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can diabetics take b12

by Myrtle Windler Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

A B12 supplement can be helpful if you have type 2 diabetes and are deficient in the vitamin. People who take metformin for type 2 diabetes have lower levels of vitamin B12.

How much B12 should a diabetic take?

How much vitamin B12 should a diabetic take? In the US, it is currently believed that adults with type 2 diabetes that are over 50 should take 2.4 µg of synthetic vitamin B12 daily either in supplement form or in fortified food.

What does it mean when your blood test shows high B12 levels?

High vitamin B12 is a symptom of an underlying illness that causes the amount in your blood to increase. For example, a damaged liver may release the vitamin out of storage and into the blood. In early stages, illnesses associated with high vitamin B12 often have generic symptoms, such as fatigue and loss of appetite.

What does high B12 blood levels really mean?

  • Liver disease due to release of B12 from damaged liver cells into the bloodstream
  • Kidney disease due to impaired function of the kidneys to excrete excess B12
  • Increased levels of transcobalamin, which is a transporter of B12 in the bloodstream
  • Inflammatory conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus

More items...

What are the warning signs of a B12 deficiency?

What Are The Warning Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

  1. Fatigue. Low levels of Vitamin B12 in the blood often results in immense fatigue and unnecessary tiredness. ...
  2. Canker Sores. Some of the earliest Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are visible in the mouth, especially on the tongue.
  3. Mood Shifts. ...
  4. Blurry Vision. ...
  5. Pale Skin Patches. ...
  6. Nervous System Issues. ...
  7. Constipation. ...
  8. Infertility. ...

How much B12 should a diabetic take?

In the US, it is currently believed that adults with type 2 diabetes that are over 50 should take 2.4 µg of synthetic vitamin B12 daily either in supplement form or in fortified food.

Does B12 affect blood sugar?

With B12 supplementation homocysteine level can be reduced . Type 2 diabetes as a metabolic syndrome may show improvement in glycaemic control with Vitamin B12 therapy as there is correction of hyperhomocysteinemia.

How much B12 should a diabetic take with metformin?

All individuals age 14 or higher need 2.4 mcg B12 daily. Women who are pregnant or nursing will need slightly more. Mandatory supplementation with B12 has now been proposed for those taking metformin. Taking a daily multivitamin containing 100% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin B12 will do the trick.

Is it OK to take B12 with metformin?

Long-term therapy with metformin is known to reduce intestinal absorption of vitamin B12 and folate. one study reports a highly significant inverse correlation between the dose and duration of metformin treatment and reduced serum levels of vitamin B12, with 33% of study participants affected.

What does vitamin B12 do for diabetics?

Vitamin B12 replacement has been shown to cause symptomatic improvement among patients with severe diabetic neuropathy. One meta-analysis showed that if used either alone or in combination with vitamin B complex, there was a significant improvement in the somatic symptoms like pain and paraesthesias.

Which vitamin is best for diabetes?

What are the best vitamins for people with diabetes?Thiamin (b1) Those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are more likely to have lower blood levels of thiamin and usually suffer a higher risk of thiamin deficiency than people who don't have diabetes. ... Vitamin B12. ... Vitamin D. ... Magnesium. ... Vitamin E. ... Vitamin C.

Is vitamin B12 good for diabetic neuropathy?

It's unclear whether taking vitamin B-12 supplements can help treat diabetic neuropathy. Some small studies have shown a lessening of pain and other abnormal sensations. However, for people who don't have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, taking B-12 supplements for diabetic neuropathy hasn't been shown to help.

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause a wide range of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can worsen if the condition goes untreated.extreme tiredness (fatigue)lack of energy (lethargy)breathlessness.feeling faint.headaches.pale skin.noticeable heartbeats (palpitations)More items...

What vitamins should not be taken with metformin?

No interactions were found between metformin and Vitamins.

Does diabetes cause low B12?

For example, having diabetes mellitus can increase your risk of having a B-12 deficiency because it may be a side effect of metformin, a common treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. A 2009 study found that 22 percent of people with type 2 diabetes were low in B-12.

