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Once you start on an exercise and diet regimen to get your
diabetes under control, you can start to explore some of the other
options you have for treatment. Although there are no supplements
that lower or control blood sugar levels, there are supplements that
can help your body adjust to the changes. Before you start taking
supplements make sure you have the go ahead from your health care
professional. He or she will make sure there will be no interactions
with any other medications you may be taking. If the supplements
work in reducing your blood sugar, you have to make sure that it
doesn’t go too low.
There are at least three supplements that a selection of the
professionals who suggest supplementing your diet and exercise
routine agree on. The first one is magnesium. People with diabetes
tend to have low levels of magnesium and there have been studies
that have shown that magnesium may help in the production of and the
body’s use of insulin.
They all agree that some form of antioxidant used as a diabetes
supplement is beneficial. Antioxidants have been shown to be
effective in the fight against heart disease and high blood pressure
by helping to prevent the damage done by free radicals. Free
radicals and oxidants may also reduce the effectiveness of the
immune system and increase the risk of some cancers. These
antioxidants also help in the treatment of diabetes by keeping cells
from breaking down.
Chromium was the third diabetes supplement recommended. Chromium
is a trace element that works with insulin to help transport glucose
into cells. Adding chromium to your diet reduces the risk of
increased blood sugar due to a chromium deficiency.
The first and best defense against diabetes is proper diet and
regular exercise. Follow the instructions of your health care
professional and if you decide that diabetes supplements should be
an additional weapon in your arsenal, make sure you have the support
of your doctor.
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