Best supplements for diabetes: Three supplements that may prevent eye and nerve damage

Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks

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If you find it difficult to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range, complications could be heading your way. Can supplements help to ward off additional ailments? The global diabetes community recommend taking alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) – a potent antioxidant. ALA is said to “help diabetic neuropathy and reduce pain from free-radical damage”.

Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetes UK stated that nerve damage can “cause serious problems”, interfering with the messages between the brain and every part of the body.

Nerve damage in the feet can lead to a loss of sensation, greatly increasing the risk that you won’t feel a foot injury.

This can be disastrous, as minor injuries can become infected or turn into ulcers – and you may stay completely unaware.

Left to fester, charcoal foot can develop which may require amputation.

Signs of charcoal foot:

• Swelling
• Warmth – the affected foot feels warmer than the other
• Change in foot colour
• Change in foot shape.

Earlier warning signs of diabetic neuropathy include:

• Tingling and numbness
• Loss of ability to feel pain
• Loss of ability to feel changes in temperature
• Loss of coordination – when you can’t feel the position of your joints
• Burning or shooting pains – these may be worse at night time.

ALA, the antioxidant, has also been linked to decreased insulin resistance and better control of blood sugar.

The global diabetes community added that coenzyme 10 is another supplement to consider if you have type 2 diabetes.

“It is has been proven that animals suffering from diabetes are coenzyme Q10 deficient,” the organisation pointed out.

Clinical trials using coenzyme 10 suggests that supplementation “may significantly lower blood sugar levels”.

In addition, coenzyme 10 also oxygenates the blood, which may be helpful in some cases of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetes UK warned dibasic retinopathy can lead to sight loss, which could affect your career, relationships, and independence.

Consistently high blood sugar can damage blood vessels that supply the eyes with blood, oxygen and nutrients.

When this occurs, the retina can’t get the nutrition it needs, which means it can’t function properly and you won’t be able to see.

Diabetic retinopathy develops in stages, with one of the final stages meaning you won’t be able to read or drive.

The gradual damage to the eye means it’s possible to stop the progression of this health complication in its tracks.

To do so, it’s vital to keep on top of your blood sugar levels and to have an annual eye test.

Another possible way to prevent diabetic retinopathy from developing is to take magnesium.

“Magnesium tends to decline in people with diabetes,” the global diabetes community pointed out.

“Magnesium deficiency has been shown to directly influence the blood sugar control of type 2 diabetics.”

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