, and enlarged waist circumference. Ever since the 1970s, diabetics have been advised to stick with a low-fat diet consisting of bread, potatoes, and other carbohydrate sources. However, a new Danish study reveals that it is best to cut back on your carbohydrate intake. The new message to diabetics supports research from other parts of the world. Diabetics and people with sensitive blood sugar should focus on eating a diet with fewer carbohydrates, more protein, and more healthy fats. They should also make sure to get enough chromium, vitamin D, and magnesium, all of which are nutrients that support the body’s blood sugar levels. Furthermore, vitamin B12 and Q10 are important for those, who take diabetes medication and cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins).

Organic or inorganic chromium

Organic or inorganic chromiumChromium is an element and a metal. To humans, it is also an essential micronutrient in the form of so-called trivalent chromium. Chromium also exists as divalent and hexavalent chromium but these forms are toxic. All approved chromium supplements contain trivalent chromium. The various chromium forms can bind with a variety of chemical compounds to form other substances.

Q10 supplements have a positive effect on diabetics’ cardiovascular system

Q10 supplements have a positive effect on diabetics’ cardiovascular systemDiabetes damages the circulatory system in a number of ways that are linked to impaired quality of life and early death. A meta-analysis shows that if type 2 diabetics take supplements of Q10 it lowers their risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Another positive effect of Q10 is that it serves as a unique antioxidant that counteracts oxidative stress, which is a major cause of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular damage. One of the problems of using cholesterol-lowering statins is that it inhibits the body’s endogenous Q10 synthesis, but this is something one can compensate for. According to Danish research, it is also a good idea to limit your carbohydrate intake and follow the new dietary guidelines that help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Slim with protein and Q10

Slim with protein and Q10If you want to lose weight and/or maintain your ideal weight, it is important to focus on the right proteins, on Q10, and on brown fat cells, as it all boils down to having an effective metabolism and proper energy utilization.

If you plan to lose weight in the New Year, forget all about counting calories or working up a sweat in the local gym, unless that is what you want. The first thing you should look at is the distribution of white and brown fat tissue in your body and how you can increase the burning of fat with a few adjustments.

There is a link between vitamin D, diabetes, and periodontal disease

There is a link between vitamin D, diabetes, and periodontal diseaseType 2 diabetes is spreading like a bushfire, and most people will be affected by periodontal disease at some point in their life. Now, science has discovered that lack of vitamin D, which is also increasingly common, enhances the risk of both diseases. Their observation is based on new study that sheds light, for the very first time, on vitamin D and its role in preventing and treating the two conditions.

Two out of three Danes suffer from chronic diseases

- that can often be remedied with simple diet changes and specific supplements

 Two out of three Danes suffer from chronic diseasesThe number of Danes suffering from one or several chronic diseases is a lot higher than previously thought, according to a group of scientists behind a new study from Danish Center for Healthcare Improvement at Aalborg University. Diseases such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol, depression, bronchitis, asthma, type 2 diabetes, rheumatism, and osteoporosis are among the most widespread ailments. Although there may be a reason of underlying factors, diet and lack of essential nutrients often play a key role. This is something that we have written about over the years on this website, and we have tried to gather some facts from various articles. Simple diet changes and the use of relevant nutritional supplements may play a key role in the treatment of these chronic ailments that come at a huge price, both to the individual sufferer and to society.

Vitamin D and eggs offer new hope for diabetics

Vitamin D and eggs offer new hope for diabeticsMore vitamin D may contribute to better blood sugar regulation in type 2 diabetes. Eggs are a good source of vitamin D, but in the winter period it may be a good idea to take a high-dosed supplement.

Vitamin D supplements can improve the lipid Balance in prediabetic people

Vitamin D supplements can improve the lipid Balance in prediabetic peopleThe rate of prediabetes and diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. Many people even have prediabetes without being aware of it. The condition is characterized by elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but according to a meta-analysis that is published in Frontiers in Nutrition, high-dosed vitamin D supplementation can lower levels of triglycerides in the blood. The meta-analysis supports earlier studies showing that vitamin D is important for the body’s metabolism of fat and carbohydrates. Around half the world’s population lacks this vitamin, and the need for vitamin D is increased in people with prediabetes and diabetes because they have difficulty with utilizing it.

Why does overweight lead to diabetes?

and can antioxidants prevent it?

Why does overweight lead to diabetes?  and can antioxidants prevent it?Overweight often leads to type-2 diabetes and the early stage of the condition known as insulin resistance. A new scientific study suggests that oxidative damage, also known as oxidative stress, sets the stage for these disturbances in the body's sugar and lipid metabolism. The doctors behind this study therefore theorize that it is possible to prevent type-2 diabetes with antioxidants that are known to counteract oxidative stress.

Zinc deficiency influences your risk of diabetes

Zinc deficiency influences your risk of diabetesThere is a link between low blood levels of trace elements like zinc and early stages of diabetes, according to Russian research published in Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. A large number of people are believed to have diabetes without knowing it. One of these early stages of diabetes is insulin resistance, a condition where the cellular uptake of sugar is impaired. Another is metabolic syndrome that includes hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, and a characteristic apple-shaped figure with too much abdominal fat. The question is, how do we get enough zinc, and why do so many people appear to be deficient in this essential trace element?

Zinc has potential in a whole new type of therapy for diabetics

Zinc has potential in a whole new type of therapy for diabeticsType 2 diabetes is spreading like a bushfire with many people unaware that they have the disease. Diabetes increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and early death. A group of scientists from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland has looked closer at the different processes and studied the trace element zinc and its ability to improve the outcome of therapy by preventing dangerous blood clots. The new study is published in the Chemical Science journal. Zincdeficiencies are rather common and type 2 diabetes in itself increases the need for this nutrient.

Chronic fatigue tied Alan to his bed but Q10 capsules saved him:

Chronic fatigue tied Alan to his bed but Q10 capsules saved him "After about one week of taking the Q10 supplement I could feel a huge difference," says 23-year old Alan Piccini, who has been suffering from extreme fatigue and muscle aches ever since he was a child.

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Cholesterol-lowering without side effects:

Cholesterol-lowering without side effects:“Taking capsules with co-enzyme Q10 has freed me of the severe side effects of my cholesterol lowering medicine,” Mrs Franken explains.
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