Diabetes Type 2: Supplements

The following information is not prescriptive. Before taking any supplement, seek the advice of your MD (Medical Doctor) or ND (Naturopathic Doctor) and carefully monitor your blood glucose levels (immediately before and two hours after all meals). Train yourself to be aware of how you react to stress and how you feel when your blood glucose level is low or high.

While heredity may predispose, Type 2 Diabetes is essentially a nutritional disease that affects our ability to metabolise the food we eat and causes our body to age faster; treatment must improve our metabolism and slow down the aging process. Effective treatment involves minimizing the damage already caused by the disease, feeding the diseased body with the correct nutrients to prevent further damage, and creating an evironment in which the body can heal itself. Food can provide all the nutrients our body needs. Due to farming, processing, storage, delivery, and cooking methods, most of the natural nutrients in our foods are depleted. Hence the need for supplements.

I started taking the supplements listed on February 12, 2001. These supplements are a refinement of those I'd been taking during January. I've changed to the Quest Super Once a Day Timed Release multivitamin; added Natural Factors GlucoBalance and Chromium & Vanadium; deleted MSM, B complex, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Chromium Picolinate. I've also adjusted some of the dosage levels. With guidance from my MD/ND, I will continue to refine my supplement choices and dosages on an ongoing basis.

Supplement (click on name for details)	Source	Dosage			Notes (supplements taken after breakfast & dinner)
Supplement (click on name for details)	Source	Total	am	pm	Notes (supplements taken after breakfast & dinner)
Metformin (Glucophage)	500mg tablet	500mg	-	1	Range: 500-3000mg. Metformin is a biguanide oral agent that lowers blood glocose by preventing the liver from overproducing glucose and lowers the insulin resistance of muscle and fat cells so that they can assimulate insulin better. Metformin also reduces the amount of fat and cholesterol (blood lipids) produced by the liver. Weight loss is associated with larger dosages of Metformin. Side effects: short-term nausea and diarrhea. May cause lactic acidosis (symptoms-very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain or stomach discomfort). Jan05: reduced from 1000mg to 500mg.
Inhibace (Cilazapril)	5mg tablet	5mg	-	1	Prescribed as an ACE inhibitor to help slow down further worsening of my kidney problem. Main function, however, is to lower blood pressure. Increased risk of potassium levels in the body becoming too high, or increased effect of insulin on control of blood glucose. Symptoms of too much potassium: confusion; irregular heartbeat; nervousness; numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; weakness or heaviness of legs.
Paxil (Paroxetine)	20mg tablet	20mg	1	-	Range: 10-60mg. Prescribed to treat mood swings. PAXIL belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Takes a few weeks to work and should be stopped by gradually reducing dose. Side effects: decreased sexual desire; increased sweating; trouble in sleeping; unusual tiredness and weakness. Withdrawal symptoms: agitation, dizziness and lightheadedness, headache. Feb01: Reduced from 20mg to 10mg. Feb12: Stopped. Feb16: Started again at 20mg/day.
Multivitamin	Quest Super Once a Day Timed Release Feb17: Investigating replacement by Glucovite	-	1	-	Ingredients: A-10,000iu; D-400iu; E-50iu; C-150mg; B1-50mg; B2-50mg; B3-50mg; Pantothenic Acid-50mg; B6-50mg; Folic Acid-0.2mg; B12-50mcg; Biotin-50mcg; Choline-50mg; Inositol-50mg; Calcium-125mg; Magnesium-100mg; Phosphorus-50mg; Potassium-50mg; Iron-15mg; Zinc-10mg; Manganese-1mg; Copper-1mg; Iodine-0.1mg; Selenium-25mcg; Chromium-25mcg; PABA-50mg; Citrus bioflavonoids-25mg; Lecithin-6mg; Betaine-12mg; Hesperidin-10mg; Papain-2mg; Rutin-2mg; L-Cysteine-0.6mg
Burdock & Dandelion	Quest formula Feb13: Investigating possible benefits for Type 2 Diabetics	-	-	-	Ingredients: Burdock Root-90mg; Dandelion Root-90mg; Oregon Grape Root-90mg; Red Clover Blossoms-90mg; Echinacea Angustifolio Root-30mg; Yellow Dock Root-30mg; Cayenne-20mg; Kelp-20mg; Licorice Root-5mg
Chromium & Vanadium	Natural Factors 125mcg	-	1	1	Ingredients: Chromium GTF-100mcg; Vanadium-25mcg. Feb17: Investigating replacement by Glucovite
Diabetic Nutrition and Vision Nutrition	Progressive Research Labs	-	-	-	Feb20: Investigating possible use of these products; however, they don't appear to be available in Canada.