How much B12 vitamin should you take daily?

The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.

How much B12 do you need daily?

How much vitamin B12 do I need? Adults (aged 19 to 64) need about 1.5 micrograms a day of vitamin B12. If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet.

Does vitamin B affect blood sugar?

Researchers linked consumption of vitamins B2 and B6 to a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, according to a study presented at Nutrition 2019. A second study, also presented at Nutrition 2019, indicated that the order in which food is eaten may influence the onset of diabetes.

What vitamins can raise blood sugar?

Vitamin B3 or Niacin, taken to reduce bad cholesterol, increases insulin resistance and raises blood sugar levels.

Can vitamin B complex increase blood sugar?

Possible side effects of B-complex vitamins: High blood sugar. High doses of nicotinic acid, a synthetic form of vitamin B3, can raise blood sugar levels. This can interfere with diabetes medications.

Can you take too much vitamin B12?

Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it's generally considered safe, even at high doses. No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for B12, due to its low level of toxicity. UL refers to the maximum daily dose of a vitamin unlikely to cause adverse side effects in the general population.

What to do if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency?

Correcting B12 Deficiency. If you have diabetes and develop a vitamin B12 deficiency, your doctor might recommend an oral B12 supplement. If that is not effective because of a medical condition or because of a medication you are taking, your doctor could administer a B12 injection.

How does B12 affect the body?

Vitamin B12 taken orally must form a complex with a stomach protein called intrinsic factor before it can enter the bloodstream, where it exerts its beneficial biological effects. The B12-intrinsic factor complex enters the bloodstream from the small intestine. If you have type 1 diabetes, you may have a B12 deficiency called pernicious anemia, because your immune system attacks the intrinsic factor protein. If you have type 2 diabetes and are taking metformin, the most widely prescribed type 2 drug, you may experience B12 deficiency at some point. This is because metformin interferes with the absorption of the B12-intrinsic factor complex from the small intestine.

Why do you need a blood test for B12?

Since diabetes puts you at risk for a deficiency of vitamin B12, you also need regular blood tests to monitor your B12 blood level. If you are deficient, your doctor might recommend certain steps to increase your B12 levels because maintenance of proper B12 levels is vital to your health.

What is the role of B12 in the body?

Vitamin B12 is important for the proper functioning of nerve cells and blood cells. It also plays an integral part in the synthesis of DNA and promotes the ability of your digestive system to maintain steady glucose blood levels.

What is the hallmark symptom of diabetes?

By Robert DiPardo Updated December 09, 2018. The hallmark symptom of diabetes is chronically high glucose levels in the blood. If you have diabetes, you must control and constantly monitor your glucose levels.

What happens if you are deficient in B12?

Effects of Deficiency. If you are deficient in vitamin B12, you may experience fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of weight, loss of appetite or megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by enlarged red blood cells. You also might incur nerve damage that shows as numbness or tingling in your hands and feet.

Does metformin cause B12 deficiency?

If you have type 2 diabetes and are taking metformin, the most widely prescribed type 2 drug, you may experience B12 deficiency at some point. This is because metformin interferes with the absorption of the B12-intrinsic factor complex from the small intestine.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, being a water-soluble vitamin, is also known as cobalamin. This vitamin is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Due to deficiency of B12 vitamin, the level of blood glucose decreases. People usually take this vitamin along with folate and other vitamin B complexes.

Major Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Some people are vegetarian or vegan and don’t eat animal products at all. Almost all such people who don’t eat meat and dairy products are deficient in vitamin B12. Vegans and vegetarians are more prone to its deficiency just because vitamin B12 is not present in plants.

How does absorption of Vitamin B12 take place?

In the human body, the small intestine is the part where absorption of Vitamin B12 takes place. When IF binds with Vitamin B12, a vitamin B12-IF complex forms, this complex plays a vital role in the absorption of vitamin B12 in your body.

Medications To Boost Vitamin B12 Absorption

You can boost the absorption of vitamin B12 in your body by taking the following medications:

Why is the deficiency of Vitamin B12 so serious for diabetic patients?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is very serious because it leads to certain complications, including diabetes and anemia. In diabetes, blood glucose level goes low beyond a certain limit. While in anemia, the number of healthy red blood cells to carry out oxygen depletes.

