Originally published July 20 2005
Vanadium could reduce risk of diabetes
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Recent studies have found Vanadium, a trace mineral, may improve the body's response to insulin, which is important for preventing insulin resistance, a pre-diabetic condition. Some individuals have gone so far as to suggest that vanadium deficiency may be directly linked to the development of insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance Insulin is the chemical signal that allows sugar to enter your cells to be used as fuel.
Type 2 diabetes ensues when the pancreas fails to sustain this increased demand for insulin.
A primary cause is excess intake of sugar or carbohydrates typical of many diets today.
This includes foods such as pop or candy as well as cakes, muffins, pastries, chips, crackers and many other processed foods.
Insulin resistance may also be attributed to lack of exercise, overindulging in alcohol, stress, a family history of diabetes, hypertension and excess body fat, especially around the abdomen.
Finally, insulin resistance may occur in women with polycystic ovarian disease and in association with some cases of hypothyroidism in both men and women.
Insulin resistance and your health The long-term health risks of insulin resistance include increased incidence of diabetes, obesity, hypertension and heart disease.
Vanadium has been found in human trials to improve insulin sensitivity and to stimulate glucose uptake into cells in both diabetic and pre-diabetic patients.
Improved response to insulin may help decrease insulin levels, which can also be favorable for the loss of body fat.
A complete treatment plan for insulin resistance is not unlike that for type 2 diabetes, with a diet that is balanced in carbohydrates, fat and protein, and an exercise plan that integrates weight training and cardiovascular activity.
Individuals with hypothyroidism may also want to consider taking a vanadium supplement.
A study dated over 10 years ago found that vanadium may have a beneficial role on thyroid function as well as blood sugar control.
Further research suggests that there may be an increased risk of diabetes in some hypothyroid patients; however, this risk may be minimized with vanadium supplements.
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