Vitamins for Diabetes
Many of us probably remember taking a Flintstones vitamin, or something similar, as a child. But as we get older, are vitamins still important for us to take? And how about all those “natural” drugs that claim to fight diabetes? Here are a few things you should know about vitamins, minerals, and your diabetes.
How important are vitamins for diabetes?
According to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care, people with diabetes get no extra benefits from taking a multivitamin, compared to people without diabetes. Any supplement or vitamin that is recommended for the general public is also recommended for people with diabetes.
Who may need to take vitamins?
Multivitamins are supplements are just what they claim to be–supplemental. They are used to help people boost their diets when they are not receiving enough nutrients from food alone. These types of people could include pregnant women and people on special diets (such as low-calorie, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and more). If you think you may suffer from a nutritional deficiency, you should always follow up with your doctor to see if a multivitamin or supplement may be right for you. However, if you follow the My Plate balanced diet or a similar diet plan created by a doctor, dietitian, or certified diabetes educator, you should be receiving the right amount of nutrients for your body!
If you choose to take a vitamin or supplement:
The Joslin Diabetes Center recommends choosing a vitamin with no more than 100 to 150 percent of the daily value listed for vitamins and minerals. One nutrient people with diabetes may need more of is Vitamin D. According to the Joslin Diabetes Center, Vitamin D promotes the growth of healthy bones, and it may help with blood glucose control. Many people are able to get enough Vitamin D from the sun, but a supplement may help those who live in a cold or dark climate. During winter time in Iowa, it may be beneficial to take a Vitamin D supplement.
Are there any side effects of taking vitamins?
It is possible to have too much of a good thing, nutrients included. According to WebMD, there’s no benefit from giving your body more than the daily recommended amount of a nutrient. That means bringing in 150 percent of the daily recommended amount of a specific vitamin is no better than bringing in 100 percent. While it’s difficult, it is possible to overdo it. One of the most popular nutrients that people can get too much of is iron. Getting more than the recommended amount can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and severe headache–all signs of iron poisoning. That’s why it is recommend to get your nutrients the natural way–from a healthy diet–before turning to a supplement.
Summary
While there are not special vitamins for diabetes, there are reasons why people with diabetes might want to take them. For instance, if they have a deficiency in a nutrient, such as Vitamin D. Always use caution, as you can overdo it on vitamins and supplements. Make sure the vitamin includes no more than 100 to 150% of the daily requirement.
Disclaimer Statement: This is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. For individual medical advice, contact your healthcare practitioner.
I am a diabetic person. And suffering from severe insomnia. I’m taking Clonazepam to help me to get my sleep but still . I still feel weak.do I need to take multivitamins in order to cope up my weakness.Please help me to overcome this .
Maria,
There are so many things that can make you feel weak. Do talk with a medical advisor about this, there may be some tests that they can perform to see if you have nutritional deficiencies that would be helped by a multivitamin.
My dear friend if you start doing yoga everyday morning you solve so many health problems you feel energetic n happy n sleep well. Am also diabetic losing weight but since I started doing yoga I feel so great n all my body aches gone also you can in breakfast eat only few seasonal fruits which you like every day no coffee or tea be a semi veg diet am sure you feel the difference. Please try yoga through a yoga teacher it helps you alot thanks best wishes
Hello, I am diabetic and I want to ask if it’s good for me to take a potassium supplement. Hope my concern will be notice, thank you.
Hello, There are many reasons to take potassium supplements especially if your blood values are lower. However, a potassium supplement will not directly lower sugars or help protect against complications of diabetes.
Hi, I’m diagnosed with type 1 few months ago and I’ve lost a lot of weight in about a month until I was diagnosed. And I’m on my insulin and containing my sugar level but I still keep losing weight. So I’m wondering can I take anything to gain weight a bit.
Many things cause weight loss after the diagnosis of diabetes, including high sugars and/or change of eating habits. There are not any vitamins that can help with this in general. It is best to make sure that you are eating a balanced diet. Do check back with your healthcare provider to see what specific factors may be related to the weight loss that you are seeing.
Hello, can I take wellwoman supplement if I’m diabetic? Thanks.
Mercy, definitely check with you doctor or pharmacist to confirm based on all of your health conditions. A multivitamin supplement like Wellwoman vitmans should not have an effect on diabetes.
Hello, I was recently diagnosed with diabetes.. I don’t have a dr to ask.. was wondering if taking Magnesium will be ok to help with energy? I do take Metformin 2 X a day.. thank you!
Magnesium can the body convert the sugar that you eat into energy. If you are not getting enough magnesium in your diet it would be safe to add this as supplement. There is no direct effect of magnesium on sugars in those with diabetes.
hello , thanks for this article , i just want to ask you , is it ok to share this article on my facebook page ?
Yes, we like it when everyone shares the information.
I have type 2 diabetes and was wondering if I can take one a day women multivitamin
Jasmine, check with your provider if you need the women’s multivitamin based on all of your conditions, that being said, a women’s multivitmain should have minimal to no effect on your sugars.