Vitamins For Diabetics: An Algorithm For Selection And Contraindications

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that can cause many long-term complications if not properly controlled. The single most important factor in preventing serious complications of diabetes is to control blood sugar strictly through diet and supplementation, as high glucose levels can cause all sorts of serious problems.

Is it possible to drink vitamins with diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2

Diabetes affects your body's ability to make or use insulin, a hormone that allows your body to convert glucose (sugar) into energy.

The impact of diabetes on your body also depends on your type. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a disorder of the immune system. Your own immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas, destroying your body's ability to produce insulin. With type 1 diabetes, you need to take insulin to live.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is associated with insulin resistance. This used to happen in older people, but now more and more young people are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It is the result of an unhealthy lifestyle, improper diet and exercise.

With type 2 diabetes, your pancreas stops using insulin effectively. This causes problems with the ability to extract sugar from the blood and transfer it to cells for energy. Eventually, this may lead to the need for insulin.

Early phases such as stroke resistance (prediabetes) can be effectively controlled with diet, exercise, and careful blood sugar control. It may also prevent the full development of T2DM.

If left untreated, it can lead to potential complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney and nerve damage.

For example, women with diabetes are twice as likely to have another heart attack after their first. Their risk of heart failure is four times higher than that of women without diabetes. Men with diabetes are 3.5 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction (ED).

It is important to remember that diabetes can be controlled. In some cases, remission may even occur if lifestyle changes are made in time.

Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly. Symptoms may be mild and easy to ignore at first. The early symptoms may include:

1. constant hunger;

2. lack of energy;

3. fatigue;

4. weight loss;

5. excessive thirst;

6. frequent urination;

7. dry mouth;

8. itchy skin;

9. blurry vision.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe and potentially dangerous.

If your blood glucose has been high for a long time, symptoms may include:

• yeast infections;

• slow-healing cuts or sores;

• dark patches on the skin, a condition known as acanthosis nigricans

• pain in the legs;

• feeling of numbness of the extremities or neuropathy.

If you have two or more of these symptoms, you should see a specialist. Without treatment, diabetes can become life-threatening.

Research has shown that essential nutrient deficiencies contribute to some of the chronic complications of diabetes, while proper dietary supplementation helps diabetics manage their glucose levels to lower blood pressure and protect their bodies from diabetic complications.

Therefore, it is so important to know which vitamins to take in diabetes. Properly selected drugs help to fill the lack of nutrients, strengthen the immune system, speed up metabolic processes. The intake of essential trace elements is necessary to prevent complications and improve the patient's well-being.

Essential vitamins and minerals for type 1 and type 2 diabetics

Diabetics have higher requirements for many nutrients, especially water-soluble vitamins and minerals.

A significant role in the occurrence and development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus is played by two factors leading to structural and functional changes in cell membrane lipids: lipid peroxidation and excessive formation of free radicals.

In a healthy person, the body maintains a balance between the rate of lipid peroxidation and the activity of the antioxidant system (vitamins A, E, C, superoxide dismutase, catalase, etc.). In diabetes, this balance is disturbed: the rate of formation of free radicals is higher than the rate of their neutralization. In this regard, one of the directions in the treatment of diabetes is the appointment of antioxidants (vitamins A, E, C, lipoic acid, selenium) to eliminate oxidative stress.

Vitamin A (retinol) is necessary to prevent eye pathologies that often develop with this disease.

Taking retinol strengthens the immune system, increases the permeability of cell membranes.

Vitamin A neutralizes highly toxic forms of oxygen, which are continuously formed during the normal life of any cell. In the vast majority of diseases, including diabetes mellitus, the amount of toxic forms of oxygen increases dramatically.

It should be noted that vitamin A undergoes auto-oxidation with the formation of peroxide compounds, so its intake must be combined with other antioxidant compounds (vitamins C and E, selenium, etc.), which increases its biological activity.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an antioxidant that helps prevent the negative effects of oxidative stress. It neutralizes the effects of free radicals on cells, protecting the patient from complications. Additional intake of tocopherol:

• normalizes blood pressure;

• improves the condition of the skin and hair;

• restores blood supply to the retina;

• slows down aging.

