Niacin
High levels-several grams per day-of niacin, a form of vitamin B3, impair glucose tolerance. So, avoid it if you are diabetic. Smaller amounts (500-750 mg per day for one month followed by 250 mg per day) of niacin may help some people with Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM).
Chromium
As a key constituent of the 'glucose tolerance factor,' chromium is a critical nutrient in diabetes. Supplementation in the form of chromium chloride (200 micro g daily) or high-chromium-containing brewer's yeast (9 g a day) has been demonstrated to decrease fasting glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance, lower insulin levels and decrease total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while increasing HDL-cholesterol levels.
Double-blind research shows that chromium supplements improve glucose tolerance in people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, apparently by increasing sensitivity to insulin. Chromium improves the processing of glucose in people with pre-diabetic glucose intolerance and in women with diabetes associated with pregnancy.
The typical amount of chromium used in research trials is 200 mcg per day. Some doctors recommend up to 1,000 mcg per day of Chromium for diabetics. Niacin administered at relatively low levels (100 mg) along with 200 mcg of chromium has been shown to be more effective than chromium alone. Exercise increases tissue chromium concentrations.
Manganese
Manganese is an important cofactor in the key enzymes of glucose metabolism. A deficiency of manganese was found to result in diabetes in guinea pigs. It also resulted in the frequent birth of offspring who develop pancreatic abnormalities or no pancreas at all. Diabetics have been shown to have only one-half the manganese of normal individuals.
Magnesium
Magnesium levels are significantly lowered in diabetics, and lowest in those with severe retinopathy. Studies suggest that a deficiency in magnesium may worsen the blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes. Scientists believe that a deficiency of magnesium interrupts insulin secretion in the pancreas and increases insulin resistance in the body's tissues. Studies suggest that a deficiency in magnesium may worsen the blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes. Scientists believe that a deficiency of magnesium interrupts insulin secretion in the pancreas and increases insulin resistance in the body's tissues.
Supplementation with magnesium leads to improved insulin production in elderly people with Type 2 diabetes. Elders without diabetes may also produce more insulin as a result of magnesium supplements. Insulin requirements are lower in people with Type 1 diabetes who supplement with magnesium.
Diabetes-induced damage to the eyes is more likely to occur to magnesium-deficient people with Type 1 diabetes (IDDM). In pregnant women with IDDM who are magnesium deficient, the lack of magnesium may even account for the high rate of spontaneous abortion and birth defects associated with IDDM. Low magnesium levels appear to be a significant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary artery spasm.
Many doctors of natural medicine recommend that diabetics with normal kidney function supplement with 300-400 mg of magnesium per day.