Vitamins for diabetics. Comparison, "chips", selection algorithm

Good day, dear farm. family!

On the topic of diabetes, we have not yet discussed vitamins for diabetics. This is what we will do today.

What's so special about them?

Why do people who take handfuls of pills also need to swallow vitamins?

What, ordinary complexes won’t work?

My friend and colleague Anton Zatrutin, already well known to you from some blog articles, will help us figure out this group.

Thank you, Marina!

Yes, indeed, when talking about diabetes, it would be illogical to ignore vitamins for diabetics. Each pharmacy has 3-4 similar products in its assortment, which every pervostolnik can recommend in combination with blood sugar-lowering medications prescribed by a doctor.

Let's take a closer look at their composition.

What vitamins do diabetics need?

A lack of useful nutrients most often leads to exacerbation of the disease and the development of complications (nephropathy, polyneuropathy, pancreatitis, pancreatic necrosis, retinopathy, etc.). Which vitamins for diabetics to choose? An endocrinologist can advise the best option based on the patient’s tests.

People with insulin-dependent diabetes often face a deficiency of microelements (zinc, selenium, chromium, copper) and macroelements (magnesium, iron, iodine, phosphorus, calcium).

Patients with both types 1 and 2 diabetes often need to separately take a complex of B vitamins - thiamine, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, riboflavin, nicotinic acid. It is best to inject these drugs intramuscularly, since only a quarter of them are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. These vitamins will ensure the normal functioning of the nervous system, help establish a healthy metabolism, and relieve irritability and insomnia.

Essential vitamins and minerals

Vitamin and mineral complexes for type 2 diabetics are developed taking into account the characteristics of the disease. Each drug contains components of primary importance:

• B-group and D-group vitamins;
• antioxidants;
• micro- and macroelements (magnesium, chromium, zinc, calcium).

Timely replenishment of the body with substances from the above list helps maintain vital functions in patients with diabetes.

B vitamins

Representatives of this vitamin group are water soluble. This means that they are rapidly excreted along with urine, and the body needs permanent reinforcement of their reserves. The main function of the B-group is to maintain stable functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) and reduce the negative consequences of distress (frequent or constant neuropsychological tension).

Useful qualities and consequences of deficiency

D-group vitamins

The main vitamins for type 2 diabetes from this group are ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol (D3).

Antioxidants

When a person has diabetes, the work of the compensatory mechanism is aimed at fighting the underlying disease, and there are no reserves left to maintain the health of the immune system. With reduced immunity, the number of free radicals gets out of control.

This leads to the progression of oncological processes, premature aging of the body, and early development of diabetic complications. Antioxidants inhibit the active spread of free radicals, while simultaneously increasing the performance of the immune system.

The main vitamins of this group include: ascorbic acid, retinol, tocopherol.

Ascorbic acid

Valuable qualities of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) for patients with type 2 diabetes:

• strengthening the body's defenses;
• increasing the strength of capillaries and the elasticity of large vessels (arteries and veins);
• activation of epidermal regeneration processes;
• maintaining healthy hair and nails;
• stimulation of the endocrine function of the pancreas;
• regulation of protein synthesis;
• participation in the process of hematopoiesis;
• dissolution of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels, and removal of low-density lipoproteins (“bad cholesterol”);
• increasing bone strength;
• acceleration of choleretic processes.

Vitamin C takes an active part in the processes of fat and carbohydrate metabolism

Retinol acetate

The beneficial properties of retinol (vitamin A) for the body: ensuring healthy vision, accelerating skin restoration processes and preventing hyperkeratosis - thickening the stratum corneum of the epidermis on the feet, with impaired desquamation (exfoliation), improving the condition of the gums and teeth, maintaining the health of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and nasopharynx , eyes and genitals. Vitamin A is necessary for the proper development of cells and tissues of the body.

Tocopherol acetate

Allowed foods for diabetes

The action of tocopherol (vitamin E) is directed:

• to protect the body from infectious diseases;
• strengthening the vascular system and increasing vascular permeability;
• acceleration of blood circulation;
• stabilization of glycemia (sugar level);
• improving visual health and preventing retinopathy;
• enhancing the regenerative properties of the skin;
• activation of the body's intrasecretory abilities;
• increased muscle tone.

Vitamin E helps cope with fatigue and increased fatigue.

