Diabetes, also known as Diabetes Mellitus, is a chronic disease characterized by adnormally high blood levels of glucose. There are two main types:

  • Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin-dependent diabetes)
  • Type 2 Diabetes (Non-insulin dependent diabetes)

In Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, whereas in Type 2 Diabetes, the body continues to produce insulin-sometimes at even higher-than-normal levels – but the cells of the body are unable to react properly.

The more common form is Type 2 Diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Extreme hunger
  • Unusual weight loss
  • Increased fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Blurred vision

It is of the utmost importance to seek medical attention if you have any of the symptoms above because an early detection and treatment of diabetes can improve your chances of avoiding serious complications.

Complications of Diabetes

If you have diabetes, it is so important to monintor it and take care of yourself. When left unmanaged,
the following complications may occur:

  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Eye problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Foot problems
  • Skin complications
  • Gastroparesis
  • Depression

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. It involves damage to the nerves that run throughout the body, connecting the spinal cord to the skin, muscles, blood vessels,and other organs.

Eye Problems

Having diabetes puts people at risk of becoming blind. Early detection is essential to prevent this from
occurring.

Kidney Disease

Diabetes can damage the kidneys, making them inable to filter out waste products.

Supplements that can help with Type 2 Diabetes

The following supplements can treat the symptoms of a diabetes mellitus. They affect your blood sugar level,so you may need less medication or you might be able to stop taking your medication altogether. However, before doing so, talk to your doctor.

You should always continue to monitor your blood sugar level closely so that it does not fall too low, which would cause hypoglycemia.

Supplement Dosage Precautions
Alpha-Lipolic Acid 100 to 300 mg daily Consult your healthcare provider before taking.
Arginine 1,000 to 5,000 mg once a day If you have kidney disease, liver disease, or herpes, consult your doctor before taking.
B-Complex Vitamins 50 mg twice a day
Biotin 8 to 16 mg once a day
Bitter Melon 2 ox of fresh juice or 100 ml of decoction once a day
Carnitine 2,000 to 3,000 mg once a day
Carnosine 2,000 mg once a day
Chromium Picolinate 300 to 1,000 mcg once a day Some contain more Chromium than necessary. Ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation on Chromium consumption.
Coenzyme Q10 30 to 200 mg daily May reduce the effects of blood thinners. May cause diarrhea in dosages above 100 mg once a day.
Copper 2 to 3mg once a day Your Copper-to-Zinc ratio is very important for your overall health. Also, do not take copper supplement
Cupric Oxide, which has a very low bioavailability.
EPA/DHA (fish oil) 1,000 to 2,000 mg once a day Choose a source that contains Vitamin E to prevent oxidation
Fenugreek Seed powder 50 mg twice a day or 2 to 4.5 ml of 1:2 liquid extract twice a day
Fiber, soluble Choose a fiber supplement with no added sugar. Supplement with several glasses of water.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) 240 to 480 mg once a day It is important to maintain the proper ratio of Omega-6 Fatty Acids to Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Ginko Biloba 120 mg once daily Do not use if taking a blood thinner.
Inositol 2,000 to 4,000 mg once a day May stimulate uterine contractions. Women who wish to become pregnant should consult their doctor regarding its use.
Magnesium (as Magnesium Citrate) 400 to 800 mg once a day Consult your healthcare provider for dosage if you have kidney disease. Discontinue use and see your doctor
if you experience abdominal pain. Take a lower dose if it causes diarrhea.
Manganese 2 to 5 mg once a day
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) 500 mg once a day When taking NAC supplements, also take extra Vitamin C, Copper, and Zinc.
Quercetin 300 to 900 mg once a day
Selenium (as Selenomethione) 200 mcg once a day
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) 240 to 480 mg once a day It is important to maintain the proper ratio of Omega-6 Fatty Acids to Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Taurine 1,000 to 5,000 mg once a day Take between meals. Discontinue use if you suddenly have feelings of chest or throat tightness or if you break out in hives. DO NOT TAKE WITH ASPIRIN.
Vanadium 50 mg once a day Do not take more than 50 mg a day
Vitamin B (Pyridoxine) 75 mg twice a day Do not take more than 500 mg a day. If you are taking L-Dopa for Parkinson’s disease, do not take Vitamin B6 without talking
to your healthcare provider.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) 500 to 1,500 mcg twice a day High dosages can deplete your body of other Vitamins in the B Complex
Vitamin C 500 to 1,500 mg twice a day Do not take high dosages if you are prone to kidney stones or gout. Take Vitamin C as Magnesium Ascorbate. Never take Ascorbic Acid because it causes the body to become acidic and Vitamin C is not stored in the body as Ascorbic Acid.
Vitamin D Have your blood levels measured by your healthcare provider, who will then determine proper dosage.
Vitamin E 400 to 800 IU once a day Take mixed tocopherols, the more active type of Vitamin E. Consult your healthcare provider
first if you are taking a blood thinner.
Zinc 20 to 50 mg once a day The best Zinc supplements are Zinc Picolinate and Zinc Citrate. If you are taking Zinc and Iron supplements,
take one in the morning and one in the evening. (Taking them together reduces the efficiency of both.)