Vitamins and Nutrition for Diabetes Type 2

Lipoic acid is a strong free radical scavenger and powerful antioxidant. Multiple positive effects of Lipoic acid on various aspects of Diabetes Type 2 and its potential complications have been studied. Lipoic acid use was linked with amplification in glucose utilization in both obese and lean patients with Diabetes Type 2. In one study, Lipoic acid was given to patients suffering from Diabetic Neuropathy for 19 days. This resulted in a significant diminish in sensations of pain, burning, and numbness in the feet in comparison to patients taking the placebo.

Another studyhas suggested that the use of Lipoic acid may have a protective effect against the cardiovascular complications of Diabetes Type 2.

Recent study conducted at the University of Michigan implied much about the preventive use of Lipoic acid. It is thought to facilitate wound healing and avoid the development of non-healing skin ulcers consequential to the trivial skin abrasions among diabetics.

Lipoic acidwas found to have endothelial protection effects, particularly in kidneys. As a result, the degree of albuminuria (loss of protein in the urine) has significantly decreased in patients treated with Lipoic acid.

Chromium is a trace mineral which means that humans need it in very small amounts. Chromium was found to augment the action of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and naturally present in the body. It is crucial for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. In the late fifties, brewers yeast supplementation was found to avert an age-related deterioration to maintain normal sugar levels in the blood.

Chromium was recognized as the active factor in this "glucose tolerance factor". A number of studies made known encouraging outcomes from Chromium supplementation. Chromium supplementation is most known in the form of Chromium picolinate.A large human testing evaluated the effects of various doses of Chromium picolinate versus placebo. HbA1C is a laboratory test which helps to access the blood sugar fluctuation for a few weeks prior to the blood analysis. HbA1C readings drastically improved in the group receiving Chromium. Fasting glucose levels had lowered in the group taking Chromium as well.

Cinnamon has been utilized for a few thousand years in traditional Greco-European and Ayurvedic medicine. A recent study conducted in Hanover, Germany, suggested that supplementation with Cinnamon bark reduced fasting blood sugar levels over 10%.

One of the explanations of thisCinnamon barkeffect links Cinnamonto the ability to improve absorption of insulin.This process is performed by living cells naturally augmenting the action of this hormone. The Agricultural Research Service applied for a patent on theblood sugar loweringcompound called Methylhydroxy Chalcone polymer (MHCP- an active compound in Cinnamon). MHCP has been proven to raise glucose metabolism rate by about 20 times. MHCP in Cinnamon may be effective in people suffering from Diabetes Type 2.

Studies demonstrated that Bilberrydecreases Blood sugar level, thickening of the vessels and vascular damage. Therefore, Bilberry plays an important role in controlling Diabetes Type 2and preventing its complications. Bilberry is one of the herbs most frequently recommended by Italian herbalists.

References:

Konrad T, et al. "Lipoic acid Treatment Decreases Serum Lactate and Pyruvate Concentrations and Improves Glucose Effectiveness in Lean and Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes." Diabetes Care, February, 1999:22(2):280-287.

Coleman MD, Eason RC, Bailey CJ. "The Therapeutic Use of Lipoic acid in Diabetes: A Current Perspective." Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2001:10:167-172.

Ziegler D, Nowak H, et al. "Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-Lipoic acid: a meta-analysis," Diabet Med. 2004; 21(2): 114-21. (Address: German Diabetes Research Institute, Leibriz Institute at the Heinrich Heine University, Dusseldorf, Germany. E-Mail: dan.ziegler@ddfi.uni-duesseldorf.de).

Thirunavukkarasu V, Anitha Nandhini AT, et al. "Lipoic acid improves glucose utilization and prevents protein glycation and AGE formation," Pharmazie 2005:60(10): 772-5. (Address: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, India).

Anderson, Richard A., Ph.D., et al."Chromium and Its Role in Lean Body Mass and Weight Reduction,” The Nutrition Report June 1993:11(6):41-46.

Cefalu WT, Hu FB. "Role of Chromium in Human Health and in Diabetes," Diabetes Care November 2004:27(11):2741-2751. (Address: William T. Cefalu, MD, E-mail: cefaluwt@pbrc.edu)

Anderson, Richard A. "Chromium, Glucose Tolerance and Diabetes,” Biological Trace Element Research 1992:32:19-24.

McCarty, Mark F. "The Prophylactic and Therapeutic Potential of Chromium Picolinate and Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperlipidemia, Anabolism and Weight Reduction," Journal of Advancement in Medicine Spring 1993:6(1):47-52.

Mertz W. "Interaction of Chromium With Insulin: A Progress Report," Nutrition Reviews 1998:56(6):174-177.

Anderson, Richard A., Ph.D. "Chromium, Glucose Tolerance, Diabetes and Lipid Metabolism," Journal of Advancement in Medicine Spring 1995:8(1):37-50.

Evans, Gary W., Ph.D. "Review of Studies With Chromium Picolinate in Humans: Part I / Part II," The Nutrition Report October-October, November 1989:7(10-11);73 and 81.

Mang B, Wolters M, et al. "Effects of a Cinnamon extract on plasma glucose, HbA, and serum lipids in Diabetes Type 2," Eur J Clin Invest 2006:36(5): 340-4. (Address: Nutrition Physiology and Human Nutrition Unit, Institute of Food Science, University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany).

"Diabetes, Blood Sugar and Cinnamon," Nutrition Week October 13, 2000;30(39):7/ARS Food and Nutrition Research Briefs October 2000.

Cicero AFG, Derosa G, Gaddi A, et al. "Bilberry -What do Herbalists Suggest to Diabetic Patients in Order to Improve Glycemic Control? Evaluation of Scientific Evidence and Potential Risks." Acta Diabetologica 2004:41(3):91-98. (Address: Dr. A. F. G. Cicero, E-mail: arcicer@tin.it)