Vanadium could reduce risk of diabetes

• 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.