Supplements
that may help with the complications of diabetes:
There are many supplements out there, but which ones should you choose? While there are many supplements not listed here that provide essential health benefits, I have consolidated my top 5 supplements that can help aid in the quality of one's life. Supplements can be costly, but don't necessarily have to be. There are many online stores that offer great prices. iHerb, for example, provides some of the best prices and even offer a $5 off coupon good for any supplement.
1. Carnosine: Frequent high blood sugar levels increase glycation end products that wreak havoc throughout the body, causing hardening of blood vessels and even premature aging of the skin such as crows feet around the eyes and wrinkles around the mouth and forehead. Carnsosine has been shown in many studies to prevent these glycation end products ( also called AGEs) and therefore may help the diabetic from experiencing the aforementioned consequences of frequent high blood sugar and may help prevent the tale tale visual signs of premature aging.
2. Fish Oil: You've probably heard of the many positive benefits of taking fish oil. Because those with diabetes are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, it makes sense to supplement with fish oil as a preventative against heart damage from diabetes. It has also been suggested that fish oil may help heal existing damage from diabetes due to its ant inflammatory properties. Although a good quality fish oil is not cheap, it's a good investment for better health. What should you look for when choosing a fish oil? Look for a fish oil product that is of a pharmaceutical grade, e.g. contains a high EPA/DHA ratio per gram of fish oil. Many inexpensive fish oil products may be tempting to try, but they likely contain very little EPA/DHA omega3 fatty acids, which defeats the whole purpose of taking fish oil.
3. CoQ10: CoQ10 is imperative for heart health. It has also been shown in some studies to help maintain blood sugar and reduce high blood pressure. CoQ10 or "ubiquinone" isn't cheap, however. A one month's supply can be quite costly.
4. Benfotiamine: Like carnsosine, benfotiamine (a lipid soluble form of thiamine) helps prevent AGEs from forming. Benfotiamine has been shown in many instances to reduce the instance of AGE's from forming, possibly helping keep the diabetic's blood vessels healthy. Benfotiamine is often thought as the gold standard to protecting the body from the ravages of glycation. Benfotiamine isn't cheap, but it shouldn't break the bank.
5. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is one of the most powerful water soluble antioxidants on the market. Since diabetes creates a surplus of oxidative stress of the body, it is essential to get a good amount of antioxidants in your diet. Vitamin C can help prevent the damages caused by having an excess of free radicles in the body. The best part about Vitamin C is that it is ubiquitous in nature (found in just about any fruit and many vegetables) and can be purchased at most health stores for just a few bucks.