Water-soluble vitamin C has been studied therapeutically in type 2 diabetics. Its role in both the prevention and treatment of conditions that are potentially modifiable by lifestyle and dietary changes, such as type 2 diabetes, will be discussed in the article. Furthermore, foods rich in vitamin C may also be rich in additional nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and dietary fibre, that may have additional benefits of vitamin C for diabetes.
Can vitamin C reduce blood sugar?
While evidence from short-term studies suggests that vitamin C supplementation may improve glycaemic control and BP in people with type 2 diabetes. There is no solid study if vitamin C supplementation can be a possible therapy, until larger, long-term, and high-quality trials confirm these findings.
The formation of blood vessels, muscle, cartilage, and collagen in bones all depend on vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, as one of the components. It is also vital for your body’s healing process. The body stores and absorbs iron with the help of vitamin C. It is a vitamin with antioxidant properties that helps in shielding your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Although there is little well-controlled research in this field, diabetics may benefit equally from regular, dietary doses of vitamin C.
Vitamin C supplementation can reduce some markers of oxidative stress, improve insulin resistance, and improve glycaemic outcomes in people with diabetes. Vitamin C supplementation might be an effective adjunctive therapy for diabetes. Research indicates that vitamin C has mixed effects on blood lipids and endothelial function, but beneficial effects on blood pressure and glycaemic control may be clinically significant. The positive effects of vitamin C supplementation on diabetes complications, particularly diabetic foot ulcers, are also observed.
What are the sources of vitamin C?
A wide variety of fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, kiwi fruit, blackcurrants, strawberries, and guava are some of these fruits. Vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, cooked kale, Brussels sprouts, and Chinese cabbage, will also provide you with vitamin C.
The amount of vitamin C in fruits and vegetables varies and contingent upon the season, transportation, shelf life, and storage time. Eating fruits and vegetables fresh is ideal since cutting, bruising, cooking, heating, or exposure to certain materials can destroy or reduce the amount of vitamin C in some foods.
You must obtain vitamin C from your diet because your body is unable to make it. It is also available as an oral supplement, typically in the form of capsules and chewable tablets.
Most people with type 2 diabetes will also need oral prescription medicines, and many will eventually require insulin. Effective management of type 2 diabetes is necessary to avoid complications. We advise speaking with your doctor or a diabetes educator if you’re considering taking a vitamin C supplement or any other new medication, including alternative therapies.
Is there any risk to diabetics from consuming vitamin C?
Because of its low toxicity, vitamin C is not thought to have any significant negative effects. But in some cases, kidney stones can sometimes result from oral vitamin C supplements, particularly when taken in large amounts. Long-term use of oral vitamin C supplements is not recommendable (not over 2,000 milligrams a day) as it increases the risk of significant side effects.
Consult your doctor if you are taking vitamin C supplements before having any medical tests. It’s important to note that high levels of vitamin C might interfere with the results of certain tests, such as stool tests for occult blood or glucose screening tests.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