Micro- and macroelements for type 2 diabetics

For patients with diabetes, the main micro- and macroelements are zinc, magnesium, calcium, and chromium. These substances support heart function and have a positive effect on the endocrine function of the pancreas to produce insulin.

Despite the healing properties of vitamins and minerals, their uncontrolled intake, instead of the expected benefit, can cause serious harm to the body.

The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of natural insulin in the body, produced by the pancreas. Glucose is the main source of energy for the human body. Due to its lack, malfunctions in the functioning of almost all organs begin. The brain, trying to survive, gives commands to the cells to switch to feeding on subcutaneous fat. The patient is rapidly losing weight and feels terrible - fainting, weakness, pressure surges. As a result, if you do not call an ambulance, death is possible. Fortunately, modern medicine has learned to successfully treat such patients, but they are forced to live on constant insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is typical for people over 45 years of age. Nervous people living in constant stress are at risk. Those who lead an unhealthy lifestyle, who have had an excess of simple carbohydrates and a deficiency of protein in their diet for many years. The pancreas in such people works normally, but the insulin produced is still not enough to process glucose from food.

In both cases, diabetes mellitus negatively affects the entire body as a whole. It hinders the functioning of the heart, nervous system, organs of vision, blood vessels, liver, and kidneys.

Essential vitamins for type 1 diabetics

Due to impaired insulin production, the patient’s body is deprived of many useful substances. Here are the most necessary ones:

• iron;
• selenium;
• zinc;
• magnesium;
• vitamins C, A, E;
• vitamin B complex.

If the patient regularly injects himself with insulin, some of the carbohydrates are absorbed normally. Some vitamins, amino acids, macro- and microelements still “get” to the tissues and cells of a sick person.

Vitamins for type 2 diabetics

You can try to adjust your diet to replenish these substances for as long as you like, but it won’t do any good. The absorption of carbohydrates is irreparably impaired, and even constant injections of insulin can only partially correct the situation. So, in any case, taking vitamins separately for type 2 diabetics is a mandatory part of therapy. The patient can choose a specific drug on the advice of his treating endocrinologist.

Vitamins for type 2 diabetics (names of drugs):

• An excellent product with selenium is Selenium-Active. It helps maintain visual acuity in diabetics and protects the retina from destruction.
• Vitamin C can be purchased both as part of a multi-complex and in the form of simple sweet ascorbic acid (a special one is sold, with a sweetener). It helps strengthen blood vessels, minimizing the risk of thinning.
• Vitamin E - “Tocopherol”. It helps reduce the need for insulin, naturally cleanses the body of toxins and glucose breakdown products, and strengthens the body.
• "Maltofer" and "Sorbifer-Durules" to replenish iron deficiency and prevent the development of anemia.
• “Zincteral” will replenish zinc deficiency and establish normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Benefits of vitamins for diabetes

Magnesium will improve the state of the nervous system and the mental state of the patient. With a regular lack of glucose, the brain suffers. A diabetic is characterized by an eternally depressed state, some hysteria, anhedonia, nervousness, depression, and dysphoria. Magnesium supplements will help smooth out these manifestations and even out the emotional state. In addition, this macronutrient is necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Alpha-lipoic acid, when taken simultaneously with B vitamins, stops the development of diabetic neuropathy and serves as its prevention. In men, this course improves potency.

Chromium picolinate is not sold as a complex, but separately. It is necessary for those patients who cannot pacify their craving for sweets (which are prohibited for people with diabetes). Chromium affects areas of the brain responsible for the production of endorphins. Two to three weeks after the start of treatment, the patient eliminates sweets from his diet - this promotes long-term remission and improved well-being.

Vitamin C strengthens the walls of blood vessels (which is very important for people with both types of disease) and helps prevent diabetic angiopathy.

What is special about lipoic acid?

Lipoic acid for type 2 diabetes can repair nerve damage. Often this type of disease develops into diabetic neuropathy.

Nerve fibers are damaged due to the negative influence of free radicals on them.

When blood sugar levels rise, nerve fibers are damaged much faster. Since lipoic acid is considered an antioxidant, it protects cells from the negative effects of free radicals. This acid also improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels.

Lipoic acid will protect nerve fibers from the action of harmful radicals

In diabetic retinopathy, lipoic acid can reduce damage to the optic nerves. If the body receives enough of this substance, a diabetic can maintain vision.