GlucoBalance	Natural Factors Feb17: Investigating possible replacement by SISU Balance or Thorne Diabinil	-	1	1	Ingredients: Gymnema Sylvestre-135mg, Bitter Melon-125mg, Alpha Lipoic Acid-75mg, Fenugreek-50mg, Ginkgo Biloba-30mg. Feb17: SISU Balance (contains Gymnema Sylvestre-100mg, Bitter Melon-500mg, Panax Ginseng-100mg); Thorne Diabinil (contains Chromium-100mcg, Vanadyl Sulfate-3mg, Gymnema Sylvestre-200mg, Bilberry-80mg, Bitter Melon-75mg, Quercetin-400mg, Alpha Lipoic Acid-100mg)
Glucovite	TheraNutria Feb17: Investigating as possible replacement for multivitamin and Chromium & Vanadium supplements	-	-	-	Ingredients: (6 tablets): A-7500iu (67% Beta-Carotene, 33% Vit A Palmitate), C-1000mg, D3-400iu, E-400iu, K1-40mcg, Thiamine-4.5mg, Riboflavin-3.4mg, Niacin-40mg (50% Niacin, 50% Niacinamide), B6-10mg, Folic Acid-600mcg, B12-60mcg, Biotin-200mcg, Pantothenic Acid-20mg, Calcium-300mg, Magnesium-200mg, Iron-3.6mg, Iodine-150mcg, Zine-15mg, Copper-2mg, Manganese-4mg, Selenium-140mcg, Chromium-600mcg, Molybdenum-75mcg, Boron-3mg, Silicon-3mg, Vanadium-100mcg, Citrus Bioflavonoids-10mg, Quercetin-10mcg, Glucosol Banaba Leaf Extract-48mg, Apha-Lipoic Acid-100mg
Vitamin A	multivit	10,000iu	-	-	Maximum:10,000iu. Necessary for new cell growth, slows the aging process, essential for utilization of protein. Some indications that Diabetics may have problems in using Beta-Carotene
Aloe Vera	Feb21: Investigating possible use	-	-	-	Range: 800-1600mg or 1 tablespoon of juice twice daily. I've used Aloe Vera gel for the treatment of burns, wound infections, and other skin problems. I was surprised to learn that Aloe Vera Juice can be taken orally to improve blood glucose control.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (Thioctic Acid)	GlucoBalance	150mg	-	-	Range: 300-800mg. Fat-soluble antioxidant that decreases free radical damage in nerve cells and acts an enzyme co-factor used in energy metabolism. May lower blood suger by improving utilization of glucose.
Apple Cider Vinegar	Natures Harmony 500mg	-	-	-	Feb 13: Investigating possible benefit to Type 2 Diabetics. Promotes improved digestion, metabolism, and a balanced acid-alkaline environment in the body. Is this needed if two apples/day are eaten?
B1 (Thiamine)	multivit	50mg	-	-	Range: 50mg-8g. Enhances circulation and assists in blood formation, carbohydrate metabolism, and helps digestion.
B2 (Riboflavin)	multivit	50mg	-	-	Range: 50-400mg. Required for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell resiration, and growth. Alleviates eye fatigue and is important in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
B3 (Niacin, Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide)	Swiss Niacinamide 100mg + multivit	450mg	2	2	Range: 250-500mg. Important for carbohydrate metabolism. High levels (1-4g) of Niacin may impair glucose tolerance and cause liver toxicity. Feb20: Increased to 450mg/day
B5 (Pantethine, Pantothenic Acid)	multivit	50mg	-	-	Range: 50-2000mg. Anti-stress vitamin. Aids vitamin utilization, helps to convert fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy. It is an essential element of coenzyme A, which is a vital chemical involved in many metabolic functions.
B6 (Pyridoxine)	multivit	50mg	-	-	Range: 50-100mg. Involved in many body functions; helps in absorption of fats and proteins; promotes red blood cell formation; needed for normal brain function and for the synthesis of RNA and DNA; activates many enzymes and heps with the absorption of B12.
B12 (Cobalamin)	Trophic Sublingual 500mcg + multivit	550mcg	-	1	Range: 500-1000mcg. Metformin believed to cause deficiency. Aids folic acid in regulating formation of red blood cells and the utilization of iron. Aids in cell formation and longevity. Required for proper digestion, absorption of foods, synthesis of protein, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Feb17: Increased from 50 to 550mcg/day.
Betaine Hydrochloride	multivit	12mg	-	-	Range: 325-650mg. Helps us digest food by breaking up fats and proteins. Stomach acid also aids in the absorption of nutrients through the walls of the intestines into the blood.
Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus)	Natural Factors 40mg	240mg	3	3	Range: 80-160mg, 3 times/day. Shown to decrease blood glucose and triglycerides. Believed to stengthen retina connective tissue and decrease the leakiness and fragility of blood vessels in the eye. Feb17: Increased from 160 to 240mg/day. Feb25: Changed brand from Swiss to Natural Factor because of the use of a Bilberry powder base.
Bioflavonoids (Vitamin P)	Quest Super C + multivit	1075mg	-	-	Range: 500-1000mg. Enhances absorption of Vitamin C and works with it to lower cholesterol levels. Includes Hesperidin and Rutin
Biotin	Swiss Plus 300mcg + multivit	1150mcg	2	2	Range: 8-16mg. Promotes metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Biotin improves insulin sensitivity of cells and stimulates an enzyme called glucokinase which is involved in the utilization of glucose in the liver. Feb17: Increased from 550 to 1150mg/day.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)	GlucoBalance	250mg	-	-	Range: 100-200mg, 3 times/day. Traditional use for diabetes in India, Africa, and Asia. Regular use lowers blood suger, urine suger, and HbA1c
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)	Quest Super C (or Swiss Timed Release, 1000mg) + multivit	2150mg	2	2	Range: 2000-4000mg. Ingredients: C-500mg; Citrus Bioflavonoids-250mg (Hesperidin-50mg; Rutin-50mg; Rosehip extract-50mg). Required for tissue growth and repair; needed for the metabolism of folic acid. Protects against infections and the harmful effects of pollution. May reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
Calcium	Rexall 350mg + multivit	875mg	1	1	Range: 400-800mg. Calcium lowers cholesterol levels, may lower blood pressure, provides energy and participates in the protein structuring of RNA and DNA. Helps maintain cell membrane permeability. Involved in the activation of enzymes which break down fats for utilization in the body. Feb20: Increased from 175 to 875mg/day
Carnitine (L-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine, ALC)	Feb25: Investigating possible use	-	-	-	Range: 500-1000mg, 3 times daily. Carnitine is an amino acid that the body uses to turn fat into energy. May be useful for improving blood sugar control. It is also a natural mood elevator that can help relieve the toxic effects of stress. May work best in combination with phosphatidyl (PS).
Carnosine	Feb18: Investigating possible use	-	-	-	Range: 50-100mg. Carnosine's most important action appears to be its anti-glycosylation effect. May be useful in treating or preventing diabetic complications such as cataract, neuropathy, and kidney failure.
