Diabetiks- Nutritional Diabetic Supplement

"Diabetiks, the First FDA Permitted Multivitamin Supplement for Diabetics"

The Green Turtle Bay Vitamin Co., Inc. introduces: DIABETIKS is a dietary supplement specially formulated for the unique needs of diabetics. "Diabetiks is intended to supplement nutrient needs of persons with diabetes, addressing certain nutrient deficiencies found in some diabetics, without affecting the blood sugar or treating diabetes." More nutritional information follows the list of ingredients.  A request for information form is at the bottom of this page.

Diabetiks come in a probiotic base to enhance the absorption of nutrients

frequent urination

blurred vision

itching

nausea

unusual thirst

irritability

slow wound healing

drowsiness especially after eating

rapid weight loss (adult onset diabetes may bring on weight gain)

fatigue

burning, shooting pains or numbness in the feet

Weight loss. For adult onset, type II diabetics, achieving ideal weight can be the most powerful of all diabetes treatments. Diet high in complex carbohydrates and plant fiber (whole grains, beans and produce); low in saturated animal fats and simple sugars (strive for 5 fruit and vegetable servings per day); moderate in protein. Exercise also helps to correct other abnormalities of diabetes metabolism. Consult your doctor for the appropriate intensity. Mental calmness (stress increases blood sugar and creates other metabolic imbalances)

Carbohydrates that raise blood sugar rapidly (high glycemic index) should be eaten in moderation e.g. most breads, flaked or “instant” breakfast cereals, baked potatoes, raisins, watermelon, carrots, yogurt with sugar added.

Safer carbohydrates that cause less of a blood sugar surge (low glycemic index) include pasta, pita bread, boiled potato, grapes, orange, beans, honeydew, cantaloupe, most fruit and vegetables, plain yogurt without sugar added.

Many diabetics do well with the standard low fat high carbohydrate diet. However, a small percent find blood sugar control difficult unless they also restrict carbohydrates, especially those with high glycemic index.

Nutrient Helpers:

Vitamin C: Often low in diabetics, most studies show an improvement in blood sugar control with taking vitamin C supplements. Caution: Extra vitamin C can affect the results of urine tests for glucose. It does not alter the blood tests. It helps protect the nerves, glands, joints and connective tissues from oxidation and it aids in the absorption of iron. Some research indicates it strengthens the immune system.

Vitamin E: At 400 IU daily, Vitamin E reduces oxidation stress and decreases the stickiness of blood. At 900 IU, vitamin E has been shown to improve the body’s ability to use glucose and might reduce insulin requirements. Vitamin E may be useful in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and diabetic vascular disease. This antioxidant helps the heart to function and promotes the use of fatty acids.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): In experimental type I, juvenile diabetes, niacinamide, can delay or prevent the development of diabetes. Niacinamide is related to Niacin but does not cause toxic liver damage, high uric acid, flushing or other Niacin-type side-effects.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):  Is important in amino acid metabolism, hemoglobin formation, nerve impulse transmission, and hormone syntheses. B6 is often low in diabetics, especially among those who have nerve damage. Vitamin B6 is important for magnesium metabolism. Some studies show benefit for diabetics taking vitamin B6.

Folic Acid*:  Plays a role in amino acid metabolism and nucleic acid synthesis. Sub-optimal folic acid increases the blood level of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid. High homocysteine is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. (Sub-optimal folic acid is also a risk factor for congenital neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Deficiencies may result in macrocytic anemia and gastrointestinal lesions.

Vitamin B12:  In a Columbia University study of 500 people over age 65, more than 15% had evidence of low B12 as measured by the methyl malonic acid test (MMA). The most common cause is limited stomach acid production. The acid is needed to liberate the B12 so it can be absorbed. People taking acid blocking drugs and strict vegetarians are also at risk.

Biotin*:  May be effective for diabetic nerve damage. It is required in the production of fatty acids and the conversion of food into energy.

Minerals:

Magnesium when low is associated with hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, retinopathy, mineral homeostasis, dyslipidemia and poor glycemic control. Many experts believe that most Americans don’t obtain an optimal amount of magnesium. However, diabetics may have an increased need for magnesium, in part due to increased magnesium loss in the urine. Magnesium maximizes available insulin by stimulating glycogenesis, glycolysis and oxygen utilization. Magnesium is a co-factor in glucose transport and also functions in the release of insulin. Magnesium deficiency

is associated with pancreatic beta cell atrophy and insulin deficiency is associated with magnesium depletion. Magnesium supplementation may help prevent atherosclerosis, the most serious diabetic complication.

