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Type 1 diabetics will need to be on insulin therapy for life, although the supplements mentioned in this section may help offset some of the complications caused by diabetes (e.g., reduced antioxidant capacity and glycation) as well enhance glucose metabolism. Type 2 diabetics can counteract the progression of their disease by improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing glucose metabolism, and attempting to mitigate the complications of diabetes.
Several preclinical studies evaluated vitamin C’s role during mild oxidative stress. The aqueous humor of the eye provides surrounding tissues with a source of vitamin C. Since animal studies have shown that glucose inhibits vitamin C uptake, this protective mechanism may be impaired in diabetes (Corti A et al 2004). Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins C and E plays an important role in improving eye health (Peponis V et al 2004). High vitamin C intake depresses glycation, which has important implications for slowing diabetes progression and aging (Krone CA et al 2004).
Vitamin C also has a role in reducing the risk of other diabetic complications. In one clinical study, vitamin C significantly increased blood flow and decreased inflammation in patients with both diabetes and coronary artery disease (Antoniades C et al 2004). Three studies suggest that vitamin C, along with a combination of vitamins and minerals (Farvid MS et al 2004), reduces blood pressure in people with diabetes (Mullan BA et al 2002) and increases blood vessel elasticity and blood flow (Mullan BA et al 2004).
Vitamin E has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (Montonen J et al 2004). One double-blind trial found a reduction in the risk of cardiac autonomic neuropathy, or damage to the nerves that supply the heart, which is a complication of diabetes (Manzella D et al 2001). Additional evidence documented benefits for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (Tutuncu NB et al 1998), blood sugar control (Kahler W et al 1993; Paolisso G et al 1993a,b, Paolisso G et al 1994), and cataract prevention (Paolisso G et al 1993a,b; Paolisso G et al 1994; Seddon JM et al 1994). In addition, vitamin E enhances sensitivity to insulin in type 2 diabetics (Paolisso G et al 1993a,b).
http://www.lef.org/protocols/
metabolic_health/diabetes_01.htm |
For the past 30 years, the Life Extension Foundation® has stated that the most important step one can take to prevent disease cannot be found in a bottle of pills. The true cornerstone of any preventive health care program is annual blood screening. Proactive blood screening can help you greatly reduce your risk of disorders such as heart and kidney disease, stroke, liver conditions, anemia, and diabetes. The comprehensive “snapshot” of your current state of health that these blood tests provide can help you catch potential problems in their early stages when they can be treated most effectively.
During our annual Blood Test Super Sale, members are able to request their own blood tests and pay only a fraction of the price charged by commercial laboratories.
As a Life Extension member, until June 7, 2010, you can obtain the comprehensive Male or Female Blood Test Panels for just $199 during our annual Blood Test Super Sale. It now includes an important thyroid function screening test (TSH) that gives you and your physician a more comprehensive look at your risk of disease.
To help ensure that you lose that extra weight, add a Free T3 and Free T4 Blood test to the Male or Female Panel for just $36. Turn this blood panel into a highly effective tool that can assist you in determining how best to reach your weight loss goals.
Offer good until June 7, 2010.
No substitutions allowed.
*Discounted prices apply to members only.
http://www.lef.org/Blood/ |