People with diabetes face unique nutritional challenges, and a often overlooked aspect of dietary management in this condition is vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Although current evidence regarding the direct effects of certain vitamins and minerals on diabetes is limited, it is important for diabetics to focus on obtaining specific nutrients regularly.
This article provides an overview of some of the most important vitamins for people with diabetes and provides guidance on how to consistently incorporate these essential nutrients into your diet.
Why do people with diabetes need certain vitamins?
In general, diabetics can not only be digested, but also have vitamins and absorbed (except those who have problems like gastroparesis that affect digestion).
The role of supplements is to complement your diet. This is especially important for people who have difficulty consuming the right amount of fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods.
However, whenever possible, it is best to consume the vitamins and minerals you need in whole food sauces, rather than supplements.
It is essential to consult with your doctor before starting supplementation. Because they can do blood tests to identify defects in vitamins and minerals. Working with your healthcare team will help you decide which vitamin supplements are most appropriate for your health needs and lifestyle.
If you are pursuing supplements rather than dietary approaches to obtain recommended levels of these nutrients, look for the US Pharmacopoeia (USP) symbol in the bottle, meaning that the supplement meets USP standards.
What is the best vitamin for people with diabetes?
Thiamine (B1)
People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes often find that they have low blood levels of thiamine and are at a higher risk of thiamine deficiency. Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, plays an important role in neuronal health.
There are some indications that it may help reduce symptoms of neuropathy (neurological damage), a common complication in diabetes, but it is important to note that research in this particular area is ongoing and results may vary. Furthermore, taking vitamin B1 can only be helpful for neuropathy in people who are deficient in this vitamin.
The main sources of thiamine include beef, pork, nuts, whole grains, legumes, cauliflower, oranges, eggs, potatoes, asparagus and kale. Including these foods in your diet can help ensure proper thiamine intake.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining healthy red blood cells and supporting brain function. Vitamin B12 deficiency can worsen symptoms in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage to the hands and/or feet).
There is evidence suggesting that long-term use of the diabetic drug metformin, especially at high doses (usually at more than 1,500 milligrams), can reduce levels of vitamin B12. Therefore, monitoring at the b12 level is important for metformin levels.
Regarding dietary sources, vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal products such as fish, milk, eggs and meat. For vegetarians, vegans, and others who may not consume enough vitamin B12 from dietary sources, oral vitamin B12 supplements are an effective option to ensure proper intake.
Vitamin c
Many people with diabetes may have low levels of vitamin C. Increased vitamin C intake can play a role in controlling cellular sorbitol levels. At high concentrations, sorbitol can contribute to complications such as retinopathy (retinal damage to the eye) and kidney damage.
Furthermore, vitamin C has been shown to potentially improve insulin sensitivity and support blood glucose regulation and A1C levels (a measure of glucose control over the past 2-3 months).
Vitamin C-rich dietary sources include kiwi, peppers, tomatoes, guava, tomatillo, sweet potatoes, strawberries and spinach.
Vitamin d
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. Furthermore, studies suggest that chronically low levels of vitamin D in patients with type 1, type 2 diabetes, or prediabetics may contribute to an increased risk of complications and death. Low levels of vitamin D are a common problem for many people with diabetes.
To address this, it is recommended that your diet include foods rich in vitamin D, such as egg yolks, liver, fatty fish, fortified dairy products, fortified plant dairy varieties, fortified tofu products, and mushrooms exposed to UV rays.
Additionally, regular exposure to sunlight can naturally increase your body’s vitamin D levels. Ideally, it would be beneficial to aim for approximately 5-30 minutes of sunlight exposure per day, depending on the type of skin and the local climate.
However, it is important to balance solar exposure with the risk of skin cancer, especially in areas with high UV levels.
magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system, strengthening bones, regulating heart rate, and helping the body digest and use nutrients from its daily diet. This is especially important for people with type 2 diabetes, as the levels of this essential mineral are often low.
Studies have established a link between low magnesium levels and increased insulin resistance. Additionally, the 2017 survey was published in the journal Diabetes care This suggests that normal magnesium intake may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Regarding supplementary notes, magnesium is generally collected along with calcium and zinc. However, it is also naturally available through a diet rich in beans and other legumes, brown rice, nuts, green leafy vegetables and whole grain products.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for heart health. This is a particularly important consideration if you have diabetes due to the high risk of heart disease. These fatty acids help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
Regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to improving overall health management for diabetes, including increased chances of glycemic control and lowering the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, as well as plant-based options such as flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts. Incorporating these into your diet will help you provide the omega-3s you need to support your heart health.
zinc
Zinc plays an important role in the creation, storage and secretion of insulin, making it an essential mineral for people with diabetes. It is also noteworthy about its involvement in the functioning of the immune system. This is because a robust immune system is important for your overall health, especially in diabetes management.
Zinc deficiency can make glycemic control even more difficult and can exacerbate complications associated with diabetes. Therefore, monitoring and maintaining appropriate zinc levels is important for optimal diabetes management.
Zinc can be found in a variety of foods, including oysters and other seafood, chicken, beef, pumpkin seeds, lentils and yogurt. Ensuring a balanced diet containing these foods will help you achieve the recommended zinc intake.
Areas of Attention
People with diabetes need special care when it comes to supplementing certain vitamins and other compounds.
High doses of niacin (vitamin B3) can potentially raise blood sugar levels and can challenge blood glucose control. This is particularly noteworthy for people using niacin at high doses for cholesterol management.
There is ongoing research into the effects of vitamin E on insulin sensitivity and diabetes management. However, it is important to hold off further research that can support these claims and approach the claims about their ability to prevent type 2 diabetes and to significantly improve glycemic control in people with diabetes.
For those taking blood-wanted medications such as warfarin (such as the brand name Kumadin), it is important to note that vitamin E supplements can interact with these medications and increase the risk of bleeding.
Vitamin K should also be carefully considered, especially for people who are taking blood thinning medications such as warfarin. This is because it plays an important role in the blood clotting process. Significant variations in vitamin K intake can affect the effectiveness of these drugs.
Certain supplements can potentially affect blood glucose levels and interact with diabetic drugs. These include chromium, alpha lipoic acid, and certain herbal supplements.
Because of these potential interactions and effects, it is extremely important to talk to your healthcare provider before incorporating these or other vitamins or supplements into your regimen.
Final thoughts
Although diabetes management often focuses on blood sugar levels and medication, the role of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in this process cannot be overstated.
A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is the basis for effective diabetes management. Thiamine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc all play a unique role in supporting the health of diabetics.
It is important to consult with your healthcare team to determine the appropriate vitamins and mineral intake for your specific needs and to recognize the supplements you should avoid in your situation.
Doctors conduct blood tests to determine nutritional requirements and incorporate the right balance of vitamins and minerals into the vitamins and minerals becomes a valuable part of diabetes management, maintaining improved glycemic control and potentially preventing both short- and long-term complications.
