Diabetes is an illness that can affect your quality of life. While it may not be possible to cure diabetes, there are many things you can do to reduce diabetes risk. These include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating well. There’s also a lot you can do to mitigate diabetes symptoms. The American Diabetes Association provides the following advice: “Accept that diabetes care is up to you. You’re the one who decides what to eat, how much to exercise and when to check your blood sugars. Accept this for what it is — control. You are in control.” Older adults with diabetes have specific dietary needs. Unfortunately, the need to supplement certain vitamins and minerals is often overlooked. Adhering to a diabetes diet can lead to missing essential vitamins and minerals. In this article, you’ll learn about the best vitamins for seniors with diabetes, why they’re essential, and how to supplement them.

Adult woman looking for the best vitamins for seniors with diabetes.

Dietary Needs for Diabetics

Diabetes is a condition that negatively affects healthy blood sugar levels. People with diabetes either have blood sugar that’s too high or can’t process it effectively. Either way, it’s important for people with diabetes to maintain a healthy diet.

There are some dietary needs people with diabetes should be aware of. First, it’s important to control blood sugar levels. This can be done by eating regular meals and avoiding sugary foods and drinks. Secondly, diabetics need a lot of fiber. This helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents constipation. Fiber can be found in whole-grain bread and cereals, fruits and vegetables, and beans and lentils.

Finally, people with diabetes should limit their intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. These substances can clog arteries and lead to heart disease. Saturated fat can be found in animal products such as meat and dairy, while cholesterol is found in eggs and seafood. By following these dietary guidelines, people with diabetes can help keep their condition under control.

The Most Important Vitamins for Diabetics

Always consult your physician before changing your diet. They can do a blood test to check deficits of certain nutrients. You can find the optimum supplement plan for your lifestyle by working with your care team. Here’s some information about the best vitamins for seniors with diabetes:

Thiamine (B1)

People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are more likely to have lower blood levels of thiamine and are at a higher risk of developing thiamine deficiency. This vitamin aids in the reduction of diabetic neuropathy and physical discomfort and is essential for the immune system. Beef, pork, almonds, whole grains, legumes, cauliflower, oranges, eggs, potatoes, asparagus, and kale are major sources of thiamine. Make sure your multivitamin supplements contain thiamine.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is important for overall health and maintaining healthy blood pressure. People with low levels of vitamin B12 are at increased risk for low blood pressure, while having enough can lead to improved energy levels. A balanced diet is often enough to sustain healthy B12 levels. However, diabetes complications might lead to people avoiding foods high in this vitamin. Choose a multivitamin supplement that contains this important vitamin to ensure a balanced diet.

Adult lady drinking her daily supplements of vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for the body’s ability to function well and is necessary for metabolic processes. It’s also important for bone health and has a role in immune function and cell growth. Diabetics with vitamin D deficiency are at higher risk of diabetic complications. Try vitamin D supplementation as part of your daily routine.

Magnesium

Magnesium helps the body digest and absorb nutrients from the foods we eat on a daily basis, builds bones, controls heart rate, and supports a healthy immune system. People with type 2 diabetes usually have inadequate levels of this crucial vitamin. A 2015 study found that consuming magnesium frequently reduces the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Low magnesium levels have been associated with insulin resistance. That’s why having enough magnesium is necessary for effective diabetes management and maintaining blood glucose levels.

Vitamin C

People with diabetes often have insufficient levels of vitamin C. It’s essential for the production of collagen and heart health. It also helps protect cells from damage and aids in wound healing. As a result, people with diabetes are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and other complications. While people with diabetes can get vitamin C from their diet, they may need to take dietary supplements to ensure they’re getting enough.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that plays a vital role in diabetes management. When taken orally, it’s been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, increase glucose uptake by muscle cells, and reduce oxidative stress. It may also help protect the nerves from damage caused by high blood sugar levels. This is especially important for people with diabetes, as nerve damage is a common complication of the disease. Alpha lipoic acid has further been shown to improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. When taken together, these effects make it an essential supplement for people with diabetes.

Keeping track of it all can be tough, so try to find a multivitamin specifically for diabetics.

Healthy senior couple drinky fresh orange juice together.

Having the Right Care

Older adults with diabetes are prone to nutrient deficiencies, and staying on top of a balanced diet while managing diabetic symptoms can be tough. Having the right care and daily regimen can help you avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

At Riddle Village, we offer just the right level of care for older adults who require daily assistance with medication. We create personalized care programs for medication, dietary needs, multivitamin and mineral supplements, and more. Our qualified caregivers make sure residents get all the vitamins they need to support energy levels and maintain a healthy heart for as long as possible.

Riddle Village is a retirement community located in Media, PA. We offer a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle for older adults seeking retirement living options. Our Senior Personal Care services include skilled nursing, medication management, and specialized wellness programs.