Choline	multivit	36mg	-	-	Range: 425-550mg. Probably don't need to supplement; enough in food. May help with cholesterol and fat metabolism. Recently recognized as an essential nutrient. Choline is part of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a major role in the brain.
Chromium GTF	Natural Factors Chromium & Vanadium 125mcg + multivit	225mcg	-	-	Range: 200-1200mcg. Essential trace element required for normal insulin functioning. For diabetics, may be most important trace element to supplement. Used successfully to control blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Also promotes loss of fat and an increase in lean muscle tissue. Chromium deficiency produces diabetic symptoms. May have adverse interaction with vanadium. Increase? Discuss with MD/ND
Chromium Picolinate	Advanced Naturals 500mcg + multivit	-	-	-	Feb12: Stopped using this form of chromium because of cell mutation evidence (see http://www.anndeweesallen.com/dal_ra01.htm)
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)	Natural Factors 30mg	60mg	1	1	Range: 30-120mg. Central role in making energy from food. Indications that it can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels.
Copper	multivit	2mg	-	-	Range: 1-3mg. Used in the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells. and works with zinc and vitamin C to form elastin. Involved in energy production.
Curcumin (Turmeric)	Organika 500mg	-	-	-	Feb13: Investigating possible benefits for Type 2 Diabetics
Cysteine (L-cysteine)	multivit	0.6mg	-	-	Range: 0-50mg. This amino acid promotes the production of glutathione that is used by both the liver and lymphocytes to detoxify chemicals and other poisons. Cysteine is also a powerful environmental pollutant detoxifier and slows cellular damage caused by aging. It also promotes the burning of fat and the building of muscle. Some possible adverse interaction, when using larger doses, with insulin.
Vitamin D (D2-Ergocalciferol, D3-Cholecalciferol)	multivit	400iu	-	-	Range: 200-600iu. Required for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus within the intestinal tract.
Vitamin E	Swiss 400iu + multivit	850mg	1	1	Range: 200-800mg. Improves glucose metabolism and tolerance and reduces insulin requirements
EFA (Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamin F, polyunsaturates)	Swiss Omega Plus 3-6-9, 1200mg	2400mg	1	1	Range: 2000-4000mg. Ingredients: Borage Oil-400mg; Salmon Oil-400mg; Flax Oil-400mg; E-10iu (Omega-3: ALA-232mg, EPA-72mg, DHA-48mg; Omega-6: Linoleic Acid-204mg, GLA-88mg; Omega-9: Oleic Acid-152mg). EFA reduces blood pressure, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, aid transmission of nerve impules and are needed for the normal functioning of the brain. All cells need EFA for rebuilding and producing new cells. EFA may improve the action of insulin. Some indication that diabetics can't convert EFA in Borage and Flax oils.
Energy Bars	Shoppers Drug Mart Life SuperBar or Interactive Nutrition SoyOne	-	-	-	I bought these bars locally and selected them on the basis of taste and their closeness to the Zone 1/2/3 fat/protein/carbohydrate profile. I occassionally use them to provide a convenient and nutritionally sound meal replacement. The kids love them too! SuperBar (strawberry/banana): 193 cals, 5.7/14/22; SoyOne (raspberry): 245 cals, 6.8/18/28
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)	Swiss 500mg + GlucoBalance	1600mg	2	1	Range: 5-50g. Traditional Indian remedy for diabetes; 15-25g of Fenugreek powder has been shown to reduce fasting blood glucose levels by 30%. Higher level needed to lower glucose levels, but current level may be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Flaxseed Oil	Flora	-	-	-	Range: 1tsp-2tbs. Used as needed to balance Fat/Protein/Carb (1/2/3) ratio. Some indication that Diabetics can't convert EFAs (Omega-3: EPA & DHA) in flaxseed oil. Replace with what? Fish oil? Discuss with MD/ND
Folic Acid	multivit	0.2mg	-	-	Range: 0.4-0.8mg. Considered a brain food and is needed for energy production and the formation of red blood cells. Strengthens immune system by supporting the proper formation and functioning of white blood cells. Functions as a coenzyme in DNA and RNA synthesis and is important for healthy cell division and replication. Involved in protein metabolism. Increase? Discuss with MD/ND
Food and Diet	Zone Diet & Fresh Start Metabolism Program	-	-	-	My main meal targets are 15g fat / 30g protein / 45g carbohydrates (note the 1/2/3 ratio and that this equates to 30/30/40% calorie contribution ratios; using 1g fat=9 calories and 1g protein / carbohydrate=4 calories). I try to eat carbohydrates with a low glycemic index
Garlic	Quest Aged 100mg	600mg	3	3	Maximum: 900mg. Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, stimulates immune system, is a natural antibiotic, and aids food digestion.