B vitamins are the most important trace elements that are involved in all metabolic processes and in the work of many organs. High glucose levels and taking hypoglycemic agents impair their absorption. Therefore, diabetics are advised to constantly take them:

1. Thiamine (B1) normalizes carbohydrate metabolism, activates blood circulation. Helps prevent retinopathy and neuropathy.

2. Riboflavin (B2) stimulates the production of hemoglobin, protects the eyes from pathologies, and normalizes digestion.

3. Niacin (B3) strengthens the walls of blood vessels, lowers cholesterol, regulates microcirculation.

4. Pantothenic acid (B5) regulates the work of the adrenal glands, helps to overcome stress.

5. Pyridoxine (B6) is necessary for diabetics to prevent disorders of the nervous system. This microelement also improves the absorption of insulin and prevents the development of neuropathy.

6. Biotin (B7) acts similarly to insulin, increasing its effectiveness. It normalizes energy metabolism, stimulates the synthesis of fatty acids.

7. Folic acid (B9) stimulates protein metabolism, improves blood circulation and tissue regeneration.

8. Cyanocobalamin (B12) is important for all types of metabolic processes. It improves appetite, liver function.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is involved in metabolism, increases the effectiveness of insulin, strengthens the immune system, and regulates blood clotting.

Oxidative stress causes a deterioration in insulin secretion, and vitamin C therapy stops the damaging effect of free radicals, reduces the degree of insulin resistance.

Vitamin D (calciferol) - prevents the development of osteoporosis and skin diseases, strengthens bones and teeth, normalizes the functioning of the heart muscle.

The study shows that taking vitamin D in the form of alpha-calcidol and cholecalciferol improves the course of the disease.

It also allows the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, is an immunomodulator - its deficiency is accompanied by frequent viral / bacterial infections.

Alpha-lipoic acid has been successfully used in Germany for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy for over 30 years.

This vitamin-like substance is often described as the "ideal natural antioxidant" as it can neutralize water- or fat-soluble free radicals both inside and outside cells.

While alpha-lipoic acid is considered a major factor in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy for its antioxidant effects, it has also been shown to improve blood glucose metabolism, blood flow to peripheral nerves, and stimulate nerve fiber regeneration.

It is also important not to forget about minerals that increase immunity in diabetes:

• Selenium is a strong antioxidant that protects tissues from oxidative stress. It prevents the appearance of cataracts, normalizes the functions of the pancreas.

• Iron - is necessary for the normalization of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, to strengthen the immune system.

• Chromium - participates in carbohydrate metabolism, improves the absorption of insulin, increases its activity. It is needed to prevent cataracts. This mineral helps with dieting as it reduces sugar cravings.

• Zinc - improves the patient's condition and prevents many complications. It reduces cholesterol levels, activates the synthesis of insulin. Zinc accelerates tissue regeneration, strengthens the immune system.

• Magnesium is a mineral required by all diabetics. It regulates the conduction of nerve impulses, improves the condition of the retina.

  Clinical studies have shown that magnesium supplementation enhances insulin action, improves body response, glucose tolerance, and red blood cell membrane fluidity in diabetic patients.

  Note: Consult your healthcare provider about magnesium supplementation if you have severe kidney disease or are currently on dialysis.

   

• Manganese plays an exceptional role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Manganese activates ligand targets involved in insulin synthesis and gluconeogenesis. It has been established that manganese deficiency causes type 2 diabetes mellitus, leading to the development of such complications as hepatic steatosis.

Vitamins for eyes with diabetes

Hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus - these diseases entail an increased risk of impaired blood supply to the eyes.

Most vitamin complexes, dietary supplements and other similar non-drug products that have a positive effect on the eyes can be divided into three main groups:

• based on carotenoids - contain primarily beta-carotene and / or lutein;

• based on anthocyanins;

• universal - they include both carotenoids and anthocyanins.

However, for the normal functioning of the eyes, other vitamins and trace elements listed above are also needed. They can also be part of a particular complex.

