Diabetes Supplements Assisting Diabetic Patients to Tackle and Regularize Deficiencies
Diabetic supplements are utilized frequently to maintain appropriate glucose levels in the bloodstream. These supplements can enhance vitality, accelerate recovery, enhance muscle growth, stimulate insulin production, and prevent excessive weight loss by augmenting the cells' ability to utilize surplus glucose.
Presently, there are various anti-diabetic supplements for the treatment of chronic disorder diabetes, including Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Chromium, Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Probiotics, B Vitamins, and Vitamin D supplements are available for purchase.
Diabetes: A Concerning Chronic Disease Amongst Geriatric Population
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 422 million people have diabetes worldwide, with over 1.5 million deaths annually due to the chronic disease. The people diagnosed with diabetes are primarily from low and middle-income countries that have limited healthcare access to diabetic treatment facilities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also declared that type-2 diabetes is particularly prevalent among the geriatric population currently residing in underdeveloped or developing nations. The geriatric population has a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with diabetes owing to the rising health concerns due to old age.
As reported by the PLOS journal, a significant proportion of women in Australia, specifically 83% of those over the age of 65 and 43% under the age of 45, have reported suffering from chronic diseases. This trend of the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses, particularly diabetes, across successive generations is driving a growing demand for related medical care.
However, in order to successfully aid patients with diabetes, the Australian Government in the year 2021 marked World Diabetes Day by announcing a 10-year plan to aid the diabetic population in Australia. This is one of the steps being taken by the government to successfully tackle the adverse effects of diabetes on the population.
How Are Diabetes Supplements Assisting Millions To Tackle Diabetes Effectively?
The increasing geriatric population, rising demand for improved healthcare facilities, and the accelerated awareness of health and fitness among people worldwide are driving the growth of the diabetes supplements market. Supplements for diabetes were introduced into the market to regularize levels of deficient vitamins including vitamins B12, C, E, etc. apart from other deficiencies.
The global diabetes supplements market was valued at USD 571.1 million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 845.7 million by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5% during the forecast period 2022-30.
Diabetes supplements across the globe are medications taken along with a balanced diet to maintain a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle for diabetic patients. It is a common occurrence among Americans to have deficiencies in vitamins D and B12, calcium, and iron.
However, certain symptoms may serve as indicators of a deficiency. In the event that an individual experiences symptoms that they believe may be alleviated by a supplement, it is advised that they consult a medical professional prior to self-medication. Here are a few supplements that can help in impacting and regularizing blood sugar levels:
Chromium: An insufficiency of chromium may result in elevated blood glucose levels. While supplementation may be considered a potential remedy for chromium deficiency, it is a relatively uncommon occurrence. Individuals who have been diagnosed with renal impairment should exercise caution when considering chromium supplements, as they may exacerbate the condition and cause further harm to the kidneys.
Vitamin E & St. John’s Wort: Vitamin E and the plant St. John's Wort may pose a significant risk of adverse interactions with medications that are used to prevent blood clotting in individuals with cardiovascular disease. This may elevate the risk of bleeding. Individuals with heart disease taking the blood-thinning drug warfarin, tend to have higher levels of vitamin E in their bloodstream.
Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is commonly used as a supplement to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as "good" cholesterol. Specifically, it has been observed to elevate fasting blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes, which may outweigh any potential benefits.
Vitamin B12: Individuals who have been prescribed metformin for the management of type 2 diabetes have been observed to have decreased levels of vitamin B12. It is therefore recommended that individuals taking metformin regularly consult with their healthcare provider to discuss the possibility of having their vitamin B12 levels tested at regular intervals to monitor for deficiency. Hence, supplements for diabetes type 2 include vitamin B12.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: There is a correlation between elevated levels of vitamin D in the blood during childhood and a decreased risk of type 1 diabetes. However, further research is required to understand the relationship between these two factors in depth. Despite this uncertainty, experts concur that supplementation with vitamin D may be beneficial for individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Final Word on Diabetes Supplements: A Boon Or A Bane?
The COVID-19 pandemic boosted the demand for diabetes supplements owing to the rising geriatric population and rising chronic health diseases. The treatment of diabetes has been positively affected by diabetic supplements to offer the convenience of regularizing blood levels, especially in low-income areas. As rising government initiatives to aid the treatment of diabetes have improved, various medical practitioners are also providing patients alternative natural supplements including apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, fenugreek, fiber, etc. to treat and manage diabetes.
E-commerce platforms such as Bionova, Herbal Nutrition, Amway, etc., and other online distribution channels are likely to increase the demand for diabetes supplements. Nonetheless, there is limited research owing to the study of diabetes supplements. With a lack of information and awareness, the market is expected to experience restraints that may hamper the market.
The North American region is expected to dominate the diabetes supplements market owing to the rising geriatric population, increasing health concerns through essential vitamin deficiencies, etc. There is also heavy investment in the research and development sector to assist patients with diabetes. There are other initiatives implemented by the government to aid diabetes supplements including the Diabetes Prevention Program in 2010 to address the increasing number of type 2 diabetes.
All in all, diabetes supplements are prescribed to aid patients with diabetes and effectively tackle deficiencies. Nonetheless, the diabetes supplements market still has a long way to go as it requires more research on their impact on health and their role in treating patients with diabetes. It is always advised to consult a medical practitioner or nutritionist before taking supplements.