Supplements
Vitamin C is needed by the body for various essential functions and for a healthy immune system. Among its various benefits, the vitamin is beneficial for preventing diabetes and helping diabetics in coping up with the illness.
According to a study, people who consume food rich in Vitamin C have a 22% lower risk of developing diabetes as compared to those who didn’t. And those with adequate level of the vitamin in their blood have a 62% lower risk of diabetes.
In diabetes, the cells and DNA get damaged by free radicals. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent this damage.
According to a new research published by The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, intake of a combination of insulin and Vitamin C may prevent diabetes-induced blood vessel damage, or endothelial dysfunction. Cells have memory, allowing damage to continue even after blood glucose has been brought within the target range. But this vitamin erases this memory of the cell and restores the functioning of the cell. This halt helps prevent complications of the heart, kidneys and eyes.
Diabetes produces greater levels of oxidative stress in the body. Therefore, patients with diabetes type 2 are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and stress. This has an adverse effect on neurotransmitters, which are needed for many vital functions of the body. This damage is controlled by the consumption of Vitamin C as it can reduce cortisol in stressful situations. Cortisol is the hormone, which is released during stressful situations.
All of these benefits make Vitamin C one of the essential vitamins for diabetics. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lemons, red bell peppers and strawberries are some good sources of this vitamin for the body.
http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/414394
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24511708
http://townsendletter.com/FebMarch2010/vitc0210.html