tion (or lack of sensation) brought about by
simple touch and contact.
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2,
was one of a group of nutrients, including
thiamin, folic acid, and vitamin B6 and B12
that reduced diabetic neuropathy symptoms
in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-con-
trolled study over the course of four months.
Of course, the same damage that occurs
to nerves and blood vessels in our legs can
happen in the delicate structures of the
eye as well. Riboflavin helps keep reduced
glutathione – the body’s natural free-radical
fighter – active in the eyes. In fact, there’s
a correlation between riboflavin deficiency
and the development of cataracts. In clinical
research, the greatest reduction in cataract
risk was seen in those taking a combination
of riboflavin and niacin.
Pantothenic acid is another member of
the B vitamin family sometimes referred to
as “vitamin B5.” As seen with deficiencies of
other B vitamins, a lack of pantothenic acid
can cause numbness and tingling in the feet.
The nutrient’s primary role in the body is as
Coenzyme A. As a coenzyme, it is involved
in many important functions, one of which
is healthy tissue formation (including that of
nerve endings and blood vessels). But high
blood sugar levels can affect your levels of
Coenzyme A, so it’s a good idea to include
pantothenic acid along with these other B
vitamins.
Alpha lipoic acid can boost levels of
glutathione, helping save delicate nerves
from oxidative damage. It fights diabetic
neuropathy by normalizing the intake of
36 HimPower May/June 2019
blood sugar by the muscles, in addition to
reducing the pain and tingling of peripheral
nerves. The best results come from a 600 mg
per day dose of alpha lipoic acid.
Chromium is an essential trace mineral
that helps prevent the build-up of glucose in
the bloodstream. If you have just been diag-
nosed with type 2 diabetes, or have elevated
blood sugar levels, getting chromium into
your regimen is important. In a clinical
study, individuals taking chromium reduced
their fasting blood glucose level from an
average of 197 to 103 in just three months.
Zinc promotes tissue and wound
healing. It also stabilizes pancreatic storage
of insulin and inhibits oxidative stress that
promotes insulin resistance and diabetes.
Reduced zinc levels in the pancreas are asso-
ciated with diabetes, and proper amounts of
this mineral tend to keep insulin levels at an
even keel.
While there are many forms of minerals
available as supplements, amino acid
chelated forms are easily used by the body.
The bonding of a mineral to the amino acid
glycine creates a mineral form that passes
through the intestinal wall and is incorpo-
rated into the bloodstream much more effi-
ciently.
Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) is one of
nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory
medicines. It is a specific inhibitor of 5-LOX,
an enzyme that activates inflammation-in-
ducing leukotrienes. One of the biggest
difficulties for people with nerve damage
from diabetes is the pain and inflammation
that goes along with it.