Vitamins for type 2 diabetes, in particular lipoic acid, must be administered intravenously. The standard dosage is 600 - 1800 mg, it should be gradually reduced. This is enough to increase the regeneration of nerve fibers.

It is important to note that the treatment result can have both long-term and short-term effects. This directly depends on the characteristics of the disease.

The effect of lipoic acid will not last long if the patient takes it in tablet form. In this form, it is practically unable to increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin, and has almost no effect on blood sugar levels. Doctors explain this by the fact that the drug does not last long in the blood, the half-life is approximately 30 minutes. The highest concentration of lipoic acid in the body can be observed 30 - 60 minutes after taking the tablet. The contents of the capsule are quickly absorbed into the blood, but are processed and excreted from the body at the same speed.

After a single dose, the bioavailability of lipoic acid is 30%. It is important to note that with continuous use of the drug for several days, accumulation of the active substance does not occur. When lipoic acid is administered intravenously, the dose acts gradually while the patient lies under a drip. For more information about the effects of acid, see this video:

To reduce neuropathic pain, 300–600 mg of lipoic acid is sufficient. Since this substance accelerates blood flow to the nerves, it can positively affect nerve symptoms of any origin.

The most popular drugs where lipoic acid is the active ingredient include Berlition, Thiolepta, Neurolipok, Espa-Lipon, etc.

Adaptogen extracts for diabetes

These substances were synthesized not so long ago and have not yet become so widespread. Adaptogens are able to increase the body’s resistance to external negative influences (including even increased levels of radiation), and improve immunity.

The ability of plant and artificially synthesized adaptogens (ginseng, eleutherococcus) to lower the concentration of glucose in the blood has already been scientifically proven.

“Dynamizan”, “Revital Ginseng Plus”, “Doppelhertz Ginseng” - all these drugs will help diabetics improve their well-being.

Contraindications to taking adaptogens are hypertension, disorders of the nervous system (increased excitability, irritability, insomnia).

What are the dangers of hypervitaminosis?

Excessive intake of vitamins occurs only when the recommended dosages are exceeded, continuous use for more than six months and in case of impaired renal and liver function.

Signs of an overdose may include:

• vitamin A, liver dysfunction, drowsiness, vomiting, headache, redness of the face, bone pain, in children - increased body temperature, sweating, convulsions;
• B vitamins – insomnia, increased excitability, diarrhea;
• vitamin D – salt deposits in the kidneys, gall bladder, vessel wall, periarticular tissues;
• vitamin E – increased blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, decreased blood clotting.

We recommend reading the article about fruits for diabetes. From it you will learn about which fruits you can eat if you have diabetes, which ones lower blood sugar, and which fruits are strictly forbidden for diabetics.

And here is more information about cherries for diabetes.

Vitamins for diabetics help increase the effectiveness of the main treatment, as they improve carbohydrate metabolism. They also prevent vascular complications and improve the functioning of the nervous system. For children and adult patients, different vitamin and mineral complexes are selected, they are taken in courses with breaks as prescribed by the endocrinologist.

"Doppelherz Active Diabetes"

The drug combines four minerals and ten vitamins. This biologically active dietary supplement helps improve metabolism in patients, making them feel cheerful, have a taste for life, and become active.

Vitamins for diabetics "Doppelherz" can be used to prevent hypovitaminosis. With constant use, it can reduce the risk of complications from the cardiovascular system (due to the presence of magnesium and selenium in the composition).

Reviews about Doppelhertz are positive, except in cases where patients had an allergic reaction to any of the components. Patients noted a decrease in shortness of breath, the appearance of activity and vigor. My mood improved and my performance increased. This is an excellent result for patients with diabetes.

Release form: tablets. Take one piece after meals, once a day. The average duration of use is no more than six months continuously. You can take it for one month, then take a break for a couple of weeks, and then take it again for a month. The cost of the drug at the pharmacy varies from 180 to 380 rubles (depending on the number of tablets available in the package).

How much to take

Vitamins for diabetes are taken in courses of 1-1.5 months with a two-week break. A special need for vitamin preparations arises when the seasons change, after illnesses, operations, or stress.

An increased need also occurs during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and adolescence. In such cases, the doctor may recommend a regimen with 2 months of continuous use, then interrupt the use for 7-10 days and continue for up to 3-4 months (total duration).