Algorithm for choosing a vitamin complex for patients with diabetes

The first thing you need to carefully study is the composition. It is necessary to look not only at what vitamins and other substances are contained in a certain complex, but also at their percentage.

Often, manufacturers include in their products a large number of auxiliary components that do not affect vision in any way.

You should also find out if there have been any vitamin studies that caught your attention. Usually, information about studies and the efficacy and safety they have confirmed is in the instructions.

In addition, the instructions must indicate contraindications and possible side effects.

From the instructions you will learn about how and with what frequency it is recommended to take vitamins.

Vitamins are offered in different forms. It can be:

• tablets;

• capsules;

• solutions - they are available for those who for some reason cannot swallow tablets and capsules, and are most often intended for children.

Supplementation with multivitamins/multiminerals has been shown to increase immunity to infectious diseases in diabetic patients.

The choice of a vitamin complex should be based on high potential criteria.

That is, able to provide a daily intake of water-soluble vitamins at least three to five times higher than the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake), the minimum RDI for fat-soluble vitamins, and a full spectrum of mineral compounds.

There are several other natural foods that can help improve blood sugar control.

Chief among these are high-viscosity fiber supplements such as PGX and herbal extracts containing Gymnema sylvestre, cinnamon, mulberry and flavonoid-rich herbal extracts.

Recent studies have shown that flavonoids are extremely important in preventing long-term complications, especially in the case of diabetic retinopathy.

Flavonoid-rich extracts have many different mechanisms of benefit.

Choose from the following products:

1. Blueberry extract (25% anthocyanidins): 160-320 mg per day.

2. Grape seed or pine bark extracts (95% procyanidol oligomers): 150-300 mg per day.

3. Green tea extract (total >80% polyphenols): 150-300mg per day.

4. Milk Thistle Extract (70% Silymarin: 210-350mg per day.

One fundamental truth that is rarely explained to patients with type 2 diabetes is that in almost every case, the wrong diet and lifestyle lead to it.

Findings from the US Government's Third National Health and Nutrition Survey clearly support this claim: 69% of people with type 2 diabetes either did not or did not exercise regularly, 62% ate less than five servings of fruit, and vegetables a day, and 82% were overweight or obese.

Among patients with prediabetes, at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week resulted in a 58 percent reduction in the risk of developing diabetes. In the same study (known as the Diabetes Prevention Program), the drug metformin was found to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by only 31 percent.

While lifestyle changes are important, diet alone can also be effective enough to treat and even eliminate type 2 diabetes.

The scientific approach that prescribes a low-carbohydrate diet is the most convincing. This regimen not only provides lower blood glucose levels, but also helps in the presence of high cholesterol, in cases of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

The need for trace elements depends on the age of the patient, the type and severity of the disease, and the presence of complications. Therefore, you should not decide on your own which vitamins to drink with diabetes. The specialist will help determine the need for which vitamins of them are increased.

Use of vitamins for diabetes during pregnancy

An increase in blood sugar during pregnancy is one of the most common metabolic disorders in a future mother. The so-called gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or gestational diabetes, is diabetes that appears during the period of gestation and is limited to the duration of pregnancy.

A woman's risk of gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy problems associated with obesity. This risk is significantly increased if the pregnant woman has an elevated BMI >25 kg/m. The risk of HD in mothers with grade 3 obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) is 8.5 times higher than in normal weight mothers.

During pregnancy, the production of sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone, hCG) and the hormone cortisol, which suppress the action of insulin, increase dramatically. As a result, blood glucose levels in pregnant women increase. High blood sugar during pregnancy negatively affects both the health of the woman herself and the health of the fetus, therefore, it requires timely diagnosis, and further correction.

HD increases the following risks: restricted fetal growth, excessive fetal growth or macrosomia (birth weight >4000 g), lifelong predisposition to obesity, impaired glucose tolerance and development of type II diabetes mellitus later in life, and metabolic disorders in the infant.

During pregnancy, a woman needs to add only 300 calories to her usual diet, and even then only in the last 2 trimesters! A woman with diabetes to compensate for carbohydrate metabolism additionally requires a mandatory accounting of carbohydrates.

