Diabetes is a chronic condition that is characterised by the absolute deficiency of insulin (Type 1) or the relative deficiency of insulin due to lack of secretion or increased insulin resistance (Type 2). The lack of insulin action leads to impaired energy metabolism, increased blood sugar, and damage to bodily structures such as blood vessels, tissues and ultimately our organs. Latest studies conducted have shown that at least 1 in every 4 Malaysians suffers from the sweet endemic. Numerous prescription drugs have been developed to manage diabetes in the clinical setting. In light of recent studies, the role of nutritional supplementation in managing or even preventing the disease has gathered a lot of attention, with hopes of improving the quality of life in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients.
How do nutritional or herbal supplements help?
Diabetes mellitus, in this case Type 2, has always been referred to as the disease of overindulgence. Excessive binge on the wrong types of food, at the same time forgetting and leaving out certain vital nutrients in the process, could be the root cause of the disease. With that being said, nutrition (macro & micro) plays a huge part in preventing metabolic disturbances in our body. Whereas for herbs and plants, the first line drug of treating diabetes Metformin, is actually derived from the French lilac. Perhaps if we looked closely, we could discover that some unremarkable plants lying in our backyard could be the cure all this while.
- Chromium
Chromium is a trace element that is essential to our body in the regulation of insulin action and its effects on carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Studies have shown that people with diabetes have lower blood levels of chromium than their healthy counterparts. Chromium can be obtained through certain foods and also supplementation forms. Chromium picolinate, specifically, has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Supplements containing 400 mcg to 600 mcg of chromium in the picolinate form have been found to improve blood glucose control. Studies have also demonstrated the benefits of taking chromium picolinate together with biotin (vitamin B7) as it also improves glucose metabolism. - Magnesium
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral found in the human body. It is a cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic processes which are involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, and also blood glucose regulation. Diets with higher magnesium content are associated with a significantly lower risk of diabetes. Lack of magnesium (or hypomagnesemia) might worsen insulin resistance. To make things worse, diabetes leads to increased urinary excretion of this precious mineral, thus making it a vicious cycle that leads to the worsening of the disease. Magnesium can be found in various types of food, such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, etc. An abundance of magnesium supplements also exists in the market. Magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate and magnesium orotate are forms of magnesium that have good bioavailability and safety profile. - Vitamin D3
Every time vitamin D3 is mentioned, it is almost exclusively linked to its function to regulate bone health. Little do people know that vitamin D3 actually plays an important role in glucose metabolism. Vitamin D receptors are present in pancreatic cells, which increases insulin secretion when stimulated. Besides that, vitamin D receptors are also present in the muscles and livers, which works to reduce peripheral insulin resistance. - Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a clover-like herb native to the Mediterranean region, western Asia, and southern Europe. It was traditionally used for controlling diabetes and boosting milk supply in breastfeeding women. The seeds of fenugreek contain fibre and other chemicals that could slow down the digestion process and also the absorption of sugar. Studies have shown a modest decrease in fasting glucose after taking a fenugreek supplement. - Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin present in red meat, eggs, fruits, nuts, dairy products etc. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been considered a common problem among diabetic patients, especially those who are taking Metformin. Although it does not demonstrate any blood sugar-lowering effect, vitamin B12 supplementation has been shown to greatly improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes
. - Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
ALA is also known as thioctic acid. It is essential for aerobic metabolism in animals and also acts as a cofactor for at least 5 different enzymatic processes. There are a lot of ALA supplements available in the market, most of them being marketed as antioxidants. Several studies have found that ALA can improve insulin resistance. Similar to vitamin B12, ALA also relieves neuropathy caused by diabetes.