Diabetic Health
Unveiling the Role of a Diabetic Multivitamin
A growing number of experts and studies suggest a link between micronutrient deficiencies, Prediabetes and Diabetes as well as showing benefits to taking nutritional supplements for the management of both conditions. Multivitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbs have been found to play a critical role in blood sugar metabolism, enzymatic activation, insulin production, and its sensitivity or effectiveness amongst individuals at high risk of or newly diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes.1,2,3
Some micronutrient deficiencies may be an underlying cause of many chronic diseases, metabolic disorders and modern lifestyle health complaints such as insulin resistance or glucose intolerance, PreDiabetes, Diabetes, hormonal imbalance, polycystic ovary syndrome and central obesity, which may gradually affect kidney, heart, liver, eyes, brain, prostate, reproductive system functions, and various neuro-degenerative diseases.1,2,3
If you are regarded ‘a risk’ for Prediabetes, Diabetes, and complications thereof, you may need to seriously consider supplementation with multivitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbs.
References
① American Diabetic Association. Vitamins and Diabetes: ADA. Accessed on 10 October 2023 Available at https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/diabetes-vitamins-supplements
② The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (2 November 2022). Vitamin deficiencies considered ‘a risk’ for Diabetes and its complications. Accessed on 10 October 2023 Available at https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
③ ML Petroni, L Brodosi et al. (10 August 2021). Nutrition in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Present Knowledge and Remaining Challenges. Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2748; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082748
South Africa is amongst the top-5 countries in Africa with a high prevalence of Diabetes.1
Reference: ① Mbanya JC, Ramiaya K. Diabetes Mellitus. In: Jamison DT, Feachem RG, Makgoba MW, et al., editors. Disease and Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. 2nd edition. Washington (DC): The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank; 2020. Chapter 19. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2291/
Diabetes is a defining epidemic of the 21st century.2
Reference: ② Heather Davis. (22 May 2023) Prediabetes vs. Diabetes: Know the Difference. Accessed on 10 October 2023 Available at https://www.nutrisense.io/blog/prediabetes-vs-diabetes
③ Kanyin Liane Ong, Lauryn K Stafford et al. (12 July 2023) Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2050: a systematic analysis for the
Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Volume 401, Issue ISSUE 10397, Pages 203-234. Accessed on 10 October 2023 Available at https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01301-6/fulltext
Around 5 to 10 percent of people with preDiabetes become Diabetic every year.2
Reference: ② Heather Davis. (22 May 2023) Prediabetes vs. Diabetes: Know the Difference. Accessed on 10 October 2023 Available at https://www.nutrisense.io/blog/prediabetes-vs-diabetes
Tips for Diabetic Health
- Eat more fibre or roughage like wholewheat grains, seeds, pulses, fruits, and vegetables
- Stay hydrated with natural flavour-infused liquids or water e.g., fruits, herbs, rooibos tea
- Cut down on added sugars e.g. have fresh fruits, plain water, milk, unsweetened beverages, dilute fruit juices
- Limit using extra oils and fats e.g., steam, grill, roast, bake foods
- Avoid adding salt to your food or meals e.g. use fresh or dried herbs or unsalted spices
- Choose more lean protein e.g. fish, poultry, nuts, beans, peas, lentils
- Be smart with snacks e.g. fat-free yoghurt, unsalted nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables
- Workout or exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep
- Drink alcohol sensibly (in moderation)
- Quit smoking
- Know your health vitals numbers such as blood sugar, weight, cholesterol, blood pressure
- Educate yourself about Diabetes, so you are equipped to spot warning signs and intervene early enough
References
① Dutta SS. Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes. 2019 Nov 7. [Cited 2023 May 22]. Medical.net. Available from: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Vitamin-D-and-Type-2-Diabetes.aspx
② Orenstein BW. 8 Supplements That May Help Diabetes. 2017 May 23. [Cited 2023 May 22]. Everydayhealth.com. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/treatment/supplements-that-may-help-diabetes/
③ De Jager J, Kooy A, Lehert P and Wulffele MG. Long term treatment with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes and risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency: randomised placebo controlled trial. 2010 May 20. [Cited 2023. 22 May 2023. British Medical Journal. Available from: https://www.bmj.com/content/bmj/340/bmj.c2181.full.pdf
④ Karedath J, Batool S, Arshad A and Khalique S. The Impact of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. 2022 Nov 22. [Cited 2023 May 22]. Cureus. DOI 10.7759/cureus.31783
In need of a good diabetes multivitamin?
- Antioxidants: vitamins A-C-E, zinc, selenium
- Vitamins: chromium, vitamin D-C-A-E, folic acid, B-complex, biotin
- Minerals: zinc, selenium, iron, calcium, magnesium
- Amino Acids: taurine, leucine and phenylalanine
- Herbals: cinnamon, bitter melon (karela), berberine, gymnema, aloe vera, ginger, fenugreek
*The contents of this website are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
