This is part two of a two series article set, exploring the most common nutritional deficiencies people living with Type 2 diabetes often experience:
Magnesium: Magnesium is an essential mineral in the regulation of blood sugar. This is because magnesium helps play a role in the secretion and function of insulin by opening cell membranes getting them ready to absorb glucose. A deficiency of magnesium has the potential to cause insulin resistance which causes the body to need larger amounts of insulin than normal to keep blood sugar levels within the normal healthy range.
Severe diabetic retinopathy can also be a sign of dangerously low magnesium levels.
Potassium: Regular insulin injections administered to treat diabetes may help bring about a potassium deficiency. Potassium supplements may help a diabetic…
- improve their sensitivity to insulin,
- improve the over effectiveness of the hormone, and
- could help to lower the insulin dosage needed daily.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is vital for:
- the formation of red blood cells,
- DNA synthesis,
- neurological function, and
- supports the digestive system in helping to Glucofort keep blood sugar levels stable.
Animal protein has the largest available source of B12 which, through the activity of hydrochloric acid and gastric protease in the stomach, helps to release this vitamin from the protein source. Once it is released it gets to work very quickly.
If a long–term B12 deficiency is not rectified, then it is possible for permanent nerve damage to result. As many diabetics will know, this nerve damage (also known as neuropathy) is a common problem for diabetics with symptoms of pain, tingling, and numbness occurring in their hands, arms, legs and feet which can then turn into sores.
Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 is vital for creating strong bones and works alongside calcium to help ensure calcium is fully absorbed and transported to where it is needed. But what is not so well-known is a lack of vitamin D3 can stop blood sugar levels balancing correctly. This then makes it harder to control diabetes.
A blood test can help to show whether or not you have a vitamin D3 deficiency.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps to improve the activity of insulin within the body, as well as helping to oxygenate the blood and fight off or repair free radical damage.
A lack of vitamin E can then cause internal structures to be damaged, which gets worse the longer the deficiency is left unresolved.
Increasing the intake of vitamin E may improve glucose tolerance in Type 2 diabetics, as well as reducing free radical damage that can cause further diabetic complications.
What To Do Next About Your Potential Nutrient Deficiencies? Addressing a poor diet can often help resolve many nutrient deficiencies in Type 2 diabetics and prediabetics. But it should be maintained daily and not just occasionally if you want long-lasting results.