What Were The Results
For the 27 participants who completed the study, post-meal blood sugar levels were significantly lower following 4 months of vitamin C supplementation compared with 4 months of placebo treatment.
After taking vitamin C supplements, participants also had fewer hours per day with hyperglycaemia or post-meal hyperglycaemia, and had lower blood pressure.
Vitamin C Supplementation Dosage & Side Effects
Vitamin C supplements come in various forms ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate and a combination of any of these forms.
Ascorbic acid is the preferred form of vitamin C, as it is inexpensive and has the same absorption capability as the naturally occurring vitamin C in foods.
You can purchase vitamin C supplements in tablet, powder and liquid form.
Are vitamin C supplements safe?
Overall vitamin C supplements are considered safe.
Consuming 30 to 100 mg/ day supplemented vitamin C results in a steady increase in blood levels of vitamin C. At 200 mg/ day, complete absorption is generally achieved. Once saturation of tissues is achieved, any vitamin C your body doesnt utilize is excreted in urine.
Interestingly, studies indicate vitamin C supplements reduce risk of fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease in people with diabetes. However, other studies suggest levels equivalent to, or over 300 mg/d are associated with the potential for an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
With this in mind, sticking to around 200 mg/ day is probably best practice.
One side effect of increasing vitamin C rapidly can be diarrhea. Its often temporary but something to be aware of initially.
So the message here is: eat plenty of fresh produce to get your daily dose of vitamin C, even if you do intend on supplementing.
Vitamin C May Lower Blood Pressure Sugar Levels In Diabetics
Taking vitamin C supplements can help diabetics by lowering elevated blood sugar levels throughout the day, a study has found.
The research, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, also found that vitamin C lowered blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes, suggesting benefits for heart health too.
According to Glenn Wadley from Deakin University in Australia, the results may help millions currently living with the health condition.
We found that participants had a significant 36% drop in the blood sugar spike after meals. This also meant that they spent almost three hours less per day living in a state of hyperglycaemia, Wadley said.
This is extremely positive news as hyperglycaemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people living with type 2 diabetes, he said.
We also found that the proportion of people with hypertension halved after taking the vitamin C capsules, with both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels dropping significantly, Wadley added.
The dose of vitamin C used in the study was about 10 times the normal dietary intake and readily available from most health food stores, researchers said.
Vitamin Cs antioxidant properties can help counteract the high levels of free radicals found in people with diabetes, and its encouraging to see this benefits a number of the diseases common comorbidities, such as high blood pressure, he said.
Follow more stories on and
Also Check: Is Keto Diet Safe For Type 1 Diabetes
Vitamin C As An Antioxidant
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. The role of antioxidants in the body is to neutralize and control free radicals cells that cause damage and increase the likelihood of diabetic complications.
Antioxidants can help prevent and repair free radical damage caused by oxidative stress, which in turn improves insulin secretion and glycemic control.
Antioxidants found in whole fruits and vegetables, including vitamin C, can help preventdiabetes complications.
However, there islittle evidence to support that antioxidant supplements have the same effect. Most likely because vitamin C works as part of an elaborate network of antioxidants all working synergistically together to exert their benefits.
> > > Best Diabetes Solution Available
Type 2 diabetes causes the body to become resistant to the hormone insulin. This hormone unlocks cells. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. While both types of the disease can cause problems, you can minimize the impact by following healthy eating and being physically active. The sooner you know more about diabetes, the better prepared you will be to deal with it. Once you know more about the disease, youll be better prepared for treatment.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that causes the body to produce too much insulin. It is also known as type 2 diabetes. If you have type 1, you can control your blood glucose levels by eating a balanced diet. If you have type 2 diabetes, you can even prevent it by adopting healthy lifestyle habits and modifying your diet. Its important to seek information that can help you be your own health advocate. There are many different types of diabetes, so its important to learn as much as you can about the condition.
Don’t Miss: How To Lower Blood Sugar Immediately Without Insulin
> > > Discover The 1 Green Veggie That Worsens Diabetes Type 2 Symptoms
Diabetes can be managed through oral medications. In addition to insulin, metformin, which is a sugar-reducing agent, is also a common treatment for diabetes. It is considered a first-line therapy for diabetes treatment and is often added to insulin. It is important to know the risks of taking diabetes medications. Some drugs can be addictive, so you must consult your doctor before taking any medication. Your physician can prescribe you an appropriate treatment plan based on your medical history.
Your doctor will prescribe medication and check your blood glucose levels on a regular basis. Your A1c level will be checked every six months and your cholesterol levels will be tested regularly. Your doctor will also look for any signs of retinopathy, which is damage to the nerves in the eye caused by diabetes. You will also be examined for any foot problems. It is important to see a foot specialist regularly. Your feet should be thoroughly inspected for damage to the nerves.
