Other Recommended Supplements

Vitamin A

Diabetics do not usually do well in converting the carotenes into vitamin A, so supplementation is recommended. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that also stimulates the secretion of gastric juices for digesting protein and assimilating calcium, required for proper growth.
     The fat-soluble form of vitamin A is found in butter fat (especially from pasture-fed animals), egg yolks, liver, organ meats, seafood, and fish liver oil. Although carotenes are water soluble precursors to vitamin A, on food labels they may be listed as vitamin A. This can be misleading.

Vitamin B-6 

Vitamin B-6 deficiencies have been linked to diabetes, as well as many other chronic disorders. Production of pancreatic enzymes, required for proper digestion and absorption of other nutrients, requires vitamin B-6 and zinc.
      Vitamin B-6 is one of the most difficult nutrients to obtain in the North American diet because it is found mainly in raw animal food. Some health food stores carry naturally cured cheese made from raw milk, a good source for B-6 for people who do not have a dairy allergy or sensitivity. Imported cheese if labeled “milk” or “fresh milk” is usually a cheese made from raw milk.

Sodium 

Salt (sodium chloride) is necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid, essential for good digestion. It is also necessary for proper functioning of the adrenal glands. Unprocessed sea salt (pink, beige, or grey in color) is far better than processed salt (sea salt or not) and iodized salt. All processed salts are practically devoid of trace minerals, which are found in unprocessed sea salt. Trace minerals are also found in homemade bone broths, red meats, shellfish, extra virgin olive oil, organ meats, nutritional yeasts and molasses.

Borage, Black Currant, and Evening Primrose Oil 

These oils are recommended because they are high in GLA, crucial for people suffering from diabetes, and supply some of the enzymes missing in the modern diet.

Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oils 

These oils provide the essential vitamins A and D. They oils play a large role in helping to regulate blood sugar levels through lowering insulin resistance. They are best taken in the winter months, but not necessary in the summer months, if we are consistently in the sun without sunscreen, but they may be taken year round in flavored liquid or capsule form.

Powdered Greens 

Powder green foods contain many essential nutrients and chlorophyll for cell renewal. In addition, spirulina is also considered to help control blood sugar levels.

Antioxidants 

High doses of different antioxidants help lessen the formation of damaging free radicals. It is a good idea to include various forms of antioxidants in the diet because they work best together. Good antioxidants include vitamin C (calcium ascorbate), vitamin E, pycnogenol, grapeseed extract, selenium, vitamin A, and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). ALA not only helps balance blood sugar levels, prevent neuropathy, and repair nerve damage, it also helps ‘neutralize’ the small amount of free radicals created with other antioxidants. Fresh juices, best made from green vegetables for people with diabetes, act as a form of antioxidant with the end product of harmless hydrogen. Remember to include some good fat or oil to aid the absorption of the minerals from these health-giving drinks.

Probiotics 

Probiotics need to be supplemented regularly to aid digestion and absorption, especially if lacto-fermented foods are not consumed or antibiotics are used.