Vital Supplements for Diabetes Patients

Supplements are known to provide for whatever becomes deficient. It is actually not a replacement to natural nutrients that we usually get from fruits and vegetables. However, if Vitamins A, C and D are taken in excess, it can also be toxic for the body. In addition, taking supplements can only be helpful if you tag a healthy diet along with it. Candidates for oral supplements are pregnant ladies, lactating mothers and those who are on menopausal stage. Also, patients with known deficiencies, on vegetarian diet and people who had bariatric surgeries are advised to take supplements.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D has two forms, D2 and D3. Liver and fish oil are the main sources of D2 while exposure to sunlight can help the body activate D3. They say that having enough levels of Vitamin D along with normal calcium level can decrease risks of getting Diabetes 1 and 2. According to one study, the recommended intake of vitamin D supplement is 800 IU per day and 1200 mg of calcium per day. These values can cut off 33% of chances of developing Diabetes type 2. However, getting too much of these supplements can be harmful because high levels of calcium can interfere with iron and zinc absorption.

Vitamin B12

The main role of Vitamin B12 in the body is for the proper functioning of nerve and blood cells. It is responsible in DNA synthesis and maintenance of steady glucose levels in the digestive system. Diabetics have high risk of developing Vitamin B12 deficiency especially if they are into Metformin therapy. Beef, fish, milk, poultry, eggs and cereals are the common sources of Vitamin B12. Vegetarians are known to be deficient of this vitamin reason why most of them are taking supplements. Vitamin B12 supplements can be taken orally or be given through intramuscular injection once a week for four weeks.

Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid

This vitamin plays many roles in the system. It takes part in DNA synthesis and formation of red blood cells. Patients with diabetes and on Metformin have high chances of getting Vitamin B9 deficiency because the medication interferes with folic acid absorption. Conditions like alcoholism and malabsorption syndrome can also lead to deficiency. Folic acid supplements are known to decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in diabetes and other complications like foot ulceration, cognitive deterioration and diabetic neuropathy.

In addition, pregnant ladies with gestational diabetes and low levels of folic acid has higher risks of delivering a baby with neural tube defects, urinary tract anomalies, oral facial clefts and heart and limb abnormalities. This is the main reason why women planning for conception are highly recommended to take 1 mg or 4 mg of folic acid daily for at least three months prior. The dose must be retained while pregnant and post partum to secure normal level of folic acid. Natural sources of Vitamin B9 are beans, peas, soymilk and green leafy vegetables.

The above listed the benefits that we can get from supplements. However, taking these in excess can also be harmful so make sure that you check packages and labels to ensure proper intake. Also, it needs to be proven safe for consumption. In addition, there is no direct proof on how supplements can prevent Diabetes type 2.