Ginkgo Biloba	Swiss Super 60mg + GlucoBalance	180mg	1	1	Range: 120-240mg. Enhances blood circulation and supply of oxygen throughout the body. Also acts as an antioxident, has anti-aging effects, and reduces blood pressure.
Ginseng	Jamieson Korean Red (Panex) 250mg	500mg	1	1	Range: 200-800mg, 2 weeks on/off. Traditional Chinese diabetes treatment. Helps lower fasting blood glucose and body weight. Decreases cortisol level, which can interfere with insulin function. Increases use of fatty acids as an energy source which decreases release of glycogen stored in the liver and muscle cells. Low dose may raise blood pressure while a high one may decrease.
Glucosol	OptioHealth 24mg	48mg	1	1	Range: 16-48mg. Glucosol is a standardized plant extract from the leaves of the Banaba plant (Lagerstroemia speciosa). Helps promote normal blood glucose metabolism. Specifically, the active marker compound of Glucosol, corosolic acid, has been shown to help maintain normal transport of blood glucose into the cells. 1999 clinical studies by Dr. William Judy showed significant benefits of Glucosol when taken daily for 30 days at 32 and 48mg per day. Feb17: Investigating as possible addition to supplement list. Ordered from OptioHealth. Feb27: Received Glucosol; plan to start this weekend.
Glutathione	Organika 50mg	-	-	-	Feb18: Investigating possible benefits for Type 2 Diabetics
Grape Seed Extract (OPC, PCO)	Equate Plus 50mg	200mg	2	2	Range: 100-300mg. Helpful for kidneys. Like Bilberry, appears to decrease leakiness and fragility of capillaries by strengthening and repairing connective tissues. Feb17: Increased from 100 to 200mg/day when stopped Pycnogenol.
Green Barley	Organika	6g	1tsp	1tsp	Mixed in 250mL (8oz) of tomatoe juice. Green barley contains thousands of enzymes which play an important metabolism role; it also contains a high concentration of the SOD enzyme, which revitalizes cells and reduces their rate of destruction; SOD also neutalizes the most common free radical superoxide.
Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar)	GlucoBalance	270mg	-	-	Range: 400-600mg. Indian treatment for diabetes. At 400mg level, shown to stimulate pancreatic release of insulin, lower blood suger levels and HbA1c, and lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Feb 12: started; will watch blood suger levels over the next week to determine impact.
Iodine	multivit	150mcg	-	-	Range: 150-200mcg. Helps metabolize excess fat.
Inositol (B8)	multivit	50mg	-	-	Range: 50-100mg. Helps reduce cholesterol levels, prevent hardening of arteries, helps remove fats from liver, aids in the formation of lecithin and the metabolism of fat and cholesterol.
Iron	multivit	10mg	-	-	Range: 10-15mg. Needed in the formation of hemoglobin and myoglobin and the oxygenation of red blood cells. Iron is also required for a healthy immune system and energy production.
