While no single vitamin is "most" important, Vitamin D is heavily researched for its role in insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function, with deficiencies linked to higher Type 2 diabetes risk, while Vitamin C shows promise in improving blood sugar control, and B Vitamins (like B12) are crucial due to interactions with common diabetes medications like Metformin. A balanced diet rich in various nutrients, alongside monitoring deficiencies, is key, but always consult a doctor before supplementing.
Below, we'll discuss seven common supplements that people use to help with diabetes.
-Vitamin B1: Many people with Type 1 and type 2 diabetes suffer from Vitamin B1 or thiamine deficiency. Studies have reported that the use of thiamine supplements for at least a month decreases blood glucose level in diabetics, also lowering the risk of diabetic nephropathy.
People with higher amounts of magnesium in their diets tend to have a lower risk of developing diabetes. A 2021 review looked at 13 studies of 957 participants who were at high risk of diabetes and found that magnesium supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity.
“The best way to reverse type 2 diabetes is to decrease your body's resistance to the actions of the insulin made by the pancreas,” she said. “For most people, this means trying to attain a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and minimizing sugars and excessive carbohydrates in your diet.”
Certain supplements like St. John's wort, vitamin E, and niacin can affect glucose levels and may interact with certain medications.
Eat healthy plant foods
Fiber-rich foods promote weight loss and lower the risk of diabetes. Eat a variety of healthy, fiber-rich foods, which include: Fruits, such as tomatoes, peppers and fruit from trees. Nonstarchy vegetables, such as leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower.
Turmeric, mostly at doses of 500–1000 mg per day, might help reduce pain levels and inflammation. Cinnamon, on the other hand, has been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels.
-Yes, diabetic patients are advised to take B complex tables for better functioning of the body. -Ideal recommended dose of B complex is consisting of 1.5 mg of B1, 25 mg of B2, 75 mg of B6, 2.5 mg of folic acid, 150 mcg of B12 and 300 mcg of biotin.
Magnesium supplementation can lower insulin resistance and improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Early research shows promising results for magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride for managing diabetes. It's not recommended that you routinely use magnesium to improve blood sugar levels.
Very low levels of vitamin D were the most common deficiency, affecting more than 60% of people with type 2 diabetes. Other common deficiencies included magnesium (42%), iron (28%) and vitamin B12 (22%).
Although the ADA does not generally support the use of micronutrient supplements for people with diabetes, they recommend that people who are at increased risk for micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., those following very-low-calorie diets, the elderly, and strict vegetarians) may benefit from multivitamin supplements.
Evidence on biological plausibility from mechanistic studies and highly consistent data from observational studies raise the possibility that optimizing vitamin D status may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
If you have type 2 diabetes or have been told that you may get it in the future (prediabetes), lifestyle changes can help lower your blood glucose (sugar) levels. This can help to manage diabetes and possibly avoid having to take medicine.
The best fruits for diabetics are those low in sugar and high in fiber, like berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries), apples, pears, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit), and kiwis, as they have a lower impact on blood sugar spikes. These fruits provide essential nutrients and antioxidants while helping manage glucose levels, but portion control remains crucial.
Aim for at least eight cups of water per day and try to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
In both animal and human studies, vitamin D has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism [48]. Moreover, a deficiency of this vitamin is also associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes complications, such as coronary heart disease, retinopathy, and neuropathy.
There may be some cases where they are helpful, such as if bloodwork shows you are deficient in a specific vitamin, such as vitamin D, or you need more iron. Taking individual supplements may not be dangerous, as long as you don't take too much. But high doses of some vitamins and minerals can cause problems.
Possible Health Risks of Ginger in Your Diabetes Diet
It's important to speak with your physician or endocrinologist before you add ginger supplements to your diet, says Al Bochi. This is especially important if you're taking diabetes medication. “We know that ginger can affect your insulin levels,” she says.
Complete Multivitamin for People with Diabetes
People with diabetes have special nutritional needs. Completia is a complete daily multivitamin, specially formulated with high potency B-vitamins and antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, and selenium.
Dietary modifications help the patients to control blood glucose. Traditional herbs and spices are commonly used for control of glucose among which cinnamon (Ròu Guì; Cinnamomum cassia) has the greatest effect. Research has shown that adding cinnamon to diet can help to lower the glucose level.
Type 2 Diabetes and Dietary Supplements: What the Science Says