Tomar suplementos pode ajudar a controlar o diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that makes your blood sugar (glucose) too high. This happens when your pancreas produces little or no insulin - a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar levels.

Managing and treating diabetes requires a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and medicine - including insulin. Vitamins and supplements are becoming increasingly popular as complementary additions alongside tried and tested diabetes treatments. However, there is limited research - and no solid evidence - to confirm their beneficial effects on diabetes management.

Diabetes

Gráfico: Ben Hudson

Supplements and vitamins for diabetes

A farmacêutica e terapeuta nutricional Deborah Grayson, Practice With Confidence, afirma que qualquer suplemento que aumente a sensibilidade do seu corpo à insulina ou reduza os níveis de açúcar no sangue pode interagir com medicamentos para diabetes.

This could lead to poorer blood sugar control, and could even make complications arising from diabetes worse.

Vitamina B12

Vitamin B12 is often depleted when taking metformin to control type 2 diabetes. A deficiência de vitamina B12 can lead to issues with memory and peripheral neuropathy - a condition that affects the nerve signals between your brain and spinal cord.

Magnésio

Low levels of magnesium are often linked to higher blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. For this reason, magnésio Acredita-se que ajude a melhorar a função da insulina.

Zinco

Zinc is believed to boost insulin production, and improve its interactions with your body's cells. It may also reduce inflammation, and protect your pancreas - the organ that makes insulin.

Selenium

A powerful antioxidant, selenium is thought to safeguard your pancreas from damage, enhancing its ability to produce enough insulin.

Vitamina D

Deficiência de vitamina D has been linked to an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D is made by your body in the summer, but you may need to take a supplement during the winter.

Vitamina C

Vitamina C may have a positive effect on blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. It could also lower inflammation and oxidative stress which could contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Inositol

Inositols are compounds that improve insulin sensitivity and play a role in regulating human reproduction.

Myo-inositol is a supplement that works in a similar way to metformin. It decreases glucose absorption in your digestive system and enhances glucose transport into cells by improving insulin sensitivity.

Berberine

Berberine may increase insulin secretion, and reduce glucose production in your liver, and fat storage.

Alpha lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid may safeguard the beta-cells in your pancreas which are vital for insulin production.

Grayson adds it could also help your blood sugar reach these cells to reduce insulin resistance, improve blood glucose control and minimise your likelihood of diabetes complications.

Gymnema

Research suggests that Gymnema can hinder sugar cravings, lower high blood sugar levels, and support weight loss.

Chromium

Chromium may boost insulin sensitivity and help maintain blood sugar control.

Medicina

People with diabetes tipo 1 need to take insulin - either through injections or an insulin pump. This helps manage blood sugar levels and reduces your chance of serious short and long-term complications.

People with diabetes tipo 2 will be encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyle changes. If this is not enough, medicine will be recommended.

Uma dieta saudável

Diabetes UK says that by eating a balanced diet, most people can get all the nutrients they need without extra dietary supplements.

Grayson agrees that healthy eating is vital for keeping your body running smoothly - especially if you have diabetes.

"Ao pensar na dieta para diabetes, é importante minimizar a chance de picos de açúcar no sangue escolhendo carboidratos complexos", ela aconselha. "Opte por grãos integrais em vez de macarrão, arroz, pão e bolos, que são cheios de amidos simples que fazem o açúcar no sangue subir rapidamente."

"If you have a sweet treat, then make sure it is at the same time as a well-balanced meal to minimise the impact on your glucose levels," Grayson recommends. "Limit your number of treats to one or two a week."

Exercício regular

Regular exercise also helps improve insulin sensitivity and stabilise your blood sugar.

Grayson diz: "A 30-minute walk a day can help get your blood sugar under control. Combining this with better-balanced meals can also support weight management to reduce your chance of diabetes complications."