Such medical conditions require supervision by qualified medical experts. I am not one. So, what follows should be seen as a guide. You might use them in discussions with your medical practitioner.
As you know, Type II diabetes, characterized by the overproduction of insulin and inefficient glucose utilization, is a complex condition and should be attacked from diverse angles. A combination of supplementation, under medical supervision, and exercise (if possible) may help. For many Type II diabetics, suppression of excess insulin and preventing or reducing excess body fat are key concerns. Consider the following:
1) Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). Promotes weight management, helps to improve insulin sensitivity, and supports the reduction of serum glucose levels.
2) Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) support the maintenance of cell-membrane integrity. This allows the cell membranes to maintain more insulin receptors that can respond to insulin. EPA can help reduce abdominal fat and promote better glucose disposal.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid that has been shown to have several cool benefits. One of the most important in terms of insulin management is that GLA supports the secretion of a molecule, prostacylin, that helps make blood cells more flexible, heals capillaries, and maintains the stability of nerves. In diabetics, prostacylin levels are usually very low, making red blood cells rigid.
3) Alpha lipoic acid (ALA). The advanced form, Na-RALA, can also be supplemented. A universal antioxidant (boosts and regenerates vitamins C and E, glutathione and CoQ10) that penetrates and protects both lipid-soluble and water-soluble cells, alpha lipoic acid helps increase the capacity of the body to burn glucose (via enhanced mitichondrial activity) and improve insulin sensitivity. This is an important event in diabetics. The better glucose is used, the lower the serum levels get; and the more glucose is burned, the less insulin the body will need to secrete. ALA disposes glucose into cells independent of insulin levels (via GLUT-4 activation). Furthermore, ALA seems to protect against not only diabetics-induced damage (elevated serum glucose levels), but also diabetics-inducing damage (free-radical oxidation and destructive effects of so-called advanced glycated end products). Chronic supplementation of ALA can interfere with the actions of biotin, so it might help to increase biotin intake. Biotin, by the way, also facilitates the absorption of macronutrients and shows benefits in diabetic neuropathy.
4) Powerful glucose-disposal agents such as banaba extract, Gymnema Sylvestre, and Phellodendron HCL that act via selective activation of GLUT-4 cells. Anabolic Pump/P-Slin contain potent concentrations of these compounds.
5) Glycation inhibitors. Glycation refers to the binding of a protein molecule to a glucose molecule to produce damaged, non-functioning structures. This can be identified in diabetic conditions. Potent glycation inhibitors include vitamin C, aminoguanidine, chromium, and carnosine. Chromium is important in glucose modulation, helps lower insulin resistance, and is involved in fat synthesis.Carnosine is a multi-functional dipeptide made up of beta alanine and l-histidine. Carnosine levels are better raised via beta-alanine intake.
6) Carnitine. Also helps in glucose modulation, helps increase insulin sensitivity, support glucose and fat synthesis, and fights diabetic neuropathy. One manifestation of neuropathy is the accumulation of alcohol in nerve cells. Low carnitine levels in diabetics is associated with cataract formation and cardiomyopathy.
7) CoQ10. Potent lipid-soluble antioxidant that enhances the function of beta cells and promotes glycemic control. Prefer the advanced form, ubiquinol.
8) N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC). Beta-cell protecting antioxidant, an important factor in management of a diabetic condition. Be sure to take two times as much vitamin C to prevent NAC oxidation.
9) Silymarin. Powerful compound for improving liver function. Also doubles as antioxidant and is involved in glucose metabolism. Prefer the active ingredients, silibinin and isosilybin.
10) Other compounds include magnesium, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
11) Exercise. This is important in Type II diabetics. Frequent/regular exercise triggers a greater expression of GLUT-4 glucose transporters, leading to lowered blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity.
12) Stress control is also important.
I hope this helps somewhat. All the best! :thumbsup:
