Diabetes and Antioxidants

Diabetes Information Network

Diabetes and Antioxidants V

Coenzyme Q10 (also known as Ubiquinone)

Coenzyme Q10 has a very interesting story behind it. Some years ago a relatively young man was given a horrible medical diagnosis. He was told that he suffered from an enlarged heart that would soon become so large that he would die. In short, he had several months to live and the worst part was – there was no effective treatment available. The doctor advised him to go home and “get his affairs in order”.

But he decided not to accept his death sentence quite so easily. He began reading everything he could get his hands on that might offer some hope. When a health food store clerk mentioned Coenzyme Q10, it sounded interesting as it increases the level of energy produced within heart cells. He decided to give it a try.

The rest is history. He took the Coenzyme Q10 and his heart quickly began to return to normal. After ten years he’s still healthy and fully alive. Today Coenzyme Q10 is widely used by cardiologists in Japan, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Italy for congestive heart failure and other serious heart problems. In the US, a few of the more progressive cardiologists are now integrating Coenzyme Q10 into their practices.

Studies have also shown that Coenzyme Q10 stabilizes blood sugar levels (by boosting insulin production). Diabetics who took Coenzyme Q10 experienced an average blood sugar reduction of 20%. Coenzyme Q10 also slows the development of heart disease, increases oxygen metabolism in heart cells and promotes healthy gums.

Grape Seed Extract (vitis vinifera) and Pycnogenols

Back in the early eighties supplements containing a new kind of antioxidant called Pycnogenols suddenly appeared on the market as if by magic. A massive world-wide advertising campaign made a variety of sweeping claims about the magical therapeutic effects of Pycnogenol. This magic tonic was derived from the bark of one particular species of tree found only in one forest located in the south of France.

While Pycnogenols are indeed useful, many of the early health claims have been shown to be both excessive and unfounded. Also, because a single company had cornered the world supply of this unique bark, the price of Pycnogenol capsules soared as the manufacturer cashed in. Today a small bottle of Pycnogenol (30 capsules) will set you back around $30-40.

Through research we now know that there’s a much less expensive antioxidant that seems to have the same healthful effects. It’s called Grape Seed Extract and can be found at almost any good health food store.

Most users report a rapid change in the quality of their skin when they first start taking the extract. The feel of their skin improves and minor blemishes heal and vanish. For some Grape Seed Extract will reverse hair graying and help restore aging hair to it’s more youthful color.

All pycnogenols and Grape Seed Extract contain flavonoid complexes and improve retinopathy microcirculation (and capillary fragility as well as increase capillary resistance which can help prevent diabetic eye problems.) Many researchers regard Grape Seed Extract as a general anti-aging tonic that can help prevent many of the diseases of aging.

A dosage of 150-300mg/day is the most widely used. As with all of the antioxidants, it’s best to split doses and take them two or three times per day. And once again, Grape Seed Extract can irritate the stomach a bit so it should be taken with food rather than between meals.

American Ginseng

It very hard to be precise when speaking of Ginseng as it comes in many different forms and is produced in many different areas of the world (Korea, China, Russia, Vietnam, Wisconsin) Some forms are very stimulating having an effect similar to two or three cups of coffee while others, such as American Ginseng, are much less stimulating.

All over Asia Ginseng is valued as a restorative herb and is especially prized by older oriental men. When Ginseng is auctioned off in Southeast Asia, humble farmers willing pay prices equal to several month’s income to purchase mature Ginseng roots.

In several studies a dose of 100mg of American ginseng boosted mood, reduced body weight and lowered blood sugar levels.

But you should be careful when buying American Ginseng. The supply of genuine American Ginseng is rapidly drying up and as a result prices have been steadily increasing. Some unscrupulous manufacturers have taken to mislabeling the more stimulative and less expensive Korean form as genuine American Ginseng. Before shelling out your cash, be as sure that what you’re buying is the genuine item. Sticking with established brand names is always the best approach.

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