Pregnant women who are obese may experience multiple nutrient deficiencies at the same time as a result of eating micronutrient deficient foods.

The recommended amount of vitamins and minerals per day during pregnancy and lactation according to WHO recommendations:

• Vitamin A, mcg 800.0

• Thiamine (vitamin B1), mg 1.4

• Riboflavin (vitamin B2), mg 1.4

• Niacin (vitamin B3), mg 18.0

• Vitamin B6, mg 1.9

• Vitamin B12, mcg 2.6

• Vitamin C, mg 55.0

• Vitamin D, mcg 5.0

• Vitamin E, mg 15.0

• Folic acid, mcg 600.0

• Iron, mg 27.0

• Zinc, mg 10.0

• Copper, mg 1.15

• Selenium, mcg 30.0

• Iodine, mcg 250.0

• Calcium, g 1.5–2.0

A balanced, proper diet before and during pregnancy provides the body with all the necessary nutrients, with the exception of folic acid and iodine.

Some pregnant women with diabetes may need nutritional supplements. The specialist should individually assess the situation of each pregnant woman in order to determine which multivitamin and mineral preparations she needs.

For example, you should not take retinol / vitamin A preparations. Therefore, you need to know which vitamins and how many active substances they contain.

The use of high doses entails the risk of overdose, especially if a pregnant woman takes several drugs at the same time.

Vitamins for children with diabetes

At the moment, the incidence of type 2 diabetes among young people has increased to about 5,000 new cases per year. The reasons for this are complex, but risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children include:

• overweight or body mass index above normal;

• high birth weight;

• being born to a mother who had diabetes during pregnancy;

• having a close relative with type 2 diabetes;

• sedentary lifestyle.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children are the same as in adults.

You can help reduce your child's risk by encouraging him to eat well and be physically active every day. Organize meals in such a way as to ensure the presence in the diet of all the necessary vitamins:

If, according to the testimony of specialists, you need vitamins for a child, be sure to read the instructions to clarify at what age you can take this or that complex or dietary supplement.

So, some of them significantly improve the condition.

Studies have shown that in children with type 1 diabetes, long-term intake (3 months) of vitamin E at a daily dose of 100 IU significantly reduces the content of malondialdehyde and glycated hemoglobin while increasing the content of glutathione in erythrocytes.

Contraindications and overdose of vitamins in diabetes

There are vitamins where the daily norms of vitamins can be ten or even twenty times higher, increasing the risk of hypervitaminosis.

It concerns, first of all, fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E and K. With too much intake of water-soluble vitamins, the body can cope by excreting them with urine. Another situation arises with an excess of fat-soluble vitamins.

Excess vitamin D is manifested by nausea, vomiting, itching of the skin, pain in the head and eyes, diarrhea, increased urination, as well as the deposition of excess calcium in soft tissues, in the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

An excess of vitamin E can cause gastrointestinal upset, fatigue and weakness, as well as drowsiness, headaches, muscle weakness, diplopia. An overdose of this vitamin happens, but rarely.

Vitamin A in too high doses can cause nausea, blurred vision, fatigue, heaviness, irritability, lack of appetite, vomiting, headache, hair loss, itchy, cracked and bleeding lips.

An overdose of vitamin K, which regulates the process of blood clotting, leads to the breakdown of red blood cells and, consequently, to anemia.

The human body is especially sensitive to an overdose of vitamin C. Its excess can lead to crystallization of salts and the formation of kidney stones, and taking very large doses can lead to disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. In addition, excess vitamin C causes skin rashes.

Its consumption in large doses is bad, especially for the following category of people: pregnant women, diabetics, people with cataracts of the lens and thrombophlebitis.

In addition to the harmful effects, an excess of certain elements provokes a decrease or loss in the body of other substances it needs. Thus, in addition to the consequences of hypervitaminosis, there is a lack of minerals and other vitamins that affect the processes occurring in the body.

Before you include in your daily diet - vitamin supplements, you should consult with a specialist. As a rule, vitamins are prescribed in monthly courses with breaks of 2-3 months.

Properly selected vitamins will help a diabetic to strengthen the body, compensate for vital substances for the body, and slow down the development of complications.