Six nutrients that prevent diabetes complications

 

Diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels accompanied by excessive insulin production. This condition exposes the body to serious complications, primarily affecting the heart, arteries, brain, nerves, kidneys, and eyes. In this article, we discuss six nutrients that not only help prevent diabetes-related damage but, in some cases, also reverse the harmful effects of the disease.

BloodSugar & Diabetes

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1. Benfotiamine (vitamin B1)

Benfotiamine, a fat-soluble form  of  vitamin B1 , is essential for people with diabetes because it protects nerves from damage. Diabetes often leads to neuropathy, particularly in the feet, hands, kidneys, arteries, eyes, and brain. This  vitamin helps regenerate damaged nerves by penetrating deep into the nervous system.

• Recommended dose   : Take 300 mg of benfotiamine twice daily to prevent diabetic neuropathy and rebuild the myelin sheath that protects your nerves.
• Additional benefits   : Benfotiamine also helps reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, and retinopathy in people with diabetes. It also reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, which are often linked to insulin resistance.

2. Coenzyme Q10 (ubicinol)

Coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinol, is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell in our body and essential for protecting DNA from free radicals. Commonly used diabetes medications, such as metformin, can deplete CoQ10 levels, leading to muscle pain, cramps, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Vitamins& Supplements

• Dosage   : A daily dose of 200 mg of ubiquinol helps maintain stable blood pressure, improves blood sugar regulation, protects the heart and slows skin aging.
• Food sources   : Coenzyme Q10 occurs naturally in offal, fatty fish, cauliflower and broccoli.

3. Antioxidants (vitamins C, D, E and zinc)

Antioxidants are essential for reducing glycation, the process by which sugar binds to blood proteins, forming sticky compounds that clog blood vessels and tissues. These compounds increase the risk of complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, arteries, and brain.

 Vitamin C   : This  vitamin protects vital organs from oxidative stress. Consume it in raw vegetables like bell peppers, cabbage, berries, and leafy greens. If you decide to supplement, choose natural sources like acerola or rosehips.

Vitamin E   : Vitamin E is essential because it reduces glycation. It is found in sunflower seeds, almonds, and extra virgin olive oil, and the most effective form of supplementation is tocotrienol at a dose of 300 mg daily.

 Vitamin D   : Daily sun exposure for 20 to 30 minutes increases vitamin D levels, reducing diabetic pain. If this is not possible, a daily intake of 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 with 100 mcg of vitamin K2 is recommended.

Zinc   : This mineral plays an important role in protecting eyesight, healing wounds, and preventing tissue death, especially in the feet. It’s found in oysters, pumpkin seeds, and red meat.

4. B vitamins (B6 and B12)

Vitamins B6 and B12 are essential for diabetics because they play a role in regenerating the myelin sheath that protects nerves. They also help relieve nerve pain, stabilize blood sugar levels, and maintain good neurological health.

Vitamins& Supplements

Vitaminsand supplements

Recommendation   : Take three tablespoons of unfortified nutritional yeast (fortified with methylcobalamin, a natural form  of vitamin B12) daily with a small amount of kefir.

Benefits   : These  vitamins support the proper functioning of the nervous system and help prevent neuropathic pain, which is often intense in people with diabetes.

5. Acetic acid (apple cider vinegar)One cause of diabetes is overeating, which promotes insulin buildup and leads to insulin resistance.  Apple cider vinegar helps increase cell sensitivity to insulin, thus aiding in blood sugar control.Levelblood sugar and diabetes

Directions   : Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink with a meal.Benefits   : Acetic acid improves satiety, reduces appetite, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. People with gastroparesis should choose another supplement, such as alpha lipoic acid (600–1800 mg daily), which also works on the nerves of the stomach.

6. FitonutrientyPhytonutrients are plant compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the body against diabetic complications. Here are some natural sources of beneficial phytonutrients:

Turmeric (curcumin)   : This powerful anti-inflammatory agent promotes insulin production in pancreatic cells.Blueberries (resveratrol)   : slow down glycation and protect vital organs.Red onion (quercetin)   : helps control blood sugar levels, protects the heart and kidneys.Green Tea (EGCG)   : Stimulates the production of more sensitive insulin.Bitter melon   : Used to reduce glycation.Garlic (allicin)   : strengthens the immune system and prevents glycation.Red cabbage (cyanidin)   : Reduces the formation of sticky proteins in the blood.Parsley (Apigenin)   : Contains heart-protective antioxidants.

To reap the benefits of these phytonutrients, a daily diet rich in fresh, colorful vegetables is recommended. Regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, is also essential, as it promotes antioxidant production and improves blood circulation, reducing the risk of tissue and nerve damage associated with diabetes.NutritionThese nutrients, incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, can be an effective ally in combating the complications of diabetes. Before adding any supplements or making any dietary changes, consult your doctor.