Which vitamin is involved in glucose management?

From the Guidelines

Vitamin B complex, particularly vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), plays a crucial role in glucose management. Thiamine is especially important as it helps convert carbohydrates into energy through its role as a coenzyme in glucose metabolism. Without adequate thiamine, the body struggles to properly utilize glucose, potentially leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Vitamin B3 is involved in over 400 enzymatic reactions, many related to energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Vitamin B6 helps regulate blood glucose by facilitating the breakdown of glycogen from the liver when blood sugar levels drop. Additionally, vitamin D has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and secretion, while chromium (though technically a mineral, not a vitamin) enhances insulin action. For those concerned about glucose management, a balanced diet rich in these vitamins is beneficial, though supplementation might be considered under healthcare provider guidance if deficiencies are present, as stated in 1. The recommended daily allowance for thiamine is 1.1-1.2mg for adults, but those with diabetes or prediabetes may benefit from higher intake through diet or supplements. It is essential to note that there is no clear evidence of benefit from vitamin or mineral supplementation in people with diabetes who do not have underlying deficiencies, as mentioned in 1, 1, 1, and 1. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize a balanced diet and consult with a healthcare provider before considering any supplements. Some studies suggest that metformin is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, and periodic testing of vitamin B12 levels should be considered in patients taking metformin, particularly in those with anemia or peripheral neuropathy, as reported in 1.

Key points to consider:

• Vitamin B complex is essential for glucose management
• Thiamine, vitamin B3, and vitamin B6 play critical roles in energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity
• A balanced diet rich in these vitamins is beneficial for glucose management
• Supplementation should only be considered under healthcare provider guidance if deficiencies are present
• There is no clear evidence of benefit from vitamin or mineral supplementation in people with diabetes without underlying deficiencies
• Metformin is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, and periodic testing of vitamin B12 levels should be considered in patients taking metformin.

From the FDA Drug Label

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: ... Its role in carbohydrate metabolism is the decarboxylation of pyruvic acid in the blood and α-ketoacids to acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide. The requirement for thiamine is greater when the carbohydrate content of the diet is raised Body depletion of vitamin B 1 can occur after approximately three weeks of total absence of thiamine in the diet.

The vitamin involved in glucose management is Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1 2.

From the Research

Vitamin Involved in Glucose Management

The vitamin involved in glucose management is thiamine, also known as vitamin B1.

• Thiamine is an essential cofactor in most organisms and is required at several stages of anabolic and catabolic intermediary metabolism, such as intracellular glucose metabolism 3.
• It acts as a coenzyme for transketolase (TK) and for the pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes, enzymes which play a fundamental role for intracellular glucose metabolism 3.
• Thiamine deficiency has been described in diabetic patients, and the correction of this deficiency by thiamine and/or its lipophilic derivative, benfotiamine, has been demonstrated in vitro to counteract the damaging effects of hyperglycaemia on vascular cells 3.
• Individuals with diabetes have lower levels of various thiamine markers, suggesting that they may have higher thiamine requirements than those without diabetes 4.
• High-dose thiamine supplementation has been shown to improve glucose tolerance in hyperglycemic individuals 5.

Key Findings

• Thiamine plays a vital role in the metabolism of glucose 6.
• Diabetes is associated with lower levels of thiamine, and thiamine supplementation may prevent or slow the progression of hyperglycemia toward diabetes mellitus in individuals with impaired glucose regulation 4, 5.
• Thiamine supplementation has been shown to decrease 2-h plasma glucose and improve glucose tolerance in patients with impaired glucose metabolism 5.