HERBAL AND FOOD SUPPLEMENTS
Herbal supplements and remedies are currently very popular for a whole range of conditions, including diabetes. However, many have not been tested and they are not regulated in the same way as prescribed medications.
There continues to be research into a range of micronutrients, supplements and functional foods and their effect on diabetes management and their link with causing diabetes. This includes, for example, vitamin B3, chromium, magnesium, anti-oxidants, vitamin D, zinc, caffeine, cinnamon, chilli, karela and methi.
There is no clear benefit from a vitamin or mineral supplement in people with diabetes who don’t have a deficiency, and most people should aim to obtain all their nutrients from a varied and balanced diet. If you are concerned that you may be at risk of lacking a particular nutrient, you should discuss this with your doctor or healthcare team.
Currently, there is no known cure for diabetes, so no herbal remedy can claim to cure diabetes.
If you want to, or already do, take supplements, whether it’s a vitamin, mineral or herbal remedy, it is important that you discuss the supplements with your GP or healthcare team. There may be risks associated with taking supplements because of their effect on diabetes complications (e.g. kidney disease) and/or their interactions with diabetes medication.
- At no time should you stop taking your insulin and/or tablets without first consulting your GP or diabetes care team.
- Diabetes UK does not recommend the use of supplements and herbal remedies as there is still a lack of robust clinical evidence about their effectiveness and safety for people with diabetes.
- The exception is folic acid for women who are planning to have a baby or are pregnant and Omega 3 supplements for people who have heart problems, or if your doctor has identified a particular vitamin deficiency.
CLAIM YOUR EBOOK TODAY
.