While the first two types of insulin are the most common treatments, diabetes can be treated in a variety of ways. Your doctor may prescribe medications to control high blood pressure, which can protect the kidneys. Other types of medication include aspirin and other types of anti-platelet drugs. If your doctor is concerned about your blood sugar level, you may need to try a different medication. Some medications can cause side effects. Your treatment will depend on what type of insulin you need.
Wheatgrass Contains Antioxidants Like Glutathione And Vitamin C In Abundance
Wheatgrass is known to be a super food and contains many nutrients and antioxidants. It is prepared from the freshly sprouted leaves of the wheat plant Triticum aestivum. Wheatgrass is widely preferred in the world of natural health. According to Medical News Today, wheatgrass is rich in minerals, proteins, and enzymes and has several health-related benefits. It also boosts immunity levels.
Wheatgrass is rich in antioxidants and nutrients:
Wheatgrass contains antioxidants like glutathione and vitamin C in abundance. Antioxidants are compounds that prevent cell damage. It also reduces oxidative stress. Studies have shown that wheatgrass contains vitamin A, E, iron and magnesium. It also contains calcium and amino acids.
Reduces cholesterol:
Some amount of cholesterol is required for making hormones. The problem arises when its quantity exceeds a particular limit. Too much cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart-related problems. Studies have shown that people, who consumed wheatgrass juice, experienced a decreasing level of cholesterol.
Reduces stomach-related problems:
Wheatgrass helps in balancing the pH levels of the stomach. A pH level of 7.0-7.4 is ideal for a human being. Wheatgrass reduces acidity in the blood and helps maintain a good alkaline ratio. It eventually reduces a lot of gastrointestinal problems like constipation, ulcers, ulcerative colitis and diarrhoea.
Treats Type 2 Diabetes:
Also Check: Insulin Pen Cost Without Insurance
Data Searches And Sources
A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs was undertaken, targeting effects of oral vitamin C supplementation on primary outcomes of glycemic control , blood lipids , and BP . Secondary outcomes were postprandial glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA of insulin resistance , clamp insulin sensitivity, and oxidative stress markers. Databases searched were Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, and MEDLINE-PubMed. Clinical trial registries were also searched for additional completed studies. Searches were not limited to English-language records. Database and registry searches were conducted three times from 5 September 2019 to 8 September 2020. Specific search strategies used are outlined in Supplementary Table 1.
Can Vitamin C Help Type 2 Diabetes
Could vitamin C help people with type 2 diabetes? A small study suggests it might, but there’s more to the story. Find out more.
Vitamin C could help those with type 2 diabetes, multiple media reports suggest but as always, theres more to the story.
The media reports are based on a recent but very small study which was led by researchers from Deakin University and published in the journal, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
The study found that people with type 2 diabetes who took a vitamin C supplement for 4 months had lower post-meal blood sugar levels, compared with those taking a placebo for the same length of time.
Also Check: How Can Diabetes Be Managed
What Is Vitamin C
Vitamin C, which is also called ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient found in certain foods, especially some fruits and vegetables. Water-soluble means that the vitamin dissolves in water. Vitamin C and B vitamins are carried to the bodys tissues, but theyre not stored in the body, unlike fat-soluble vitamins.
Because the body doesnt store vitamin C, we need to consume foods or supplements that contain this vitamin every day.
Vitamin C & Diabetes Prevention
Multiple studies have linked optimal vitamin C status with better insulin sensitivity and lower A1C . But can taking vitamin C supplements help prevent diabetes?
Although obesity, inactivity, and poor diet are much more heavily weighted risk factors for diabetes, supplemental vitamin C may offer some protectionparticularly if your intake of this important antioxidant is low.
In a population study published in Diabetes Care, 232,000 older participants who took vitamin C daily were 9% less likely to develop diabetes, compared to people who didnt use supplements.
You May Like: Men’s Insulin Pump Underwear
Vitamin C And Diabetes
05/18/2020 | 9 min. read
Dr. Julian Whitaker
What benefits come to mind when you think of vitamin C? Colds and flu, most likelyimmune support is vitamin Cs main claim to fame. You may have heard of its benefits for the eyes and skin, since this vitamin is one of the key nutrients in many vision supplements and skincare products.
Diabetes, however, rarely comes up. Yet, vitamin C is an essential nutrient for both the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its many complications.
Vitamins And Diabetes: Whats Recommended
People who live with diabetes have special dietary requirements, but what is often overlooked is the need to supplement ones diet with vitamins and minerals.
Unfortunately, there is very little evidence if certain vitamins and minerals affect ones diabetes, if at all.
Regardless, there are certain nutrients that people with diabetes need to pay special attention to, making sure that they are getting them regularly. This article will outline what vitamins are recommended for people with diabetes and ways to make sure youre getting them regularly.
