Vitamins and minerals are always the focus of any nutritional article you read. Why? That’s because these nutrients are essential for biological functions. For diabetics, their disease and medication deplete the body of nutrients, making it even more so important to keep a keen eye on the dietary intake of vitamins and minerals.
Here are 6 vitamins and minerals that you should be aware of as a diabetic.
#1. ALA and GLA
Alpha-lipoic acid, ALA, is a powerful antioxidant that can help with diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. Some studies have even connected ALA with reduced insulin resistance. GLA, like ALA, alleviate the symptoms of nerve damage as well.
Get your dose of ALA from spinach and broccoli and supplement along with a bit of hemp oil for quality GLA.
#2. Vitamin B12
Many people that take Metformin, the number one anti-hyperglycemic drug, are low in vitamin B12. Just like ALA, vitamin B12 can soothe diabetic neuropathy. Vitamin B12 can easily be found in animal products; hence, vegans may be lacking in vitamin B12 if not careful. For vegans, the easiest way to get a solid dose of B12 is via supplements, which can easily be found online or at your nearest health food store.
#3. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Surprisingly, people with both type 1 and 2 diabetes are likely to be low in this particular vitamin. Thiamine relieves symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Flaxseed, sunflower seeds, and spinach are all good sources of thiamine.
#4. Chromium
Chromium is a unique element that plays an important role in glucose regulation and energy production; not very much is needed. You can easily get your daily serving from whole grains, beef, or chicken.
#5. Magnesium
We’ve already posted quite a bit here on magnesium but it’s worth mentioning again. Magnesium helps lower the risk of diabetes and reduce insulin resistance. This mineral can be found in dark leafy greens and dark chocolate, so add a serving of greens to your dinner or snack on dark chocolate for a boost of this mineral.
#6. Zinc
Zinc is implicated in the metabolism of insulin. Diabetes, in general, has been associated with zinc deficiency, so it’s important to keep zinc levels elevated. You can get your zinc from spinach, kidney beans, and flaxseeds.
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