NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND DIABETES MANAGEMENT

Nutritional supplements play a significant role in meeting the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). Our bodies work optimally when provided with adequate nutrients and in the right amounts. 

Although nutrition supplements are good, they should only be used when needed and only when prescribed by a nutritionist.

The following supplements are helpful in diabetes management.

1.Glucerna

Glucerna powder is a nutritional supplement designed to help people with diabetes meet their daily caloric and micronutrient needs. It has complex carbohydrates that help regulate blood sugars and essential vitamins and minerals involved in the body’s metabolic activities.

Glucerna is taken as a snack and thus should not replace the main meals.

2.Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B3 plays a significant role in the energy metabolism process and is the main component of two coenzymes involved in this process. Also, vitamin B3 has antioxidant properties, which help to protect vital organs from oxidative stress and delay diabetes complications.

3.MEGAVITS Ca, Mg and Zn

Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc are essential minerals in the process of insulin release. Therefore, taking this supplement, medication, dietary modifications, and exercise promotes good blood sugar control.

4.Biotin

It is involved in the process of energy metabolism and helps in reducing blood sugar levels. This supplement is sold as Biotin or B complex, a combination of B vitamins including Biotin.

5.Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps in blood sugar control by decreasing the oxidative stress effect on the cell. It also reduces inflammatory activity, which causes insulin resistance in people living with diabetes.

6.Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps in maintaining nerve integrity and protecting them from damage. Diabetes nephropathy is a common complication among people living with diabetes, especially when the sugars remain uncontrolled for a long time. Taking vitamin B12 supplements helps prevent nerve damage.

7.Vitamin C and Zinc supplements

These two supplements are commonly known as immune boosters. Having a strong immunity helps your body fight against infections.

8.Chromium picolinate

Chromium is a mineral involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, and it also enhances insulin sensitivity, thus improving diabetes management. Therefore, taking chromium supplements and other diabetes management approaches helps achieve good diabetes control.

9.Glutathione: Like vitamin E and B complex vitamins, glutathione is a strong antioxidant that helps counter the effects of oxidative stress. With adequately managed oxidative stress, the issues of insulin resistance are avoided.

Weight management 

Weight gain is an issue of concern when managing diabetes. Weight gain (tending to overweight and obesity) leads to poor blood sugar control. Other than lifestyle changes, these products also help with weight control.

1.Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a good source of omega-three fatty acids, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. When managing weight, foods rich in fiber are recommended as they improve satiety, thus limiting the number of times you tend to eat. 

2.Coconut oil

Coconut oil is used for cooking and in salads. Unlike the common vegetable oils, coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly metabolized and transported directly to the liver, bypassing the lymphatic system. Simply put, coconut oil reduces fat accumulation in the body, thus helping with weight reduction.

*We have all the above supplements in stock at DMMC Ngara. Consult our Nutritionist today on 0700582134*

*We deliver countrywide*