Zinc balance in diabetics may be depressed. This decreases cellular immune defenses and increases risk for infection and slow wound healing. In a U.C. Medical Center study, Dr. Robert Walter stated: “Excess free radical production in diabetic patients is a real concern...Zinc monomethionine reduced the production of super oxide (a free radical) in white blood cells, which could prove to be beneficial for diabetics.”

*Manganese levels in diabetics are often low. Manganese is an important cofactor for key enzymes in glycolysis pathways. Deficiency can lead to glucose intolerance which can be reversed with supplementation.

Chromium deficiency causes glucose intolerance. Several controlled studies of elderly type II diabetics show improved glucose tolerance after chromium supplementation. Chromium supplementation may improve diabetic neuropathy if chromium is deficient.

Bioflavonoids:

Bioflavonoids are extremely powerful antioxidants. They may enhance insulin secretion, decrease blood flow resistance, reduce vascular stasis and ischemia and strengthen capillary basement membranes. Bioflavonoids play a crucial role in regenerating vitamin antioxidants once they have been oxidized by contact with free radicals. Two major epidemiological studies show that low bioflavonoid intake is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Different bioflavonoids act at different sites, so a broad based team of bioflavonoids may be advantageous.
Bilberry* (with its anthocyanins and catechins) and Ginkgo Biloba* (source of flavonoids and catechins), are used in Europe as medical antioxidants. They improve microcirculation by stimulating new capillary formation and strengthening capillary walls.

Citrus Bioflavonoids* Increases capillary strength and regulates absorption.

Green Tea Extract* (source of polyphenois and catechins) is an extremely potent source of bioflavonoids.

Huckleberry Leaf* is used by many naturopathic physicians to treat mild diabetes and ailments of the kidney and gallbladder.

Pine Bark Extract-OPC* (source of proanthocyanidins) is a nutrient that crosses the blood-brain barrier to help protect brain and nerve tissue from oxidation. It been shown to strengthen blood vessels.

Amino Acids

L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate* helps transport the nutritional products of fatty acid metabolism across the membrane of mitochondria. This is an essential step in the biochemical pathway that converts fat into energy.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine* is a precursor of glutathione. Glutathione is a crucial antioxidant and also plays a central role in the liver’s ability to detoxify environmental chemicals, alcohol as well as medicines such as acetaminophen. Like bioflavonoids, Glutathione also plays a key role in protecting other antioxidants from oxidation damage.

Taurine* is an amino acid that plays an important role in the action of platelets--the blood particles that initiate clotting. Taurine tends to be low in diabetics, which is an important predisposing factor for increased vulnerability to clotting or “sticky” blood. During a 90 day “double-blind” study taurine supplements reduced the stickiness of the blood of diabetics. The dose was a modest 500 mg three times daily. The 1995 Italian study, conducted by Dr. Franconi found that taurine reversed the abnormal tendency of blood platelets to clot in type II diabetics.

Caution: Multiple blood thinners especially with aspirin could make the blood “too thin.” Your doctor can monitor the “stickiness” with a “bleeding time” test.

Others

Coenzyme Q10*: is an essential co-factor in the energy production of the cell. There is some evidence that Coenzyme Q10 levels are low in diabetics. Other studies have found increased insulin synthesis and secretion with Coenzyme Q10 supplementation. Cholesterol lowering drugs such as Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol substantially reduce blood levels of Coenzyme Q10. Although the clinical significance is uncertain, some experts feel that low Coenzyme Q may contribute to the muscle aches and fatigue that some patients experience as a side-effect of these drugs. Your doctor can check the muscle enzyme, CPK, to detect early muscle damage.

Lipoic Acid* is a powerful antioxidant. Recent studies show improvement in diabetic neuropathy among animals given Lipoic Acid supplements.

*Nutrients that are provided in Diabetiks but are not found (or are typically at too low a dose) in standard multivitamin/mineral preparations.

LIST OF NUTRIENTS contained in DIABETIKS

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Diabetic Associations: