Controlling Diabetes

Nutrients lowered chances of type 2 and complications in type 1 diabetes

Doctors in a type 2 diabetes study measured the diets of 38,094 men and women aged 20 to 70 and followed up for 10 years. Researchers found that those who consumed more vitamin K1 were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, and for vitamin K2, each 10 mcg increase per day lowered chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 7 percent.

In another type 2 diabetes study, researchers measured antioxidant levels in the diets of 1,018 men and women, aged 38 to 52, some of whom did not have diabetes, some of whom were pre-diabetic with elevated fasting blood sugar levels, and some with type 2 diabetes. In all three groups, as antioxidants in the diet increased, average blood sugar levels decreased.

Differences in age, sex, or amount of physical activity did not change the results, although antioxidants did not change blood sugar levels in those who were obese. Doctors believe that antioxidants can lower the oxidative stress that promotes diabetes and may help pancreatic cells produce insulin.

In a type 1 diabetes study, doctors said a complication of the disorder is that, over time, chronic high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing kidney function. Researchers measured the diets of 1,436 people with type 1 diabetes and followed up for 6.5 years.

By the end of the study, scientists found that those who consumed the most omega-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic (EPA and DHA) acids per day had better kidney function compared to those who consumed the least omega-3 fatty acids.

Reference: Diabetes Care; 2010, Vol. 33, No.8, 1699-705

Republished from Van’s Health Foods’ November 2010 Newsletter

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