It’s crucial and almost mandatory to know about the complications that come with diabetes, and there are 4 main issues that control a long list of health problems associated with this chronic disease.
it all starts either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, of course, Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood glucose.
After that, the complications start affecting so many tissues, organs, and systems…
While it is vital to manage blood glucose levels, taking essential vitamins can also help prevent unnecessary and critical complications.
The main diabetes complications:
Cardiovascular disease:
the vascular system is a group of vessels that carry blood and lymph fluid through the body and send oxygen and nutrients as well. It’s also called the circulatory system. there’s a layer called the endothelial layer inside the arteries it’s highly susceptible to high blood glucose. and that’s where the plaquing and clots take place.
Complications can obstruct blood flow to the heart muscle or to the brain, if that happens it could lead to Dementia, Alzheimer, Parkinson’s disease, or other types of degenerative brain conditions. people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Nerve damage:
High blood sugar levels can damage the nervous system and cause peripheral neuropathy which is a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causing weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination, and circulation. and let’s not ignore the brain nerve damage that can have significant consequences on a person’s life.
Kidney damage:
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys, and kidneys are vital organs that perform many functions in the body. They filter the blood, remove waste products and excess fluids, regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance, produce hormones, and maintain acid-base homeostasis. Without proper kidney function, a person can develop serious health problems such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, anemia, bone disease, cardiovascular disease, and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
high blood glucose diabetes is the number one cause of end-stage renal failure, Therefore, it is important to stop and prevent any complications that would jeopardize the function of the kidneys.
Eye damage:
High blood sugar levels affect the retina which’s the main nerve tissue that extends outside the brain and it’s picking up information and springs into the brain so the eyes can actually see, they can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause vision loss.
Diabetics can get macular degeneration and that’s an eye disease that can blur the central vision. They can also get cataracts or even glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of the eyes called the optic nerve.
And if we can avoid these conditions we’ll be safer and the only way to do that is by taking some crucial vitamins to solve the issues.
Let’s look at seven important vitamins that can help stop diabetic complications and we will mention some natural sources of them as well because it’s still the best way to ensure that your body is getting the right amount of nutrients.
The SEVEN vitamins that stop diabetes complications:
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine is a nutrient that is necessary for the breakdown of carbohydrates and has a substantial impact on the generation of cellular energy.
Any shortage can result in diabetic neuropathy, a disorder that damages the nerves in the feet and legs, in those with diabetes. Thiamine deficiency can also cause diabetes. According to a number of studies, taking thiamine supplements regularly can greatly cut down on the likelihood of developing diabetic neuropathy.
Numerous foods, such as meat, beans, nuts, and whole grains, are good sources of vitamin B1. Consuming a diet that contains a wide variety of these foods can assist in making certain that adequate amounts of thiamine are consumed.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Pyridoxine is necessary for the proper functioning of nerves as well as the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates. In persons who have diabetes, not getting enough pyridoxine can cause nerve damage as well as carpal tunnel syndrome. According to a number of studies, taking pyridoxine pills on a daily basis can greatly cut down on the likelihood of developing diabetic neuropathy.
Numerous foods, such as chicken, fish, beans, and nuts, are excellent sources of vitamin B6. Consuming a diet that is rich in a range of these foods can help to ensure that you obtain the recommended amount of pyridoxine in your diet.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Cobalamin is required for proper nerve function as well as the generation of red blood cells. In patients who have diabetes, a lack of this important vitamin can cause nerve damage as well as anemia. According to a number of studies, taking cobalamin supplements on a regular basis can considerably cut the risk of diabetic neuropathy.
We find Vitamin B12 in a wide variety of foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Consuming a diet that is rich in a range of these foods can help guarantee that you obtain the necessary amount of cobalamin in your diet.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against the damage caused by high glucose levels. It can also help improve insulin sensitivity, which is essential in managing blood glucose levels. Ascorbic acid can help prevent cardiovascular complications, such as heart disease and stroke, which are common in people with diabetes.
Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, berries, and green leafy vegetables. Eating a diet that includes a variety of these foods can help ensure you are getting enough ascorbic acid.
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)
Cholecalciferol is essential for bone health and immune function, It can also help improve insulin sensitivity, which is essential in managing blood glucose levels.
This vitamin is one of the most important elements for the whole body, Researchers around the world are still discovering the great role that it plays in our existence. Studies have shown that people with diabetes are often deficient in vitamin D, which can increase the risk of diabetic complications.
Cholecalciferol can be obtained from sunlight exposure. Spending time outdoors during the midday with skin exposure to sunlight can help the body produce vitamin D. Another way to get Cholecalciferol is to consume fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods such as milk and cereal.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Tocopherol is another potent antioxidant that can help protect against the harm caused by elevated glucose levels. Furthermore, it can aid in increasing insulin sensitivity and avoiding cardiovascular problems common in diabetics, such as heart disease and stroke.
Vitamin E also supports the immune system, It is a group of eight fat-soluble compounds that act as antioxidants, protecting the body cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals and it’s one of the best nutrients to fight off infections and illnesses.
you’ll find them in a variety of foods, including almonds, seeds, and vegetable oils. Other foods fall into this category as well. So many people fail to include these items in daily consumption, it’s extremely recommended that they be included in the daily meals for a healthy and balanced diet.
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone)
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body with blood clotting and bone health. It’s rare in adults but can occur in newborns, people with digestive disorders, or those who take drugs that interfere with vitamin K absorption.
These supplements are not usually needed unless prescribed by a doctor. Vitamin K plays a key role in helping the blood clot and preventing excessive bleeding. It can also help improve insulin sensitivity and prevent cardiovascular complications, such as heart disease and stroke, It also strengthens the bones by helping make osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to the bone matrix.
We find them especially in green leafy vegetables, legumes, eggs, and meats. There are two main types of vitamin K: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone). Vitamin K1 is more common and comes mostly from plant sources, while vitamin K2 is less common and comes mostly from animal sources and fermented products. it’s an essential nutrient that anyone can get from a satisfactory diet that includes a variety of foods rich in this vitamin.
Some things to remember
In addition to eating a healthy and balanced diet, it is important to note that some people may still need to take supplements to ensure they are getting enough of these vitamins. Your healthcare provider can help determine if you need supplements or not.
Dosage is an important consideration when it comes to taking any kind of supplement, and It is important to follow the recommended daily dosage for each one, which can vary based on factors such as age, sex, and overall health status. Exceeding the recommended dosage for certain vitamins can cause health problems, including toxicity.
These seven vitamins are essential for preventing diabetic complications. And they are not in any way or shape a cure for diabetes, they are supplements, and can be used along with prescribed medications.
It is also important to note that some vitamins can interact with medications, and certain health conditions can affect the body’s ability to absorb or utilize certain vitamins. So make sure that they are safe and appropriate for your specific health needs.
