5 Helpful Nutrients for Diabetics

Diabetes is a disease in which your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. You get blood sugar from the foods you eat, but a hormone called insulin usually helps you turn your blood sugar into energy for your cells.

However, with type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. And, in the more common type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin well and eventually loses the ability to make insulin at all. Without enough insulin, your blood sugar stays in your blood.

Over time, too much sugar in your blood can damage your eyes, kidneys and nerves. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke, and even the need to remove a limb.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include fatigue, thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, and frequent urination. But some people have no symptoms and must take a blood test to determine whether they have diabetes. Exercise, weight control and sticking to your meal plan are important ways to control your diabetes. The following nutrients can help. You should also monitor your blood sugar level and take medicine if your doctor prescribes it.

Here are 5 Helpful Nutrients for Diabetics:

1. BIOTIN

What it does? It helps digest fats and carbohydrates as well as regulates blood sugar.
Food source - eggs, milk, peanut butter


2. CHROMIUM

What it does? Helps insulin move glucose from your blood into cells.
Food source - romaine lettuce, milk, mushrooms

3. FIBER

What it does? Slows conversion of carbohydrates to glucose to avoid blood sugar spikes.
Food source - oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, black beans

4. MAGNESIUM

What it does? Helps prevent insulin resistance
Food source - avocados, wheat bran, black beans

5. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

What it does? Prevent insulin resistance
Food source - salmon, flaxseed