Making sure you get enough nutrients and nutraceuticals could prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, in addition to diet and exercise, adequate, controlled and supervised supplementation can help you prevent type 2 diabetes from functional medicine.
Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition that affects (and is equally affected by) the immune system, metabolism, hormones, and every other system and function within the body.
At this time, diabetes is widely considered an inflammatory disease. While chronic inflammation is believed to be a precursor to type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar and insulin resistance perpetuate inflammation, resulting in a vicious cycle. This stressful state affects energy, sleep, weight, circulation, digestion, mood, and concentration, which can lead to diabetic complications and disease progression.
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Benefits of supplements for type 2 diabetes.
Proper, quality, and supervised supplementation with nutrients and nutraceuticals provides an increase in micronutrients and plant extracts that act as therapies for the body, to help it balance and heal, often without the nasty side effects of pharmaceuticals.
These six supplements enhance the body’s ability to regulate glucose and are well supported by scientific research to benefit people suffering from blood sugar and diabetes.
1. vitamin D.
Vitamin D is not only crucial for maintaining healthy bones; it also regulates inflammation and insulin sensitivity. The vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, while supplementation with vitamin D reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetics.
2. Magnesium.
Magnesium is an essential cofactor for more than 300 enzyme systems in the body, including several that regulate blood sugar. The magnesium insufficiency is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, while magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and control of the blood sugar.
While magnesium is available in a variety of foods, including nuts, avocados, and dark chocolate, it can be difficult to get enough of the mineral from foods to maintain optimal health. It is recommended to supplement with 400 mg to 600 mg of magnesium, preferably glycinate or malate for optimal absorption.
3. Vitamin B12 and folate.
Diabetic patients who have used the commonly prescribed antidiabetic drug metformin long-term may benefit from supplemental folic acid and vitamin B12, as the drug reduces the levels of these two B vitamins. Supplementation with folate and vitamin B12 relieves oxidative stress. in diabetics, improving symptoms such as diabetic retinopathy.
4. Berberine.
Berberine, a bitter compound with powerful antidiabetic properties, can be found in Oregon grape, barberry, and goldenseal plants. It improves insulin resistance and insulin secretion, inhibits the generation of glucose in the liver, reduces intestinal glucose absorption, and promotes an anti-inflammatory gut microbiota. Interestingly, berberine works in the same way as the antidiabetic metformin.
5. Alpha lipoic acid.
Alpha lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing compound that acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. By boosting the body’s endogenous antioxidant systems, alpha lipoic acid relieves oxidative stress, an underlying cause of type 2 diabetes; This helps reduce diabetic complications like diabetic neuropathy. Alpha lipoic acid also activates AMPK, a protein with lowering effects on blood sugar.