Are There Any Vitamin Supplements That Prevent Diabetes?

In 2008 there were about 24 million people with diabetes in the United States alone, and these numbers are increasing every year. Little wonder that many people are asking 'Are there any vitamin supplements that prevent diabetes?'

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can be controlled but not cured. The condition causes a high blood sugar level, and is found in children and adults throughout the world. Type 1 Diabetes results from the body's inability to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone used to help the body's cells absorb sugar or glucose. Type 2 Diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which means that the body's cells do not use insulin properly.

There are in fact quite a few supplements that can help to prevent diabetes. Recent research at Massey University indicates that high doses of Vitamin D may help to increase insulin sensitivity. The study indicates that a dose of Vitamin D that is higher than the usual recommended daily requirement may benefit people who live far from the equator and may not get much sunlight - the best source of Vitamin D.

Magnesium stimulates insulin and makes it more effective, and it is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels. Vitamin E improves insulin activity as well. Biotin is needed in our bodies to process glucose. This is a B vitamin that increases the activity of glucokinase, the enzyme that is responsible for the initial step in glucose utilization in our bodies.

It has been found that people with diabetes have about half the level of manganese that people without the condition have. Manganese is used for glucose metabolism, and is therefore important in preventing the onset of the condition. Vanadium and potassium have been shown to increase insulin sensitivity as well, and zinc is involved in almost all aspects of insulin metabolism.

These vitamins and minerals can all help prevent the onset of diabetes when taken in the correct dosages. In most studies, the doses required in order to make a difference to insulin sensitivity and secretions were considerably higher than the normal recommended doses, and this has led to some debate on the efficacy of vitamin supplements for preventing the condition. It is advisable to consult a physician before increasing the dose of any of the vitamins and minerals mentioned here, particularly as some may be contra-indicated for pre-existing medical conditions.

The answer to 'are there any vitamin supplements that prevent diabetes' is definitely yes, but caution must be exercised before rushing out to buy huge doses of them. Taken in the right amounts, these vitamins and minerals can certainly delay or even prevent the onset of diabetes.

There are other vitamin supplements that prevent diabetes such as Vitamin C, B6 and B12 that can help reduce the symptoms and complications of diabetes, and which should be considered by diabetics as part of their control program.