Can supplements help the management of diabetes?
Some studies have shown B6 supplementation reduces the painful neuropathy experienced by some diabetics. Vitamin E has been shown to improve natural insulin action in non-insulin dependent diabetics by increasing glucose metabolism. Vitamin E may also provide protection against oxidative damage, which occurs more frequently in diabetics, due to their high rate of lipolysis in their metabolism. Studies have also shown diabetics have lower levels of vitamin C blood levels than non-diabetics, even when both groups consumed the same amounts of vitamin C. More research is needed to determine how diabetes affects vitamin status, and how supplementation can benefit this group.
