Jaine Kirtley Bay Naturopath www.baynaturopath.co.nz

Diabetes is so widespread that everyone knows someone who is affected or is likely to become affected. This week started with World Diabetes Day urging everyone to ‘promote action to prevent or delay the complications of diabetes'.

In previous articles I have discussed diabetes, the foods to include or avoid, and the importance of exercise. Here we look at recent research showing why diabetics may need more B vitamins.

Getting diet right is vital. Trying to tempt anybody who has diabetes with foods that damage them is like tempting someone with cancer to smoke cigarettes.

Most people have Type 2 diabetes, mainly caused by poor diet and lifestyle. Those who already have Type 2 diabetes can delay or prevent the problems it causes, such as loss of sight, loss of limbs and an early death.

Less is known about why Type 1 diabetes occurs. It is harder to maintain stable blood sugar levels, even with insulin; but the body can be supported with nutrients to decrease the risk of further problems caused by diabetes.

Research studies show that people with diabetes have a high need for B vitamins. Some of this research is related to homocysteine. Too much homocysteine (an amino acid) in the blood has been linked with many chronic diseases.

Homocysteine levels are likely to be elevated in all diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are frequently high. Too much homocysteine increases the risk of developing cardiovascular complications of diabetes, leading to loss of limbs and sight. Another sometimes fatal complication of diabetes is kidney damage. Diabetics with kidney damage are likely to have high homocysteine levels and low vitamin B12 levels. Supplements of folic acid and Vitamin B12, vitamin B6 have been shown to decrease homocysteine in diabetics. This in turn decreases the risk of cardiovascular problems and kidney problems. Interestingly, either folic acid, or Vitamin B12 alone or taken together can reduce homocysteine levels.

When people with Type 2 diabetes cannot, (or will not) maintain stable blood sugar levels with changes to their diet, they are often prescribed Metformin to help stabilise blood sugar levels. Anyone taking Metformin should be aware of recent research showing it depletes the body of Vitamin B12 and possibly folic acid.

Research studies suggest using supplements of Vitamin B12 and folic acid to remedy the depletion rather than not taking the drug. I recommend the Entire Katoa Food State range for the optimum absorption, low dose and low toxicity. The most recent clinical trial calls for regular testing of Vitamin B12 levels for anyone taking Metformin.

Other important nutrients that research shows can help people with diabetes, or who are at risk of diabetes, include GTF Chromium Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc and beta-carotene. To read more about these nutrients and the foods important for people with diabetes – or references to this article, visit my website.

Jaine Kirtley MRN RN Reg. Nurse Reg. Naturopath practises in Papamoa. Phone 07 542 1364, email jaine@baynaturopath.co.nz or visit www.baynaturopath.co.nz