Long-term Vitamin B12 Deficiency Leads to Diabetic Neuropathy

When you do not treat your vitamin B12 deficiency, you may face severe diabetic complications. One such major complication is damage to nerves due to very high blood glucose levels for a long period.

How does Vitamin B12 deficiency occur in Diabetics?

Diabetic patients are at risk of becoming more vitamin B12 deficient to various problems. In both diabetes type 1 and type 2, diabetic patients experience its deficiency. Let’s read how type 1 and 2 diabetes affect the level of Vitamin B12 in your body.

Why is Vitamin B12 important?

Vitamin B12 s critical to ensure that your blood reaches even the smallest capillaries. A deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to tingling or numbness in your hands and legs, memory loss, mood swings, etc. Diabetic retinopathy or damage caused to eyes by diabetes is the other big diabetic complication that can be addressed by Vitamin B12.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

A severe health complication of vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anemia, the inability of the body to produce healthy red cells. Without sufficient red cells, the body does not get enough oxygen ...

How many people are deficient in B12?

A study found that as many as 22% of diabetics are deficient in vitamin B12. Another study that tracked 785 women after delivery found that low vitamin B12 levels during pregnancy contributed to their risk of gestational diabetes and later full blown diabetes.

What is the B complex?

Vitamin B Complex is a combination of eight B vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. The B family of vitamins plays a variety of critical roles in our body, including converting the food we eat into energy. Health researchers and experts have found a deep connection, especially between Vitamin b12 and diabetes.

What is the best vitamin for diabetics?

Vitamin B9 or Folate (along with B12) Helps to reduce the arterial irritant homocysteine that can cause nerve damage in diabetics. It also helps prevent diabetes-induced blindness and leg pains from hardening of veins.

What foods contain B vitamins?

However, we’ve picked some of the foods that have a high balance of all the Vitamins B. Beef, beef liver, oats, tuna, turkey breast, eggs, bananas (green only, for diabetics), avocado, kidney beans, summer squash, ...

What is the purpose of benfotiamine?

When taken in its fat soluble form benfotiamine, helps prevent circulatory issues in diabetics; protects nerves, eyes and limbs. Things to bear in mind A combination of Vitamins B6, B9 and B12, when given to patients with diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease), was found to worsen the condition in one study.

What is the role of vitamin B12 in the body?

Go to: Introduction Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is a water soluble vitamin that plays a very fundamental role in DNA synthesis, optimal haemopoesis and neurological function. The clinical picture of vitamin B12 deficiency hence, is predominantly of features of haematological and neuro-cognitive dysfunction [1]. This review will mainly discuss the physiological roles of vitamin B12, the varied pathophysiological mechanisms of vitamin B12 deficiency among patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and perspectives on screening for vitamin B12 deficiency and supplementation of vitamin B12 among diabetic patients. Absorption of vitamin B12 The principal source of vitamin B12 is animal proteins. The preliminary step in the metabolism of vitamin B12 involves its release from animal sources, a process mediated by the action of pepsin and gastric acid. After the release, dietary vitamin B12 binds to the R-protein secreted by the salivary glands. In the duodenum, in the presence of an alkaline medium and pancreatic proteases, the R- protein is hydrolysed to release vitamin B12 which later binds with the intrinsic factor (IF) secreted by the gastric parietal cells. The vitamin B12 –IF complex is highly resistant to proteolytic degradation. The complex attaches at its specific receptors on the mucosa of the terminal ileum, a site where its absorption occurs. This stage of vitamin B12 absorption is calcium mediated. The intracellular vitamin B12 is released following IF degradation. This free vitamin B12 attaches to another protein carrier, transcobalamin –II (TC-II) and is later released into the circulation. This vitamin B12 – TC-II complex, also referred to as holo TC-II is then actively taken up by the liver, bone marrow and other vital body cells. The liver serves as Continue reading >>

How to get B12?

