Which nutritional supplement to choose for diabetes?

Are you diabetic? Do you want to look after your health in a natural way while alleviating your blood sugar problems? This article will explain which nutrients and food supplements can help you in your fight against diabetes. However, it is essential to remember that a food supplement is not designed to cure diabetes, but rather to support your body and help maintain good health.

Let’s find out why using dietary supplements can reduce the symptoms of diabetes, and which are the most effective against this disease.

Vitamins essential for diabetes

Over the years, vitamins have become a fundamental component of food supplements. Diabetes, a widespread metabolic disease that has been rampant for decades, has brought home to us the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the judicious use of food supplements.

Vitamin E is one such dietary supplement that is effective against diabetes. Also known as the sunshine vitamin, it is produced by our cells after exposure to sunlight. Certain foods such as oranges, oily fish, dairy products and cereals contain it, but generally in insufficient quantities to meet the body’s real needs. Vitamin E plays a crucial role in insulin regulation.

Numerous studies have shown that many diabetics also suffer from vitamin D deficiency (3). Research is underway to determine the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for people with diabetes. Although the results are not yet conclusive, they require further investigation. The additional intake of vitamin D could help to lower blood sugar levels during the day in people with diabetes, especially those who are deficient in this vitamin.

The influence of trace elements on blood sugar levels

Chromium is a trace element crucial to the metabolism of fats and sugars. It could be particularly useful in preventing type 2 diabetes. It regulates blood sugar levels, reduces sugar cravings and helps you feel full. It is therefore important in preventing obesity and associated cardiovascular problems. The chromium-based supplement also helps to reduce the production of fats and bad cholesterol in the body.

It is important to note that chromium is also involved in the transport of insulin. It can be taken in the diet (calf’s liver, egg yolk, green vegetables, dark chocolate, nuts, brewer’s yeast) or in the form of chromium picolinate, which has beneficial effects on health and blood sugar levels.

Zinc also plays an important role in the metabolism of sugars and fats. It is found mainly in meat, dried fruit and seafood. A French study also revealed the potential of selenium and vanadium in the fight against diabetes (lower blood sugar levels, reduced need for insulin, etc.).

Why take dietary supplements for diabetes?

There are a multitude ofnatural active ingredients that can be used as dietary supplements for diabetes. For example, chromium, present in diabetic food supplements, is an essential trace element that regulates lipids and sugar. Others have a greater impact on the induction of proteins essential to sugar metabolism and on intestinal flora.

Depending on the course of the disease and its nature, certain symptoms will be more or less serious: loss of sight, comas, amputations, etc. The aim of dietary supplements for diabetes is to stabilise blood sugar metabolism as far as possible.

Take good care of yourself and your health! Remember, these food supplements are not intended to cure diabetes, but they can make a major contribution to improving your day-to-day well-being as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The best food supplements for regulating your blood sugar levels

There are a variety of food supplements available to help combat diabetes. These powerful allies, rich in natural chemical active ingredients, can boost theeffectiveness of insulin and prevent the onset of diabetes. Let’s take a look at some of the most widely used.

Essential ingredients in the fight against diabetes

A wide range of active ingredients are found in supplements designed to stabilise blood sugar levels and thus reduce the symptoms of diabetes, including :

Ginseng
Vitamins D and E
Coenzyme Q10
Magnesium
Alpha-lipoic acid
Resveratrol
Turmeric
Berberine (1)
Chromium
Cinnamon
And many more!

The power of resveratrol and its effect on blood sugar levels

Resveratrol is recognised for its anti-diabetic properties (2). It helps to improve glucose tolerance by :

Is a powerful anti-inflammatory
Promotes the secretion and synthesis of GLP-1
Restores intestinal flora by eliminating Gram-negative bacteria
Can be combined with anti-diabetic drugs

Resveratrol, a natural molecule found in several plants, has numerous health benefits. It acts on the body’s inflammation, improves intestinal health and could even help in the treatment of diseases associated with type 2 diabetes.

The benefits of turmeric and curcumin: allies against diabetes

Turmeric also plays a crucial role in preventing type II diabetes. Curcumin, one of its main active ingredients, reduces insulin resistance in patients (4).

However, it is crucial to understand that dietary supplements for diabetes are not magic potions. You need to combine them with a suitable diet and limited sugar intake. Choose supplements with a varied range of active ingredients, such as resveratrol or curcumin.

Curcumin, extracted from turmeric, is a molecule with multiple benefits. It is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and could even prevent the onset of diabetes.

Remember, your health is precious. Always exercise caution and consult your doctor before starting any new dietary supplement regime.

FAQ

Which supplements are most recommended for diabetics? The most recommended supplements for people with diabetes include berberine, which has shown positive effects on blood sugar control; cinnamon, which is known to improve insulin sensitivity; chromium, which helps regulate blood sugar; and omega-3s, which are beneficial for heart health. We also suggest you consider vitamin C, magnesium and certain probiotics to improve glucose metabolism and overall health.
How can supplements help manage diabetes? Supplements can help manage diabetes by complementing traditional treatments. They can improve insulin sensitivity, help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and support overall health. However, they should not replace prescribed medication, but rather complement it.
Are there any risks associated with taking diabetes supplements? Although supplements can offer benefits, there are risks, including drug interactions and side effects. For example, berberine can interact with certain drugs, and excessive consumption of cinnamon can be toxic. It is therefore essential to consult a health professional before adding supplements to your diet.
How long does it take to take supplements to see results? The time it takes to see results depends on a number of factors, including the type of supplement and the patient’s individual condition. Some people may experience improvements within a few weeks, while others may take several months. Regular follow-up with a healthcare professional is recommended to assess the effectiveness of supplements.
Can supplements replace diabetes medication? No, supplements should not replace prescribed diabetes medication. They are intended to complement, not replace, conventional treatments. Diabetes management requires a comprehensive approach that includes medication, a balanced diet, physical exercise and, where appropriate, supplements.
How important is it to consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements? Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial before starting any supplementation regime, especially for diabetics. Supplements can interact with existing medication and affect blood sugar levels. A healthcare professional can offer personalised advice and help choose the most appropriate supplements while monitoring for possible interactions and side effects.
Can red light be used to reduce diabetes? As part of diabetes management, red light, specifically at a wavelength of 670 nm, represents an innovative therapeutic approach. This method, based on exposure to low-intensity red light, aims to improve blood sugar regulation. It works by increasing ATP levels via the stimulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, thereby facilitating the diffusion of glucose into cells. This helps to reduce blood glucose levels, offering a potential complement to traditional diabetes treatments.