Expert opinion

Alena Ariko

Expert in endocrinology

It is very important to understand that a vitamin complex, even of optimal composition, does not give an instant effect. The first results in the form of an increase in the overall tone of the body, physical and mental activity can be expected no earlier than in a month. A good indicator will also be the absence of illness during an epidemic of a viral infection or its rapid and uncomplicated course.

“Guide for diabetes” from “Evalar”

“Guide for diabetes” from the Russian brand “Evalar” - an optimal set of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, C, PP, E, folic acid), microelements (selenium and zinc) in combination with burdock extract, dandelion extract and leaves bean fruit. This dietary supplement performs the following functions:

• compensation for metabolic disorders in both types of diabetes mellitus;
• establishing normal absorption of carbohydrates from food;
• strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
• regulation of metabolism and natural body functions;
• protection against cell attack by free radicals.

You should take one tablet per day. If necessary, it can be combined with mineral complexes - for example, Magne-B6. The cost of "Napravit" is relatively high - about 450 rubles per package of thirty tablets. Therefore, these vitamins for diabetics are prescribed relatively rarely, and there are few reviews on them. But patients who took a course of “Napravita” are generally satisfied: the average score on review sites for this dietary supplement ranges from four to five.

How to determine vitamin deficiency

In order to accurately select the dose of vitamins, blood tests are necessary. They are prescribed and assessed only by an endocrinologist. For diabetes mellitus, it is important to know the level indicators and compare them with the norm:

• vitamin A (retinol) – 0.3-0.8 mcg/ml;
• vitamin B1 (thiamine) – 2.1-4.3 ng/ml;
• vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – 137-370 ng/ml;
• vitamin B3 (niacin) – 3-36 ng/ml;
• vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – 0.2-1.8 mcg/ml;
• vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – 8.7-27.2 ng/ml;
• vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) – 190-663 pg/ml;
• vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – 4-20 mcg/ml;
• vitamin D (hydroxycalciferol) – 30-70 ng/ml;
• vitamin E (tocopherol) – 5-18 mcg/l;
• vitamin K (phylloquinone) – 0.1-2.2 ng/ml;
• folic acid – 7-39.7 nmol/l.

Typical signs of hypovitaminosis - general weakness, drowsiness, fatigue - are not taken into account in diabetes, since they also occur with fluctuations in blood glucose levels.

"Vervag Pharma"

A German remedy for the prevention of the development of hypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiencies, dysfunction of nerves and blood vessels, complications of diabetes mellitus. One tablet contains: carotene, tocopherol, biotin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, cyanocobalamin, folic acid, zinc, chromium.

This is a good complex, but due to the low content of minerals in it, it is recommended to take Selenium-Active, Magne-B6, and Iodomarin in parallel. You can draw up a full course of medications with your treating endocrinologist based on the test results.

"Alphabet Diabetes"

Domestic vitamins that have gained popularity among consumers due to the division of the daily dose into three tablets of different colors. It is recommended to take one tablet in the morning, a different color at lunch, and a third in the evening. Thanks to this separation, beneficial substances do not interfere with the absorption of each other and the benefits of taking them are maximum.

The package contains four blisters, each of which includes three rows of 5 tablets of different colors (blue, pink, white). The average cost of a package is 320 rubles. It lasts for a month of use.

Reviews of vitamins for diabetics “Alphabet” are mostly positive. Endocrinologists often recommend this particular complex, as it contains vitamins, minerals, and even plant extracts. Patients note increased performance and a surge of strength and energy.

White tablets - protect against the development of anemia and give energy.

Blue pills - increase immunity and the body's resistance to external influences, infections, and stress.

Pink tablets include zinc and chromium, which are necessary for the synthesis of insulin and prevent the development of osteoporosis.

The composition also includes succinic and lipoic acids, blueberry extract, lutein, burdock and dandelion root extracts.

To strengthen the heart

Improving cardiac function causes a surge of strength and vigor, significantly improves the quality of life of diabetics. For this purpose, it is recommended to take medications containing coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that participates in reactions that release energy. Most of the coenzyme is found in the cells of the heart muscle. It is also found in the tissues of the liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscles. With a deficiency of Q10, chronic fatigue occurs.

Coenzyme Q10 slightly increases tissue sensitivity to the action of insulin and slows down the onset of diabetes complications.

