What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C and Diabetes. Vitamin C is a water-soluble organic compound commonly found in fruits and vegetables. This vitamin is also known as ascorbic acid, which is necessary for growth and development. It repairs body tissues, heals wounds, and controls infections. It is also a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals and prevents the onset of several diseases.
The body does not produce vitamin C. The best way to extract this compound is by consuming fruits, such as berries, citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes. Besides fruits and vegetables, vitamin C oral supplements are also available. They come as tablets or capsules.
For years, vitamin C has been integral to treating many health conditions, such as cancer, the common cold, and eye problems. However, does it also help manage diabetes? Let us find out the answer.
How does vitamin C manage diabetes?
- Research suggests that vitamin C helps people with type 2 diabetes by reducing blood sugar spikes and balancing blood glucose levels.
- The antioxidant properties in vitamin C help eliminate high levels of free radicals that commonly affect people with diabetes mellitus. This process also prevents the onset of diabetes-related complications, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
- Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it can ward off oxidative stress that causes hyperglycemia and disrupted metabolism – a typical Type 2 diabetes concern.
- A few studies have concluded that vitamin C supplements can reduce fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HbA1c, diastolic blood pressure, and lipid oxidation marker in type 2 diabetes. While this study is a breakthrough, the authors of the journal concluded we need more studies to amplify the efficiency of vitamin C in blood sugar.
The role of vitamin C in diabetes-related complications
- Heart disease is one of the common complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Thanks to vitamin C, this complication can be managed easily. It’s all about following the proper diet packed with fruits and vegetables in the recommended quantity.
- Another diabetes-related complication is a foot ulcer. It is a condition associated with diabetes’ slow-healing effects. Vitamin C has properties that boost healing and improve collagen formation. Thus, vitamin C not only supports the fast recovery of wounds but also improves overall dermal health.
Takeaway
Vitamin C is safe for all. Ask your healthcare professionals about the benefits of Vitamin C on diabetes management. They may prescribe these supplements along with your regular diabetes medications. Follow their instructions and do not forget to add some natural vitamin C to your diet for the best results.
