Magnesium supplementation may help prevent atherosclerosis, the most serious diabetic complication. Zinc balance in diabetics may be depressed. This decreases cellular immune defenses and increases risk for infection and slow wound healing. Manganese is an important cofactor for key enzymes in glycolysis pathways. Deficiency can lead to glucose intolerance which can be reversed with supplementation.
Chromium deficiency causes glucose intolerance.
Several controlled studies of elderly type II diabetics show improved glucose tolerance after chromium supplementation. Chromium supplementation may improve diabetic neuropathy if chromium is deficient. Bioflavonoids Bioflavonoids are extremely powerful antioxidants. They may enhance insulin secretion, decrease blood flow resistance, reduce vascular stasis and ischemia and strengthen capillary basement membranes. Bioflavonoids play a crucial role in regenerating vitamin antioxidants once they have been oxidized by contact with free radicals.