Six nutrients that prevent diabetes complications

Diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels accompanied by excessive insulin production. This condition exposes the body to serious complications, primarily affecting the heart, arteries, brain, nerves, kidneys, and eyes. In this article, we discuss six nutrients that not only help prevent diabetes-related damage but, in some cases, also reverse the harmful effects of the disease.

1. Benfotiamine (vitamin B1)

Benfotiamine, a fat-soluble form  of vitamin B1 , is essential for people with diabetes because it protects nerves from damage. Diabetes often leads to neuropathy, particularly in the feet, hands, kidneys, arteries, eyes, and brain. This  vitamin helps regenerate damaged nerves by penetrating deep into the nervous system.

• Recommended dose   : Take 300 mg of benfotiamine twice daily to prevent diabetic neuropathy and rebuild the myelin sheath that protects your nerves.
• Additional benefits   : Benfotiamine also helps reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, and retinopathy in people with diabetes. It also reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, which are often linked to insulin resistance.

2. Coenzyme Q10 (ubicinol)

Coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinol, is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell in our body and essential for protecting DNA from free radicals. Commonly used diabetes medications, such as metformin, can deplete CoQ10 levels, leading to muscle pain, cramps, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Dosage   : A daily dose of 200 mg of ubiquinol helps maintain stable blood pressure, improves blood sugar regulation, protects the heart and slows skin aging.
• Food sources   : Coenzyme Q10 occurs naturally in offal, fatty fish, cauliflower and broccoli.

3. Antioxidants (vitamins C, D, E and zinc)

Antioxidants are essential for reducing glycation, the process by which sugar binds to blood proteins, forming sticky compounds that clog blood vessels and tissues. These compounds increase the risk of complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, arteries, and brain.

• Vitamin C   : This  vitamin protects vital organs from oxidative stress. Consume it in raw vegetables like bell peppers, cabbage, berries, and leafy greens. If you decide to supplement, choose natural sources like acerola or rosehips.
• Vitamin E   : Vitamin E is essential because it reduces glycation. It is found in sunflower seeds, almonds, and extra virgin olive oil, and the most effective form of supplementation is tocotrienol at a dose of 300 mg daily.
• Vitamin D   : Daily sun exposure for 20 to 30 minutes increases vitamin D levels, reducing diabetic pain. If this is not possible, a daily intake of 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 with 100 mcg of vitamin K2 is recommended.
• Zinc   : This mineral plays an important role in protecting eyesight, healing wounds, and preventing tissue death, especially in the feet. It’s found in oysters, pumpkin seeds, and red meat.

4. B vitamins (B6 and B12)

Vitamins B6 and B12 are essential for diabetics because they play a role in regenerating the myelin sheath that protects nerves. They also help relieve nerve pain, stabilize blood sugar levels, and maintain good neurological health.