Should diabetics take nutritional supplements?

While it is important to have supplements to fulfil diabetics' nutritional needs, it is also important to consult a doctor first.

Diet and nutrition play an important role in the management of diabetes. Health experts stress on the importance of making healthy food choices to optimise nutritional intake in diabetes. Many people living with diabetes also enrich their diet with nutritional supplements such as omega 3, magnesium and other micronutrients. As much as it is important to take care of your nutritional needs, there is also a concern among the health community about the safety and efficiency of nutritional supplements for diabetics. Dr Tejal Lathia Consultant Endocrinologist, Hiranandani Hospital Vashi- A Fortis Network Hospital answers some pertinent question related to nutritional supplements and diabetes.

Should all diabetics take dietary supplements?

A one-size-fits-all solution doesn't fit here. It depends on your own nutritional needs and deficiencies says Dr Lathia. Resist any temptation to self-prescribe these supplements because only a healthcare expert can do that.

"Every diabetic at the time of diagnosis needs to be completely evaluated for his or her calorie intake; the percentage of carbohydrates, proteins and fat he or she is consuming and must also be subjected to blood testing to diagnose deficiencies of vitamins and minerals," says the doctor. It is only after the deficiencies are established should the health supplements be taken. "A registered dietician or a doctor effective in amending these deficiencies should prescribe these supplements," says Dr Lathia.

Do nutritional supplements cause kidney damage?

Health supplements have also received a lot of bad press for their alleged role in causing kidney problems. Some diabetics also face impaired renal health since kidneys have to work extra hard to filter out waste and excess water from the body. In fact, diabetes is the number one cause of most kidney diseases. According to Dr Lathia, protein supplements are mostly to be blamed for compromised renal functions. He also adds, "Most Indians do not consume adequate protein (recommended dietary intake of 1-1.2 gm/kg body weight/day). So supplements to provide adequate protein, which are medically certified, are recommended without any fear of renal compromise. Diabetics, with the pre-existing renal compromise, they must be prescribed with care only after consultation with a nephrologist and a registered dietitian." Here are some of the best and worst drinks for diabetics.

What supplements should diabetics take?

Dr Lathia recommends that the vegetarian diabetic take Vitamin B 12 supplements and protein supplements, two nutrients that plant-based diets are deficient in. "Vitamin D deficiency is another universal problem which needs supplementation. Apart from that, diabetics should also take omega 3 fatty acids, which are recommended for those with high triglyceride levels," adds the doctor. And one of the best supplements to control blood sugar levels is fibre, which according to Dr Lathia, is often ignored by diabetics.

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