Vitamin B12 is necessary for a healthy nervous system and healthy blood cells. The best way to get vitamin B12 is through your diet. This important vitamin is found in meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products. If you don’t eat enough of these foods, it could leave you with a deficiency. Consuming enough vitamin B12 isn’t the only problem. Your body also needs to be able to absorb it efficiently. Some medications like Pepcid AC, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Zantac, as well as others used to treat acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, and infection, may make it harder for your body to absorb B12. Another medication that may interfere with B12 absorption is metformin, a common type 2 diabetes treatment. Simply having diabetes may make you more prone to B12 deficiency. A 2009 study found that 22 percent of people with type 2 diabetes were low in B12. Read on to learn the symptoms of B12 deficiency, what it could mean for your overall health, and what you can do about it. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may be mild at first, and not always obvious. If you’re slightly low on B12, you may not have any symptoms at all. Some of the more common early symptoms are: tiredness weakness loss of appetite weight loss constipation It may be easy to dismiss these as minor complaints, but over time, insufficient B12 can lead to bigger problems. Very low levels of B12 can result in serious complications. One of these is called pernicious anemia. Anemia means you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells. This deprives your cells of much-needed oxygen. According to a study in the Journal of Oral Pathology Medicine, less than 20 percent of those with a B12 deficiency experience pernicious anemia. Symptoms of anemia include: fatigue pale skin chest pain dizziness headache You may even lose Continue reading >>

What is metformin used for?

Metformin (brand names Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Riomet, Glumetza, and others) is a popular and highly effective oral diabetes drug used to help manage Type 2 diabetes. This drug works by lowering the amount of glucose made by the liver and by making the body’s cells more sensitive to insulin. Metformin also has some other beneficial effects in that it may help lower blood lipid, or fat, levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) and can, in some people, promote a small amount of weight loss. Metformin can be used with other diabetes pills and with insulin. Side effects of taking metformin are relatively rare, the most common being bloating, nausea, and diarrhea, all of which are temporary. Some people shouldn’t take metformin, including people with kidney disease, liver disease, or congestive heart failure, for example, because of an increased risk of a potentially fatal condition called lactic acidosis. In recent years, there’s been some concern over the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in people who take metformin. Vitamin B12 (also known as cyanocobalamin or cobalamin) plays many important roles in the body, such as keeping your blood cells and nervous system in tip top shape. There’s also some evidence that vitamin B12 may help prevent heart disease and possibly even Alzheimer disease (the jury is still out on this one). This vitamin is found primarily in animal foods, such as beef, seafood, eggs, and dairy products, which is why some vegetarians are at risk for a B12 deficiency. Elderly people are often at risk for deficiency as well, due to problems with absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include certain types of anemia, neuropathy, memory loss, confusion, and even dementia. So, why would taking metformin possibly Continue reading >>

Should diabetics take B12?

Research claims that diabetics should take more vitamin B12 daily A new study has argued that people who have developed type 2 diabetes and are taking the oral drug metformin to treat it should take more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 . The research, which was published in Diabetes Care, assessed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States between 1999 and 2006. The NHANES data showed that the prevalence of biochemical B12 deficiency was greatest for people with type 2 diabetes taking metformin compared with those with type 2 diabetes but not taking metformin and those without diabetes. Biochemical B12 deficiency was revealed in 5.8 per cent of patients with diabetes that took metformin as compared to 2.4 per cent of those who did not take metformin and 3.3 per cent of people that did not have diabetes. In the US, it is currently believed that adults with type 2 diabetes that are over 50 should take 2.4 g of synthetic vitamin B12 daily either in supplement form or in fortified food. Researcher Godfrey Oakley commented "It is important to conduct further research to learn how much B12 is needed to correct the deficiency and to determine whether or not raising serum B12 levels improves the clinical picture for persons taking metformin who have low serum B12 concentrations." Continue reading >>

Can vitamin B12 cause neuropathy?

Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to heart condition in people with type 2 diabetes Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to heart condition in people with type 2 diabetes Psoriasis patients have similar risk of heart disease to those with type 2 diabetes, says study 01 September 2016 Adults with type 2 diabetes and low levels of vitamin B12 could be more likely to experience cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy ( CAN), according to new findings. CAN occurs when nerve damage affects the heart , which can be caused by prolonged hyperglycemia over several years in people with diabetes . The Steno Diabetes Centre in Denmark sought to investigate the association of vitamin B12 deficiency and CAN in type 2 diabetes patients, so they analysed data from 469 patents, all of whom were screened for CAN between June 2013 and December 2014. Participants also provided blood samples for serum vitamin B12 measurements, with researchers analysing associations between deficiency and measures of neuropathy . Those who were treated with metformin and/or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were more likely to have significantly lower levels of vitamin B12 compared to participants who were not on treatment . Additionally, vitamin B12 levels were linked to a lower diagnosis rate of CAN in models adjusted for sex, age, alcohol consumption and diabetes duration. The scientists also noted that a 25 pmol/L higher level of vitamin B12 was associated with a 21 per cent increase in the cardiovascular autonomic reflex test for deep breathing and a decrease in five-minute resting heart rate. These findings remained after excluding patients that had received B12 supplements and following adjustment for confounding factors such as HbA1c , total cholesterol, smoking status and triglyceride levels. "The present study prese Continue reading >>

What is the role of vitamin B12 in the conversion of methylmalonyl coenzyme A to

In another essential enzymatic pathway, vitamin B12 as a co-factor mediates the conversion of methylmalonyl coenzyme A (CoA) to succinyl-CoA.

What is the role of vitamin B12 in the salivary gland?

After the release, dietary vitamin B12 binds to the R-protein secreted by the salivary glands. In the duodenum, in the presence of an alkaline medium and pancreatic proteases, the R- protein is hydrolysed to release vitamin B12 which later binds with the intrinsic factor (IF) secreted by the gastric parietal cells.

What is the role of B12 in DNA synthesis?

Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is a water soluble vitamin that plays a very fundamental role in DNA synthesis, optimal haemopoesis and neurological function. The clinical picture of vitamin B12 deficiency hence, is predominantly of features of haematological and neuro-cognitive dysfunction [1].

What is the importance of vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is an essential micronutrient required for optimal hemopoetic, neuro-cognitive and cardiovascular function. Biochemical and clinical vitamin B12 deficiency has been demonstrated to be highly prevalent among patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 DM (T1DM) is an auto immune condition that results from auto immune destruction of insulin secreting beta cells of the pancreas. It is invariably associated with other organ and non organ specific auto immune and endocrine conditions leading to development of autoimmune polyglandular syndromes [30].

Why is B12 deficiency in food?

Gastrectomy, bariatric surgery, and gastritis cause vitamin B12 deficiency due to an absence of stomach acids that help to remove vitamin B12 from food proteins, for example red meat. This also results in the reduced production of intrinsic factor which can then interfere with vitamin B12 absorption.

What is cobalamin malabsorption?

Food cobalamin malabsorption is used to describe vitamin B12 deficiency that occurs regardless of whether a person consumes normal dietary levels of B12 in food. It is especially common in older individuals, occurring in more than 20% of the elderly population ( Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency in elderly patients ).

Why is it difficult to absorb B12?

People who develop pernicious anaemia have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from their food because the vitamin B12-intrinsic factor complex doesn’t form.

How many people are deficient in vitamin B12?

Approximately 90% of people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet are deficient in vitamin B12 ( The prevalence of cobalamin deficiency among vegetarians assessed by serum vitamin B12: a review of literature ).

Why is B12 important?

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the development of new red blood cells. When there is not enough B12 then the body is unable to make new red blood cells. This leads to a condition called anaemia. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that prevents the binding of vitamin B12 with intrinsic factor and is a common cause ...

How long does it take for B12 to be depleted?

The liver is able to store large amounts of B12. Vitamin B12 stores in the liver can take between 3-5 years to be completely depleted.

Where is B12 absorbed?

Vitamin B12 is absorbed in our small intestines. In order for vitamin B12 to be absorbed, it binds with an important protein called intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is produced in the stomach. Without intrinsic factor, B12 would not be able to be absorbed.