You May Like: Are Green Beans Good For Diabetics
Dietary Vitamin C Intake Reduces The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes In Chinese Adults: Homa
- Chunling Zhou ,
Contributed equally to this work with: Chunling Zhou, Lixin Na
Affiliations Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, the National Key Discipline, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China, The Second afflicted Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Lixin Na ,
Contributed equally to this work with: Chunling Zhou, Lixin Na
Affiliation Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, the National Key Discipline, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
-
Affiliation Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, the National Key Discipline, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
-
Affiliation Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, the National Key Discipline, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
-
Affiliation Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, the National Key Discipline, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
-
* E-mail:
Affiliation Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, the National Key Discipline, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
Effects Of Vitamin C Supplementation On Glycemic Control And Cardiovascular Risk Factors In People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Grade
Diabetes Care
Shaun A. Mason, Michelle A. Keske, Glenn D. Wadley Effects of Vitamin C Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People With Type 2 Diabetes: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Diabetes Care 1 February 2021 44 : 618630.
Evidence suggests that vitamin C supplementation could be a potential therapy in type 2 diabetes. However, its effectiveness and evidence quality require further evaluation.
To investigate the efficacy of oral vitamin C supplementation in improving glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and oxidative stress in people with type 2 diabetes.
Databases and clinical trial registries were searched for randomized controlled trials up to 8 September 2020.
Trials in adults with type 2 diabetes were included. Trials were excluded if supplements were not exclusive to vitamin C and if < 2 weeks in duration.
Primary outcomes were HbA1c, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure . Data were extracted for changes in outcomes between vitamin C and control groups. Evidence certainty was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methods.
Studies were predominantly short term with a small number of participants .
You May Like: Mixed Nuts Good For Diabetics
Why Do People With Diabetes Need Certain Vitamins
Its not that people with diabetes dont absorb vitamins well, or have issues with digestion . Vitamins simply help people supplement their diets, especially if they struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables, and vitamins are crucial to living a healthy life if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes.
Its important to always talk to your doctor, who may order blood work, to see if you have any vitamin deficiencies. Working together with your care team, you can choose the best supplementation for you and your lifestyle.
Effect Of Vitamin C On Blood Glucose Serum Lipids & Serum Insulin In Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Abstract BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders that causes micro- and macro-vascular complications. Because of additive effects of hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia for cardiovascular diseases, lipid abnormalities should be evaluated in diabetes. As vitamin C is known for its beneficial effects on serum lipids and glycated haemoglobin , we evaluated the effect of different doses of vitamin C on blood glucose, serum lipids and serum insulin in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A total of 84 patients with type 2 diabetes referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center, Iran, were included in the study. They received randomly either 500 mg or 1000 mg daily of vitamin C for six weeks. Fasting blood sugar , triglyceride , total cholesterol , low and high density lipoprotein , glycated haemoglobin HbA and serum insulin were measured before and after vitamin C consumption and the results were analyzed. RESULTS: A significant decrease in FBS, TG, LDL, HbA1c and serum insulin was seen in the group supplemented with 1000 mg vitamin C. The dose of 500 mg vitamin C, however, did not produce any significant change in any of the parameters studied. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that daily consumption of 1000 mg supplementary vitamin C may be beneficial in decreasing blood glucose and lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes and thus reducing the risk of complications.Continue reading > >
Recommended Reading: Type 2 Diabetes Dry Mouth
Vitamin C Found To Help Type 2
A new study from Deakin University has found that taking 500mg of vitamin C twice daily can help those with type 2 diabetes by lowering elevated blood sugar levels across the day and minimising spikes in blood sugar after meals.
The randomised cross-over study, recently published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, also found vitamin C lowered blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes, suggesting benefits for heart health too.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Glenn Wadley, from Deakins Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, said the results may help the 1.2 million Australians currently living with type 2 diabetes.
We found that participants had a significant 36 per cent drop in the blood sugar spike after meals. This also meant that they spent almost three hours less per day living in a state of hyperglycaemia, Associate Professor Wadley said.
This is extremely positive news as hyperglycaemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people living with type 2 diabetes.
We also found that the proportion of people with hypertension halved after taking the vitamin C capsules, with both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels dropping significantly.
Associate Professor Wadley said the dose of vitamin C used in the study was about 10 times the normal dietary intake and readily available from most health food stores.
This study was funded by a grant awarded by the Diabetes Australia Research Trust.
Why Do Diabetics Need Essential Vitamins
Vitamins are paramount to living a healthy life, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. However, this does not mean that people with diabetes have problems absorbing certain nutrients or other problems such as digestion.
It simply means including all essential vitamin supplements in your diet. And if youre struggling to get the amount of fruits and vegetables you need, this is the way to go.
So, when you understand the need to add vitamins to your diet, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will detail the specifications you need.
Also Check: What Kind Of Insulin Is Tresiba