Recommendations
Rationale
Notes
Multivitamin/multimineral
To cover all the bases, supplement daily with a good multivitamin/multimineral such as a multiple specifically designed for diabetics.
Improves insulin function. Medications to control blood sugar may need to be adjusted and even eliminated when taking supplements.
Choose a multivitamin/multimineral that includes at least 15-25 mg zinc.
Chromium picolinate
200-400 mcg/day
Works as a preventive dose to improve insulin function.
Up to 1,000 mcg/day to help reverse Type II diabetes.
A balanced antioxidant formula
Find one that includes 400 IU natural vitamin E and 200 mcg selenium.
Quenches excess free radicals and protects against heart disease.
Also take supplemental vitamin C so your intake is at least 500-1,000 mg/day.
Magnesium
400-600 mg in divided doses/day
Improves insulin response and action.
The consumption of alcohol can increase the need for magnesium.
Add alpha-lipoic acid,
a fat-soluble and water-soluble antioxidant. 50-100 mg as a preventive dose
Improves blood sugar and insulin levels.
For diabetics, especially those with diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain, tingling or loss of sensation), take up to 600 mg/day, along with 400 mg gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