What is the best vitamin for diabetes?

Vitamin B12, also known as “cobalamin,” is a water-soluble essential nutrient required in our diet. When a nutrient is essential, it means the body cannot produce it internally so it must come from food we eat or supplemental form. If you have type 2 diabetes, you could be at higher risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 supports a healthy nervous system, brain and red blood cells and is needed only in very small amounts (2.4 mcg/day). Vitamin B12 is found only in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy, which is why vegetarians and especially vegans are at higher risk for deficiency and should take a dietary supplement that includes B12. While there is no set upper limit for B12, it is useless to supplement if you do not have a deficiency. Blood levels <200 pg/mL are generally considered deficient while >400 pg/mL are sufficient. Between this range, you may want to consider supplementation. Dosing will vary depending on level of deficiency, but is often 1-2 mg daily. In some cases mega-dose injections every month are required, depending on how the person responds to supplementation or if there is a severe deficiency. What does Vitamin B12 do? Vitamin B12 plays a number of very important roles in our bodies: It is necessary for the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids It is required for DNA synthesis It helps synthesize neurotransmitters (ie serotonin and dopamine) It is essential for cardiovascular function Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Type 2 Diabetes It’s estimated that 22% of people with type 2 diabetes have Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is much higher than the general population. Getting enough Vitamin B12 in your diet through the food you eat is only one piece of the picture. After it has been ingested, the B12 then needs to be absorbed from the gut in Continue reading >>

How to get B12?

Vitamin B12 is necessary for a healthy nervous system and healthy blood cells. The best way to get vitamin B12 is through your diet. This important vitamin is found in meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products. If you don’t eat enough of these foods, it could leave you with a deficiency. Consuming enough vitamin B12 isn’t the only problem. Your body also needs to be able to absorb it efficiently. Some medications like Pepcid AC, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Zantac, as well as others used to treat acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, and infection, may make it harder for your body to absorb B12. Another medication that may interfere with B12 absorption is metformin, a common type 2 diabetes treatment. Simply having diabetes may make you more prone to B12 deficiency. A 2009 study found that 22 percent of people with type 2 diabetes were low in B12. Read on to learn the symptoms of B12 deficiency, what it could mean for your overall health, and what you can do about it. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may be mild at first, and not always obvious. If you’re slightly low on B12, you may not have any symptoms at all. Some of the more common early symptoms are: tiredness weakness loss of appetite weight loss constipation It may be easy to dismiss these as minor complaints, but over time, insufficient B12 can lead to bigger problems. Very low levels of B12 can result in serious complications. One of these is called pernicious anemia. Anemia means you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells. This deprives your cells of much-needed oxygen. According to a study in the Journal of Oral Pathology Medicine, less than 20 percent of those with a B12 deficiency experience pernicious anemia. Symptoms of anemia include: fatigue pale skin chest pain dizziness headache You may even lose Continue reading >>

Why are vitamins important for diabetics?

This article identifies and discusses the vitamins that are most important to glycemic control and diabetes complications. The B vitamins are especially important to glucose metabolism. They usually serve as cofactors in cellular reactions utilizing glucose. Therefore, they have been extensively studied to determine their benefits for controlling blood sugar levels. Because the B vitamins are water soluble, they are easily excreted from the body along with urine. This is especially important for diabetics as they easily develop deficiencies of the B vitamins. Vitamin B1 or thiamine is a coenzyme in the metabolism of keto sugars. It is also important for the breakdown of pyruvic acid, a product released during glucose metabolism. Therefore, vitamin B1 can help improve how cells utilize glucose. This can lead to better control of blood sugar levels. However, available studies do not always agree on the importance of vitamin B1 supplementation for diabetics. Clinical data show that patients with Type 1 diabetes usually have low vitamin B1 levels and can, therefore, benefit from vitamin B1 supplements. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes patients usually have normal blood levels of vitamin B1. However, one study demonstrated that although diabetics have normal levels of this vitamin, its transportation across tissues is impaired. Therefore, even normal levels of the vitamin may not be sufficient to effectively control blood glucose levels in diabetics. Vitamin B1 supplementation has been proven to prevent an Continue reading >>

How to get blood sugar stable?

