Do Vitamin Levels Echo Diabetes Risk?

There are Ample Contradictions Surrounding Vitamins & their Effect on Diabetes

Instead of supplementing our diet with wholesome foods including fruits and vegetables, presently, mankind is busy consuming various supplements to correct nutrient deficiencies. You could be taking these supplements to fulfil recommended daily intake or to rectify certain disorders including diabetes. Whatever is the reason, the world is filled with thousands of supplements to pick and choose, many of them having safety concerns, interaction with certain drugs, and without having concrete evidence for their safety.
 
Diabetes is a gargantuan global health problem that arises when blood sugar levels go out of control. Presence of excess glucose in the bloodstream results in a variety of health-related problems. Controlling glucose levels is the primary way to manage diabetes and be healthy. This is generally done by taking medications, insulin, and above all, bringing about better lifestyle changes that includes healthier food choices and daily physical activity. Hence, we have numerous studies looking into the effectiveness of consuming supplements including vitamins, minerals, omega 3s, and more.
 
Vitamins to Win Diabetes
 
We’ve got abundant proposals enumerating the varied benefits of vitamins, especially vitamin D, whose insufficiency is a contributing factor towards diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that has a strong connect with energy metabolism that predominantly includes carbohydrate and fat management—it must also be noted that micronutrients also play a role in this metabolism and impose antioxidant effects. Vitamins with antioxidant effect are critical to disease development and management while vitamins without the antioxidant effect also have a say in diabetes management.
 
Studies Showing a Strong Connect Between Nutrient Intake & Diabetes Effect
 
Every type of vitamin has a different effect on the body and can/cannot be effective against diabetes.
 
Vitamin A: Having a pivotal role in protecting immunity, retinol is an active form of this vitamin having antioxidant effect and offers protection to the human body against stress. Studies show that healthy individuals as well as those with chronic ailments involving fats and carbs must maintain sufficient vitamin A levels.
 
Vitamin B: Riboflavin, folic acid, biotin, cobalamin, and thiamine are the most important B vitamins and most of these have a direct link with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). B1 or thiamine has been shown to have a strong link in the development of various diabetes-related complications when their numbers become insufficient. We also have studies showing that consumption of various thiamine supplements decreased blood sugar levels in diabetics. There are not sufficient evidences linking vitamin B6 with the development of T2DM but it’s been postulated that deficiency of this vitamin can trigger certain complications.
 
Not much research has been done connecting vitamin b3 or Niacin to diabetes but vitamin B3 supplements can increase HDL cholesterol levels, and decrease LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Basically, this vitamin is used to decrease lipid levels but some studies also show its negative impact—increased risk of T2DM.
 
Though we have contradicting results regarding the effectiveness of vitamin B12 against diabetes, this vitamin surely has an integral part connected to oxidative stress. T2DM is an oxidative stress disorder and hence, insufficient levels of vitamin B12 is considered a risk factor for diabetes-related complications. Metformin is generally prescribed for diabetes and continuous intake of this medication can result in deficiency of B12. Folate or vitamin B9 supplements improve glycemic levels and control insulin resistance.
 
Vitamin C: There are various studies showing that vitamin C doesn’t have any effect nor can control blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. But one of the latest studies shows a weak link between vitamin C and better glucose control when consumed for more than a month. Ascorbic acid has antioxidant potential and participates in maintaining immune system functioning. Research shows that vitamin C can reduce anxiety levels but doesn’t impact stress or depression.
 
Vitamin K: Consumption of vitamin K is related to insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, and in turn, is said to have an impact on diabetes.
 
Vitamin D: There are numerous controversies surrounding the effect of vitamin D on diabetes. Some studies show that lack of this vitamin is linked to insulin resistance, release of insulin hormone, and increased risk of diabetes. But, on the contrary, consumption of vitamin D doesn’t seem to prevent diabetes or maintain blood sugar levels. But, there are evidences linking vitamin D and obesity, a serious risk factor for diabetes.
 
The Bottomline
 
Vitamins do impact diabetes, playing a role in its complications but there are no conclusive or concrete evidences suggesting the intake of any vitamin for those with diabetes. Only when you truly suffer from any vitamin deficiency it is recommended to consume supplements after consulting a physician. Your body might show certain signs or symptoms of any vitamin deficiency but to know for sure, it is advised to go for a blood routine. But, there are some supplements that can elevate the effect of diabetes medications even causing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia depending on the supplement consumed.