L-carnitine

L-carnitine is a compound that is responsible for the delivery of fats to the cells of the heart muscle and thereby increases the energy tone of the body. Consuming L-carnitine for diabetes gives strength and helps withstand physical activity. After myocardial infarction or stroke, L-carnitine is prescribed as part of rehabilitation therapy and reduces the likelihood of complications.

Vitamin intake in diabetes may affect dietary and therapeutic recommendations. Therefore, before using any drug, you should consult your doctor. Uncontrolled intake of vitamins in excessive quantities can lead to hypervitaminosis, kidney complications and other negative phenomena.

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"Complivit Diabetes"

Inexpensive and widespread vitamin and mineral complex. Price - about 150 rubles for 30 tablets. Contains a high content of tocopherol and carotene. This name for vitamins for diabetics is familiar to everyone.

But alas, there are not enough minerals in Complivit Diabet - most likely, this is precisely the reason for the low price of this dietary supplement.

On review sites, consumers give this complex low ratings. It’s rare that anyone is satisfied with “Complivit” for all five points. Most consumers want to try other complexes.

If you ask your endocrinologist the question “what vitamins are best for diabetics?” - then he is unlikely to recommend Complivit. Rather, it will be “Alphabet” or “Doppelhertz”.

Drug selection algorithm

For patients with diabetes, vitamin and mineral complexes are recommended, which are specially selected taking into account the increased level of glucose in the blood (for example, Alphabet diabetes).

If complications or concomitant diseases arise, then pay attention to the content of the most important components according to this selection algorithm:

• decreased vision – vitamin A, beta-carotene, lutein, blueberry extract;
• frequent colds - vitamin C and zinc;
• diabetic foot syndrome with impaired sensitivity of the limbs - lipoic acid, B vitamins;
• irregular menstrual cycle, sexual weakness in men – vitamin E, zinc;
• fractures due to minor trauma, osteoporosis - vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus;
• heart pain, high blood pressure, arrhythmia - magnesium, vitamin B1 and B6, E, B12.

Vitamins are chosen without added sugar, registered as medicines, and not dietary supplements, which have undergone clinical studies for the treatment of diabetics (for example, Complivit, Alphabet, Centrum, Vitrum, Supradin).

Group of vitamins B for diabetes mellitus

The benefits of this group are difficult to overestimate. Endocrinologists usually prescribe vitamin B complex intramuscularly. The best vitamins for diabetics (subject to intramuscular administration) are “Milgamma”, “Kombilipen”, “Neuromultivit”.

Reviews confirm that after a course of these drugs, sleep improves, irritability and nervousness go away. The emotional state returns to normal - many patients lack just this effect.

Some patients prefer to save money and inject each vitamin separately - riboflavin, thiamine, cyanocobalamin, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine. As a result, there are a lot of injections per day, which sometimes leads to the development of abscesses in the muscle. So, it’s better to spend money once and buy a high-quality, expensive drug.

"Magne-B6"

Endocrinologists usually prescribe magnesium preparations separately. Most complexes and dietary supplements contain little magnesium. Considering that diabetics usually have problems absorbing this macronutrient, they have to get the right amount from outside.

One Magne-B6 tablet contains 470 mg of magnesium and 5 mg of pyridoxine. This amount is enough to avoid a deficiency in a woman weighing 50 kg. A diabetic is characterized by an eternally depressed state, some hysteria, anhedonia, nervousness, depression, and dysphoria. Magne-B6 will be able to smooth out these manifestations and even out the emotional state. In addition, magnesium is necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

How to recognize hypovitaminosis

The first signs of hypovitaminosis in diabetics:

• weakness, drowsiness;
• decreased performance and attention;
• irritability, mood instability;
• dry skin and pigmentation;
• brittle hair and nail plate.

Expert opinion

Guseva Yulia Alexandrova

Specialized endocrinologist

You cannot wait until a more serious stage of hypovitaminosis develops; it is advisable to immediately start taking micronutrients. Vitamins do not cure diabetes, but vitamins are essential for diabetics.

"Maltofer" and other iron preparations

Anemia is a common companion to diabetes. Manifests itself in apathy, asthenia, weakness, frequent dizziness, and lack of vital activity. If you regularly take external iron, this condition can be avoided.

To check for anemia and iron deficiency, ask your endocrinologist for a ferritin and serum iron test. If the result turns out to be disappointing, take a course of Maltofer or Sorbifer Durules. These are imported drugs aimed at replenishing iron.