Combining a healthy diabetes diet plan and a daily exercise routine with the best vitamin supplements for diabetics goes a long way in achieving stable blood sugar levels.

What is metformin used for?

Metformin (brand names Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Riomet, Glumetza, and others) is a popular and highly effective oral diabetes drug used to help manage Type 2 diabetes. This drug works by lowering the amount of glucose made by the liver and by making the body’s cells more sensitive to insulin. Metformin also has some other beneficial effects in that it may help lower blood lipid, or fat, levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) and can, in some people, promote a small amount of weight loss. Metformin can be used with other diabetes pills and with insulin. Side effects of taking metformin are relatively rare, the most common being bloating, nausea, and diarrhea, all of which are temporary. Some people shouldn’t take metformin, including people with kidney disease, liver disease, or congestive heart failure, for example, because of an increased risk of a potentially fatal condition called lactic acidosis. In recent years, there’s been some concern over the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in people who take metformin. Vitamin B12 (also known as cyanocobalamin or cobalamin) plays many important roles in the body, such as keeping your blood cells and nervous system in tip top shape. There’s also some evidence that vitamin B12 may help prevent heart disease and possibly even Alzheimer disease (the jury is still out on this one). This vitamin is found primarily in animal foods, such as beef, seafood, eggs, and dairy products, which is why some vegetarians are at risk for a B12 deficiency. Elderly people are often at risk for deficiency as well, due to problems with absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include certain types of anemia, neuropathy, memory loss, confusion, and even dementia. So, why would taking metformin possibly Continue reading >>

Why is vitamin B12 undiagnosed?

Vitamin B12 deficiency often remains undiagnosed because physicians generally don't think of it as a possibility. For example, when a diabetic patient complains of tingling in their feet, physicians do all the work-up to diagnose diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

What vitamin is good for diarrhea?

Vitamin B12 In Diabetics. 9. Constipation alternating with diarrhea, vague abdominal pain 10. Increase in the level of Homocysteine which is a risk factor for heart disease. Low folic acid is the other contributory factor for raising Homocysteine level. 1.

What vitamins are needed for type 2 diabetes?

Other common supplements. Here’s what you need to know about other common supplements: A B12 supplement can be helpful if you have type 2 diabetes and are deficient in the vitamin. People who take metformin for type 2 diabetes have lower levels of vitamin B12.

Why not pop a pill?

Many think that a supplement contains the same vitamins and minerals as whole foods, so why not just pop a pill? It’s because vitamins and minerals are best absorbed through food.

Does metformin help with diabetes?

If you’re on metformin, talk to your health care provider about periodically being tested for a B12 deficiency. Vitamin C and E supplements won’t ward off diabetes and diabetes complications. Until the research shows a clear benefit, it’s best to pass on these. The jury’s still out on vitamin D.

Can chromium cause high blood sugar?

A chromium deficiency may lead to high blood sugar levels. It may be worth a try if you’re deficient in chromium, but that’s very rare. Steer clear if you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease. Chromium supplements might further damage the kidneys and worsen the disease. Vitamin E & St. John’s Wort.

Does niacin raise cholesterol?

Niacin. Some people take niacin to raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol, but it can also affect your diabetes management. Niacin raises fasting glucose levels (your blood sugar levels when you are not eating) for people with diabetes, meaning the risks may outweigh the benefits.

Can supplements affect blood sugar?

Supplements that impact blood sugar. Supplement s may cause unwelcome—or dangerous—side effects, especially if they interact with your medications. While some ingredients could intensify the effects of your diabetes meds, causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, also called blood glucose), others may have the opposite effect, ...

Do vitamins and minerals have the same effect in the body?

It’s not clear whether vitamins and minerals have the same effect in the body when taken in supplement form. If you have a true vitamin deficiency, however, a supplement may be helpful. Americans are most commonly deficient in vitamins D and B12, calcium, and iron.

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