5 Dietary Supplements that can be helpful in diabetes

Dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and some other herbal supplements are known to be beneficial in health conditions like diabetes. However, it is important to understand that these supplements are an add-on to your daily medicines and not a replacement. Here are a few dietary supplements that you can include along with your diet:

1. Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Alpha-lipoic acid or ALA has an antioxidant property and is known to prevent cell damage and also lowers blood glucose levels. It also reduces the progression of diabetic neuropathy. Liver, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes are good sources of ALA. It is also available in the form of commercial supplements.

2. Chromium: Chromium is an essential trace mineral and is required for proper glucose metabolism. Adding chromium to your daily diet improves the effect of insulin and also aids weight loss. Sources of chromium are broccoli, grape juice, brewer’s yeast, dried garlic, dried basil, beef, red wine and commercial capsules/ tablets.

3. Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance and helps in metabolism of carbohydrates and blood glucose control. It is also considered good for heart health. CoQ10 is best available in the form of supplements and natural sources are limited to only meats and some seafood.

4. Magnesium: Magnesium is an important mineral that is required by the body in small quantities but still the daily requirement is not met, especially in diabetic people. It is important for normal functioning of heart, nerves, muscles, bones, glucose metabolism and making proteins. You can add green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and some whole grains as a part of your daily diet requirement or it can be taken as tablets, capsules, or liquids.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are known to protect you against heart disease and stroke, which are very common in patients with diabetes. So, foods that are good in omega-3 are fish, fish oil, canola oil or soybean oil, some nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, wheat germ, sunflower and safflower seeds. It is also available in the form of capsules or gels.

The dietary supplements are generally safe to use, but some of them can cause a reaction with medications that you are already taking. So, before adding any of these supplements, talk to your doctor about it.