Lecithin	Rexall 515mg + multivit	1036mg	1	1	Range: 200-500mg. Needed by all cells. Cell membranes which regulate the passage of nutients into and out of cells, are largely lecithin. Lecithin improves brain function and enables fats, such as cholesterol and other lipids, to be dispersed and removed from the body. Aids in the digestion of fats and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Feb20: Increased from 6mg to 1036mg
Magnesium	Natural Factors 125mg + multivit	225mg	-	1	Range: 100-700mg. Transports glucose to cells; regulates how we use food for energy; required for production and release of insulin. Possible kidney-related problems at levels above 200mg.
Manganese	multivit	5mg	-	-	Range: 2-5mg. Required for protein and fat metabolism and blood glucose regulation.
Melatonin	Twinlab 3mg	-	-	-	Feb 13: Already have some, investigating possible use. Very efficient free radical scavenger that permeates cells and helps damaged cells repair themselves and protects them from mutation.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)	Spring Valley 250mg	-	-	-	Range: 70-560mg. Phytochemicals (known as silymarin) from Milk Thistle may prevent damage to, and help heal, the pancreas. Protects kidneys and liver and stimulates production of new liver cells. Feb13: Plan to start using after effects of Glucobalance are known.
MSM	Spring Valley 1000mg	2000mg	-	-	Aching joints: MSM related? Feb07: reduced to 1000mg/day. Feb12: Stopped; although joints better, still aching. Feb25: Aching stopped a few days ago.
PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid)	multivit	50mg	-	-	Range: 50-400mg. PABA is a basic constituent of folic acid. It acts as a coenzyme in the breakdown and utilization of protein, and assists in the formation of red blood cells.
Papain	multivit	2mg	-	-	Helps in the digestion of proteins. May help in reducing symptoms of food allergies. May also help with "leaky gut" problems.
Phosphorus	multivit	125mg	-	-	Needed for correct kidney functioning. Assists in the utilization of vitamins and the conversion of food to energy.
Potassium	multivit	40mg	-	-	Range: 200-1200mg. Helps regulate the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes. Increase? Discuss with MD/ND
Protein	Interactive Nutrition Just Soy or Whey	-	-	-	Used as needed to balance Fat/Protein/Carb (1/2/3) ratio. Can eat up to 400g/day of protein before negative effects appear? Target 50-150g. Some indications that Whey source may be better choice. Use of low-protein diet if have kidney problems? Protein level?
Pycnogenol	Swiss 25mg	-	-	-	Range: 50-300mg (not needed if using Grape Seed; since Pycnogenol is more expensive, will drop when run out). Feb 17: Stopped and increased Grape Seed dosage.
Selenium	Swiss 100mcg + multivit	125mcg	-	1	Range: 100-200mcg. Inhibits the oxidation of fats. Needed for pancreatic function and tissue elasticity. Protects immune system by preventing formation of free radicals; may also help protect heart, liver and kidneys.
Vanadium	Natural Factors Chromium & Vanadium 125mcg	50mcg	-	-	Range: 10-30mcg. Vanadium is a trace mineral that was used to treat diabetes before discovery of insulin. Deficiency linked to kidney disease. May be helpful in controlling blood glucose. May have adverse interaction with chromium; take at different times? Add Vanadyl Sulfate up to 100mg? Discuss level with MD/ND
Water	Culligan Aqua Cleer Reverse Osmosis System	2000mL	-	-	I'm currently drinking about 4 x 500mL of water/day filtered by an undercounter reverse osmosis system. Currently investigating claimed benefits of charging water with tachyon energy.
Zinc	multivit	15mg	-	-	Range: 15-30mg. Needed for protein synthesis. It is a part of insulin and many vital enzymes, including SOD.
Online sources: see webMD, Natural Pharmacist, vitamins, minerals, or herbs. Printed sources: Natural Treatments for Diabetes, Kathi Head, ND; The Age-Free Zone, Barry Sears, PhD; The Super Anti-oxidants, James F. Balch, MD; Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A-to-Z Guide to Supplements, James & Phyllis Balch.