Dietary Supplements for Diabetics

Dietary supplements for diabetics have become an essential part of the comprehensive approach to managing this chronic disease, which is considered one of the most widespread health conditions around the world. In addition to a healthy diet and regular physical activity, scientific studies indicate that certain supplements can improve the body’s response to insulin. They also help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of long-term diabetes-related complications. Therefore, in this article, we will review three of the most important scientifically proven supplements recommended for people with diabetes.

First Supplement: Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 – The Golden Duo for Insulin Sensitivity

Why is this supplement important for diabetics?

This is where Vitamin K2 comes into play, as it is one of the essential dietary supplements for diabetics. This is because it helps direct calcium toward the bones and teeth instead of the arteries, which reduces potential cardiovascular risks and improves the effectiveness of Vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 is considered a key element in improving the cells’ response to insulin. Studies have also shown that low levels of it in the blood are associated with increased insulin resistance and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

However, taking Vitamin D in high amounts may lead to calcium deposition in the blood vessels, which increases the risk of calcification and arterial stiffness.

For More: Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid: Benefits and Risk Factors of Deficiency

Supporting Research on the Dietary Supplements Vitamin D3 and K2

Several studies have indicated that the combination of D3 and K2 improves glucose level control. It also reduces insulin resistance, especially in individuals with prediabetes ¹ – ² – ³ – ⁴ – ⁵ – ⁶ – ⁷ – ⁸ – ⁹.

• Amazon: Life Extension, Vitamins D and K with Sea-Iodine, 60 Capsules
• iHerb: Life Extension, Vitamins D and K with Sea-Iodine, 60 Capsules

Second Supplement: Magnesium Glycinate – For Glucose Balance and Nerve Health

What is the importance of magnesium for diabetics as a dietary supplement?

• Magnesium is one of the beneficial dietary supplements for diabetics. This is because it plays a key role in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in carbohydrate metabolism and energy production.
• Magnesium deficiency is also common among diabetics. It is considered one of the factors associated with increased insulin resistance, which leads to difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels.
• Among all forms of magnesium, Magnesium Glycinate is considered the best in terms of absorption. It is also gentle on the digestive system and does not cause diarrhea.

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Supporting Research on Magnesium Supplements

Multiple studies have proven that magnesium supplements reduce insulin resistance and improve the body’s sensitivity to it, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes ¹⁰ – ¹¹ – ¹² – ¹³ – ⁵ – ¹⁴ – ¹⁵ – ¹⁶.

• Amazon: Doctor’s Best High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate
• iHerb: Doctor’s Best, High Absorption Magnesium

Third Supplement: Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) – For Nerve Protection and Blood Sugar Regulation

Why is Vitamin B12 essential for diabetics as a dietary supplement?

• There are many beneficial dietary supplements for diabetics, such as Vitamin B12. It has gained particular importance because the commonly used medication for diabetes, metformin, is known to reduce the absorption of this vitamin. This can gradually lead to a deficiency in its levels and the onset of diabetic neuropathy symptoms.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency is also associated with complications such as tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and peripheral nerve inflammation.
• The “Methylcobalamin” form is considered the best for absorption and effectiveness. It also supports the nervous system and helps in efficient glucose metabolism ¹⁷.

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Supporting Research on B12 Dietary Supplements for Diabetics

Scientific studies have proven that B12 supplements alleviate symptoms of neuropathy and support nerve health. They may also contribute to improving insulin resistance ¹⁸ – ¹⁹ – ²⁰ – ²¹ – ²² – ²³ – ²⁴ – ²⁵.

• iHerb: Jarrow Formulas, Vegan Methyl B-12, Maximum Strength
• Amazon: Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 Tropical Flavor

In Conclusion: Dietary Supplements for Diabetics

Dietary supplements for diabetics are effective means of supporting blood sugar control and enhancing overall body health. If you are diabetic or concerned about the health of a loved one, adding three essential supplements — Vitamin D3 with K2, Magnesium Glycinate, and Vitamin B12 — to your daily health routine could bring a real change in the body’s response to insulin, prevention of neuropathic complications, and improvement in quality of life. With continued medical follow-up, these supplements can be a strong support for managing diabetes effectively and safely.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dietary Supplements for Diabetics

Here is a collection of frequently asked questions about beneficial dietary supplements for diabetics. Follow the details below:

مصادر علمية

1. Association between vitamin D3 levels and insulin resistance[↩]
2. Serum and supplemental vitamin D levels and insulin resistance in T2DM populations[↩]
3. Beneficial Effects of Vitamin D on Insulin Sensitivity Thickness, and Weight Loss in Refractory Obesity[↩]
4. The effect of vitamin D on insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes[↩]
5. Magnesium Intake and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes[↩][↩]
6. Role of Vitamin D in Insulin Resistance[↩]
7. The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Insulin Sensitivity[↩]
8. Effects of 12 weeks high dose vitamin D3 treatment on insulin sensitivity, beta cell function[↩]
9. Vitamin D supplementation has no effect on insulin sensitivity or secretion in vitamin D–deficient[↩]
10. Magnesium and type 2 diabetes[↩]
11. Oral Magnesium Supplementation for Treating Glucose Metabolism Parameters in People with or at Risk of Diabetes[↩]
12. The Effects of Oral Magnesium Supplementation on Glycemic Response among Type 2 Diabetes Patients[↩]
13. Association of magnesium consumption with type 2 diabetes and glucose metabolism[↩]
14. Retracted: Magnesium supplementation affects metabolic status and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes[↩]
15. Magnesium increases insulin-dependent glucose uptake in adipocytes[↩]
16. Effect of magnesium supplementation on glucose metabolism in people with or at risk of diabetes[↩]
17. Effect of Metformin Use on Vitamin B12 Deficiency Over Time (EMBER): A Real-World Evidence Database Study[↩]
18. Metformin treatment and risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Beijing, China[↩]
19. Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels[↩]
20. Metformin-induced vitamin B12 deficiency can cause or worsen distal symmetrical, autonomic and cardiac neuropathy in the patient with diabetes[↩]
21. Vitamin B12 deficiency and diabetic neuropathy in patients taking metformin[↩]
22. Vitamin B12 deficiency and diabetic neuropathy in patients taking metformin[↩]
23. The efficacy of vitamin B12 supplementation for treating vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy in metformin-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus patients[↩]
24. An observational study of vitamin b12 levels and peripheral neuropathy profile in patients of diabetes mellitus on metformin therapy[↩]
25. Long-term Metformin Use and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study[↩]