3 common questions about supplements and diabetes

Can supplements really help people with diabetes? Here are three common questions and expert answers for your consideration.

That's probably not a bad idea (though talk with your doctor about it first).

• Vitamin D, known for its role in bolstering your bones and improving immunity, may also help lower your blood sugar.
• Vitamin D has received lots of buzz in recent years for its many benefits and usages. Now, newer studies suggest that having too little vitamin D in your blood may raise your risk for a number of conditions, including diabetes.
• Canadian researchers recently found that people with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to have insulin resistance, the condition that causes type 2 diabetes.
• Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D by consuming low-fat dairy products (fortified with the nutrient) and getting at least 10 to 15 minutes of sun daily.
• Consider taking a vitamin D supplement, too. While there are no standard guidelines, some doctors recommend 1,000 to 2,000 IU a day.

That's a good question. It seems that people with diabetes do need more of certain antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and that antioxidants play a role in preventing diabetes complications, such as nerve damage and eye problems.

• One study even found that supplementing with vitamin E, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc daily for three months significantly lowered blood sugar in a test group.
• But supplements aren't without dangers. Too much magnesium, for instance, can potentially be harmful in people with decreased kidney function. And a study that looked at the mineral selenium and its effect on skin cancer revealed that the supplement increased the risk of diabetes by nearly 50 percent.
• Much more research is underway, but for now, most experts advise getting the bulk of your antioxidants from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and beans, and filling any gaps with a basic multivitamin. You probably should pass on antioxidant supplements.

These non-herbal supplements show some promise in aiding diabetes management. Talk with your doctor before taking any, because they might not mix well with medications you are on.

1. Magnesium (for lowering blood sugar): Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in people with diabetes, and it can worsen high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Some studies suggest that supplementing with this mineral may improve insulin function and lower blood-sugar levels, but other studies have shown no benefit.
2. Gamma-linolenic acid (for easing nerve pain): Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a fatty acid manufactured in your body from linoleic acids ingested from vegetable oils. It was first extracted from evening primrose oil and is available today in supplement form. Some research suggests that people with diabetes have lower than optimal levels of GLA, and studies have found that the supplement can reduce and prevent nerve pain associated with diabetes.
3. Alpha-lipoic acid (for easing nerve pain and lowering blood sugar): Called ALA for short, this vitamin-like substance neutralizes many types of free radicals. A build-up of free radicals, caused in part by high blood sugar, can lead to nerve damage and other problems. ALA may also help muscle cells take up blood sugar. In a German study, a team of scientists had 40 adults take either an ALA supplement or a placebo. At the end of the four-week study, the ALA group had improved their insulin sensitivity 27 percent. The placebo group showed no improvement.

Keep this guide in mind and remember to contact your doctor before taking any supplements.