According to the CDC’s National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2014, “29.1 million people or 9.3% of  the U.S. population have diabetes.”  Also, almost 30% of people with diabetes are undiagnosed!  These stats make the following information from the Natural Insights for Well Being even more timely.*

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Nutrients reduce chances of, and inflammation in, type 2 diabetes

Calcium in African-American children

Good levels of calcium can lower chances for developing type 2 diabetes by decreasing body mass and body fat, and many African-American children do not get enough calcium, doctors said. In this study, doctors measured calcium in the diets of 142 African-American children, aged 5 to 9, who also had a genetic tendency toward type 2 diabetes.

Children with the gene traits linked to type 2 diabetes who consumed higher amounts of calcium had much lower body mass index scores and percentage of body fat compared to similar children who got less calcium.

Body mass and percentage of body fat can predict chances of type 2 diabetes in young people, and this study could lead to a more personalized approach to preventing diabetes, doctors said, continuing, “The earlier you can identify a person’s risk factors, the better the opportunity to prevent, or at least delay, full-blown disease.”

Reference: The FASEB Journal; 2014, Vol. 28, No. 1, Supplement 767.11

Ginger lowered inflammation

In type 2 diabetes, chronic high blood sugar levels lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, raising chances for complications such as heart attack or stroke.

In this study, 64 people with type 2 diabetes took a 1,000 mg ginger tablet twice per day, or a placebo. After two months, while there were no changes for placebo, the ginger group had much lower levels of several types of inflammation linked to diabetic complications.

Doctors said there were few side effects, and ginger may be a good and safe remedy to reduce chances of diabetic complications.

Reference: Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin; 2013, Vol. 3, No. 2, 273-6

Vitamin E reduced pain in diabetic neuropathy

Quality of life improved

In diabetes, long-term elevated blood sugar levels can damage nerves and small blood vessels. The condition, called neuropathy, may cause pain and a loss of feeling, usually starting in the toes and feet, and can lead to complications. Prior studies found antioxidants like vitamin E could help control neuropathy.

In this study, 92 people with diabetic neuropathy continued to take standard pain and blood sugar medications, with or without 400 IU of vitamin E per day. After 12 weeks, random blood sugar levels had declined nearly three times more for those taking vitamin E than for placebo. For neuropathic pain, while there was no effect in those younger than 50, those over age 50 in the vitamin E group had twice the pain relief as placebo.

Discussing their findings, doctors said that while there is no cure for neuropathy, vitamin E may help ease pain and improve quality of life.

Reference: Pharmacological Reports; 2014, Vol. 66, No. 1, 44-8

Betsy’s Note: Ginger and vitamin E thin blood.  All the supplements in these articles may be contraindicated with certain medications.  It is always a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition and/or take prescription medications.  This article is meant for educational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Consult your healthcare provider.

Articles copyright Natural Insights for Well Being 2014.  All rights reserved.  Used with permission.

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*Reference:  http://ndep.nih.gov/diabetes-facts/index.aspx