Are B vitamins necessary for the control of type 2 diabetes?

B vitamins make sure our body’s cells are functioning at their best, which contributes to our general well-being. Although we can frequently obtain adequate B vitamins from our diets, this is not always the case, particularly if we have type 2 diabetes. Let’s learn more about the advantages of B vitamins and whether type 2 diabetes sometimes calls for taking extra supplements.

What are B vitamins?

Eight distinct B vitamins—B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 (folic acid), and B12—all have a role in maintaining optimal health. When taken as a whole, these vitamins support:

• wholesome cell division

• Vision

• Levels of energy

• Brain activity

• Breakdown

• appropriate nerve activity

• cardiovascular well-being

• Breakdown

• Tone of muscles

We can typically receive enough of these vitamins from a balanced diet that includes whole grains, beans, meat, fish, and dairy, but some people may also benefit from taking B vitamins as supplements. Each of the aforementioned B vitamins can be found in trace amounts in a vitamin B complex.

If I have diabetes, should I take my vitamin B supplements?

Specifically, vitamin B12 is necessary to keep blood cells and the brain system in good condition. However, if your body isn’t absorbing it, eating it through meals alone might not be sufficient.

Because metformin reduces vitamin B12 absorption in about 6–50% of users, patients with type 2 diabetes who take this medicine may be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. Long-term metformin users who take greater doses are more likely to develop a vitamin B12 deficiency.

B12 deficiency may also be more common in vegetarian or vegan diets because animal products contain the majority of B12. Certain B vitamins may also need to be taken in higher doses by pregnant women and older persons.

Inadequate intake of B vitamins can result in anemia, nerve damage, digestive problems, infections, and skin diseases. It’s crucial that you consult your physician or the diabetic care team to find out if you need to take any additional B vitamins.

Read Also: Can a Person with Diabetes Drink Milk?

How is my blood sugar affected by vitamin B?

Make careful to consult your doctor or pharmacist about the appropriate dosage for you since taking certain B vitamins in excess can have negative consequences.

Excessive dosages of vitamin B3, which is sometimes referred to as nicotinic acid or niacin, have the potential to elevate blood sugar levels and cause complications with diabetes and other drugs.

Is type 2 diabetes preventable with B vitamins?

Indeed, studies have indicated that consuming B2 and B6 vitamins may help reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes. According to certain research, those who used high-vitamin B6 foods and supplements had an 11% lower chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes, whereas people who consumed the highest levels of B2 foods and supplements had a 10% lower risk. It has been demonstrated that taking B12 supplements can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Although B vitamins are essential for good health overall, people with type 2 diabetes may occasionally be at risk for B vitamin deficiencies. If this shortage is not addressed, it may result in health issues like nerve damage and skin disorders.

You may ensure that you are getting an ideal amount of B vitamins to manage your health while you have diabetes by working with your healthcare team and modifying your diet and/or adding supplements.