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Greetings!
Everyone is interested to know more about beneficial vitamins and supplements. A number of supplements are available that may help diabetics improve their overall health and combat the specific symptoms of diabetes. But with so much conflicting information, how can you know which products are right for you? In this newsletter, we provide facts to help you make an informed decision.
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Vitamins and Supplements for Diabetics |
With so many vitamins and supplements on the market, how can you know which ones will be most beneficial to diabetics? While it is always wise to consult with your doctor or nutritionist, it is also a good idea to read labels carefully and to research health claims of various products.
Some vitamins and supplements that may help diabetics are noted here, along with the benefits that they are believed to provide.
Multivitamins are widely accepted as a safe source of essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function optimally. While a well-rounded diet should preclude the need for multivitamins, in reality many people do not receive all of the nutrients they need from food alone.
Fiber supplements may be an excellent way to control blood sugar levels. A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine (May 2000) shows that type 2 diabetics who eat more fiber than the recommended daily allowance (24 grams) can significant lower their blood sugar levels.1
Chromium has been shown to improve glucose tolerance in both type 1 and 2 diabetics (Andersen, 1998).2 Chromium increases insulin binding and insulin reception, and did not exhibit any documented side effects in Andersen's study.
Antioxidants may provide significant benefits to diabetic patients. Antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A (beta carotene), C, and E fight free radicals. (Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause damage by stealing electrons from a healthy cell's molecules.) Recent studies have shown that antioxidants help prevent neuropathy and retinopathy. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that aids in glucose uptake.3 It helps vitamins A and C work better, detoxifies the body, and guards against degeneration in the eye. Selenium, another antioxidant, has been suggested as beneficial to diabetics. However, according to a Cornell University study, selenium may actually cause insulin resistance.4 Xingen Lei, one of the authors of the study, cautions that too many antioxidants may be harmful.
Corsolic acid is believed to increase glucose uptake, as reported by DiabetesHealth.com. One study demonstrated that banaba leaf extract (a common source of corsolic acid) lowered glucose in type 2 diabetics.
Gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid, is naturally found in evening primrose oil and borage oil. It is sometimes used as an anti-inflammatory supplement, and has been shown to improve nerve damage in diabetics.
Folic acid and other B vitamins may help vascular disease in diabetics. They are purported to help lower the levels of homocysteine in the blood, a substance that can cause heart disease and vascular problems. Since diabetics have trouble metabolizing homocysteine, folic acid may be a useful supplement.
These are only a few of the vitamins and supplements that may help control diabetes. Talk with your doctor about whether these, or other nutritional products, may be beneficial to you.
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1 Chandalia, Manisha, Garg, Abhimanyu, Lutjohann, Dieter, von Bergmann, Klaus, Grundy, Scott M., Brinkley, Linda J.
- Beneficial Effects of High Dietary Fiber Intake in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
N Engl J Med 2000 342: 1392-1398
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2 Anderson, Richard A.
- Chromium, Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes
J Am Coll Nutr 1998 17: 548-555
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3 Henriksen EJ (2006)
- Exercise training and the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Free Radic Biol Med 40 (1): 3-12. PMID.
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4 James P. McClung, Carol A. Roneker, Weipeng Mu, Donald J. Lisk, Paul Langlais, Feng Liu, and Xin Gen Lei
- Development of insulin resistance and obesity in mice overexpressing cellular glutathione peroxidase
PNAS 101: 8852-8857; published online before print as 10.1073/pnas.0308096101
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| Product Spotlight: Nutritional Supplements
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American Diabetes Wholesale offers many high-quality nutritional supplements to meet your dietary needs and even those of your pet! For you, we offer a range of health-enhancing products from Genesis Today, a leading name in nutritional supplements. For your diabetic pet, we offer Native Remedies PetAlive GlucoBalance capsules; this supplement helps regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin production, and treat or prevent various symptoms associated with diabetes. We want you and your pet to live long and healthy lives! Ask your doctor about which supplements are right for you.
NEW PRODUCTS! Please take a moment to learn about the new supplements that we have approved for the use of our customers.
- Genesis Today – 4Sleep & Relaxation – Herbal Dietary Supplement
- 4Sleep & Relaxation is the world's first dietary supplement that provides melatonin in a naturally-occurring form: Montmorency tart cherry juice. This juice is blended with wild-harvested noni juice and beneficial herbs (such as chamomile, jujube, and hops) to create a delicious drink that has no added sweeteners, colors, or flavors. 4Sleep & Relaxation may help establish regular sleep patterns, reduce jetlag and tension, and enhance your body’s inflammation process.*
- Genesis Today - Power4 – Fruit Juice Liquid Dietary Supplement
- Power4 is a 100% pure blend of juices from four nutritional powerhouses: gogi berry, açai berry, noni fruit, and mangosteen. Power4 supports a variety of body functions, including the immune system, blood sugar levels, the cardiovascular system, and many others. Power4 contains plant-based amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, and may boost energy levels and help fight fatigue.*
- Genesis Today - Açai 100 – 100% Açai Juice
- Wild-harvested açai juice has been used for thousands of years by the indigenous people of the Brazilian rainforest as a powerful source of nutrition. It is rich in fiber, protein, essential fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals. Açai 100 may promote healthy joints, help maintain cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and fight free radicals.* Açai 100 contains no added fruit juices, sugars, sweeteners, water, or preservatives!
- Genesis Today - Protein 100 – Liquid Protein Dietary Supplement
- At only 60 calories per ounce, Protein 100 is a fantastic way to add more protein to your diet. Mixed with water (or your favorite juice), each 1 ounce serving provides 15 grams of protein. That's the equivalent of a half cup of lowfat cottage cheese (100 calories) or 4 tablespoons of peanut butter (a whopping 376 calories)! Protein 100 is fat free, sugar free, lactose free, and easy to digest. A complete source of protein, Protein 100 provides all 20 amino acids necessary for Daily Protein Intake Needs (D.P.I.N.).*
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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| Recipe Corner... |
Brownies recipe
Yield: 16 servings
Per serving: 133 calories, 3 g protein, 17 g carbohydrate, 7 g fat (2 g
saturated fat), 27 mg cholesterol, 113 mg sodium
- ½ cup Light margarine
- 2 (1 oz) Squares unsweetened chocolate
- 2/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs
- 3 tbsp Skim milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1¼ tsp Sweet 'N Low
- ¼ tsp Baking soda
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- ¼ cup Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Heat oven to 350°F.
In a medium saucepan, melt margarine and chocolate over low heat. Remove from heat and beat in sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in flour, Sweet 'N Low, baking soda, and salt. Fold in nuts.
Spread batter into an 8-inch square baking pan sprayed with nonstick vegetable cooking spray. Bake 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Exchange per serving:
Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch/bread, 1 1/2 fat
Source: www.RecipeGoldMine.com
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| About American Diabetes Wholesale
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American Diabetes Wholesale provides top-quality brand name diabetic supplies and over-the-counter pharmacy items at a savings of 30 to 60 percent. Since 2002, we've delivered on our promise of great products, the lowest prices, fast shipping, and exceptional service to our customers throughout the U.S.
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