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Diabetes Management

Best Supplements for Diabetics: A Comprehensive Review

3 min read

Diabetic

Managing diabetes is a lifelong journey that includes monitoring your blood sugar levels, making healthy food choices, and leading an active lifestyle. Including certain dietary supplements to your regimen might give you an added edge in this quest. However, it is crucial to remember that supplements should complement your diet and not replace wholesome, nutritious foods.

Cinnamon and Glucose Control

Cinnamon is known for its potential to lower fasting blood sugar levels. Its efficacy in blood sugar management has been studied, but results have been inconsistent. While some data points to a reduction in fasting blood glucose, significant effects on long-term blood sugar control or HbA1c levels remain unproven.

There are several cinnamon supplements available in the market, such as the Organic India Cinnamon Capsules and Morpheme Remedies Cinnamon Veg Capsules. However, you should consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Diabetic Neuropathy

ALA, an antioxidant, may alleviate symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and enhance insulin sensitivity. Further studies are needed to cement its benefits. Your doctor can guide you best on whether ALA supplements like Himalayan Organics Alpha Lipoic Acid or Zenith Nutrition Alpha Lipoic Acid are a good option for you.

Methylcobalamin in Diabetes Mellitus

Vitamin B12 is an essential micronutrient required for optimal hemopoetic, neuro-cognitive and cardiovascular function. Biochemical and clinical vitamin B12 deficiency has been demonstrated to be highly prevalent among patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It presents with diverse clinical manifestations ranging from impaired memory, dementia, delirium, peripheral neuropathy, sub acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, megaloblastic anemia and pancytopenia. There is a significant result in patients who take vitamin B12 supplementation in  diabetes mellitus.

Magnesium and Glucose Metabolism

Magnesium aids insulin action and glucose metabolism. Some research suggests magnesium supplementation may improve fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles in diabetic individuals. Carbamide Forte Magnesium Glycinate, a magnesium supplement, is readily available in the market.

However, unless a deficiency is present, the American Diabetes Association does not recommend it as a routine treatment.

Notably, low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There is a plethora of vitamin D supplements available in the market, such as Swisse Vitamin D and Uprise-D3 60K Capsule.

Supplementation may reduce this risk in individuals with prediabetes but the benefits for those already diagnosed with diabetes remain unclear.

Caveats About Supplements

It's crucial to consult a doctor before starting a new supplement regimen. Supplements can interact with medications and may not be safe for everyone. They should never replace standard diabetes treatments.

In essence, while some supplements might provide benefits in managing diabetes, robust and reliable evidence is often lacking. Hence, always seek guidance from a doctor before starting any new supplements.

Consider enrolling in the Apollo Super 6 programme, developed by Apollo doctors in India, you will receive personalised support to manage type 2 diabetes effectively. It not only focuses on improving diet and increasing physical activity but also provides continuous support through integrated tools and expert consultations.

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