Penn Herb Wellness Guide

Type 1 Diabetes

Also indexed as:Diabetes, Type 1
Also known as childhood-onset diabetes, type 1 diabetes requires regular blood sugar tests and medical intervention. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
  • Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
  • For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

SupplementAmountWhy
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
600 to 1,200 mg daily3 stars[3 stars]
Supplementing with alpha-lipoic acid may improve the symptoms of diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy).
Cayenne Topical

(Diabetic Neuropathy)
Apply an ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times daily to areas of nerve pain3 stars[3 stars]
Topically applied capsaicin (from cayenne) has been shown to relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Magnesium
200 to 600 mg daily3 stars[3 stars]
People with type 1 diabetes tend to have low magnesium levels and supplementing with magnesium may reduce the risk of deficiency-related problems, such as eye damage and neuropathy.
Vitamin B12
1,500 micrograms daily3 stars[3 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin B12 may improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Vitamin B6
100 to 200 mg vitamin B6 daily3 stars[3 stars]
People with diabetes may have an increased need for vitamin B6. Supplementing with the vitamin may help maintain normal levels and prevent type 1 diabetes complications.
Vitamin D
Many doctors recommend a dose of 2,000 to 4,000 IU vitamin D daily, especially in the winter months3 stars[3 stars]
Vitamin D is needed to support healthy immune and pancreatic function. Supplementing with vitamin D may improve blood sugar control in those with type 1 diabetes, especially in those with low vitamin D levels.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine

(Diabetic Neuropathy)
500 to 1,000 mg three times daily2 stars[2 stars]
Taking acetyl-L-carnitine may improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Bilberry
160 mg twice daily of an herbal extract containing 25% anthocyanosides2 stars[2 stars]
Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
Biotin
16 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Biotin may improve glucose levels and reduce pain from diabetic nerve damage.
Chromium
200 mcg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Chromium has been shown to help improve glucose tolerance in people with type 1 diabetes.
Coenzyme Q10
100 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with CoQ10 may improve blood sugar metabolism.
Fenugreek
3 tablespoons of fenugreek powder with each meal2 stars[2 stars]
Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption.
Fiber
Refer to label instructions 2 stars[2 stars]
Taking fiber supplements may help to stabilize your blood sugar.
Fish Oil
1,000 mg combined omega-3 fatty acids from fish, or 660 mg EPA alone, daily2 stars[2 stars]
Fish oil and its omega-3 fatty acid EPA may improve blood sugar control and help prevent complications of type 1 diabetes.
Gymnema
400 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Gymnema may help normalize blood sugar control in people with type 1 diabetes.
L-Carnitine
1,500 to 2,000 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with acetyl l-carnitine may reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in people with type 1 diabetes.
Sea Buckthorn
Refer to label instructions 2 stars[2 stars]
Animal and preliminary research suggests a connection between sea buckthorn and improved measures of blood sugar control.
Selenium
100 to 200 micrograms daily2 stars[2 stars]
Selenium is an important antioxidant that, along with other antioxidant supplements, may help prevent complications in people with type 1 diabetes.
Taurine
500 mg three times daily2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with taurine has been found to improve blood vessel function in people with type 1 diabetes.
Vitamin B1
25 mg vitamin B1 with 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily or 600 mg lipid-soluble thiamine (benfotiamine) daily2 stars[2 stars]
People with type 1 diabetes may be deficient in vitamin B1. Supplementing with vitamin B1 may restore levels and improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner2 stars[2 stars]
Taking vitamin B3 (as niacin or niacinamide) might prevent or limit the severity of type 1 diabetes.
Vitamin C
1,000 mg vitamin C plus 400 IU vitamin E daily2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin C may benefit people with type 1 diabetes by preventing free radical damage and protecting blood vessels.
Vitamin E

(Diabetic Retinopathy)
1800 IU daily2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin E may combat free radicals associated with diabetic retinopathy.
Vitamin E

(Diabetic Nephropathy)
900 to 1,800 IU daily2 stars[2 stars]
Vitamin E supplementation may protect against diabetic neuropathy.
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