Supplements: Diabetes Health Pack from Nature Made

[tkhan01]

Hi,
I am a type 2 since almost 3 yrs now and am wondering if anyone has tried this Diabetes Health pack from nature made.

http://www.naturemade.com/ProductDatabase/prd_prod.asp?productid=122

I guess I want to know also what do you guys think about different kinds of supplements out there in addition to the medication. Currently I am on Actos and Glucophage with A1C of 7.3 (controling what I eat (try to )) and going to gym 3 times a week. I am looking for any product that peopple have had positive experiences without the side effects.

thanks

[HeatherP]

Hello and Welcome, Tkhan01! I take a variety of vitamins and supplements daily. Most of what I take has been recommended by my doctors. I find the specifically marketed "diabetes vitamins" to be expensive and unnecessary. My docs have never said to take them, so ck first w/ yours, and you could probably assemble your own vitamin packet on your own for less money.

Hope to see you 'round often,
HeatherP

[tkhan01]

thank you for both replies.
I will discuss with my upcoming visit to my endocronologist.

[TAutry]

Hi tkhan01,

Welcome to the forums!:)

I took a 'diabetic formula' multivitamin from Vitamin World for awhile. I didn't see where it did anything for my diabetes control. Like Heather, I didn't find enough benefit to justify the cost.

The only supplement I really found to have an effect was a calcium-magnesium-zinc combination. The increased calcium in my system seemed to assist me with losing some stubborn fat. I noticed that my arms and abs appeared more 'cut'. I also noticed some other minor benefits.

Travis

[rzrbks]

I think HeatherP's got the right of it, do check with your Dr./endo/cde.

There is research indicating that "normal" suppliments help everyone, not just Diabetics. Things such as Vitamin E, enough Vitamin C, COq10, just the normal range of things we should have a part of a heatjy diet.

As for the "Diabetic" suppliments, what you might want to do is go to some place that has both and compare the lists of Vitamins, etc., that each has and compare them. I felt that I could match the ingredients with normal suppliments and at much savings.

Just MO.

[Shalyndria]

I have to agree with both Heather and rzr in that you should consult your doctor before using any vitamin/mineral supplements. I know that I'm always wary of taking any pre-packaged vitamins without knowing any side-effects or all of the ingredients as they could prove to be more harm then good.

One thing I did notice, though, was that it contains Chromium Picolinate, and a vague warning about not exceeding the required dosage. So I pulled out my trusty medical dictionary (lol yes I carry these it comes with working in the healthcare field) and here's what I got:
Chromium is a mineral required in small quantities in the body that enables insulin to function normally and helps the body metabolize carbs and fats. Good natural sources of chromium are carrots, potatoes, brocolli, whole-grain products, and molasses. Picolinate is paired with chromium because it is claimed to help the body absorb the chromium more effectively. As a dietary supplement, this combination is used to promote weight loss, build muscle mass, reduce body fat, and enhance the function of insulin, although this is theoretical and has not been proven. Some evidence suggests that Chromium Picolinate damages chromosomes and consequently may cause cancer.
A few good facts to chew on.

Shy

[zookeeper671]

Wow, Shy, thanks for the chewy facts. Pretty interesting.

Angie

[Oradev]

Originally posted by TAutry


The only supplement I really found to have an effect was a calcium-magnesium-zinc combination. The increased calcium in my system seemed to assist me with losing some stubborn fat. I noticed that my arms and abs appeared more 'cut'. I also noticed some other minor benefits.

Travis

Isn't that dolomite or something? Did it really help you lose fat? Were you exercising or lifting while you were taking it?