Type 1 Diabetes
Also indexed as:Diabetes, Type 1
Also known as childhood-onset diabetes, type 1 diabetes requires regular blood sugar tests and medical intervention. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Alpha-Lipoic Acid | 600 to 1,200 mg daily |  [3 stars] Supplementing with alpha-lipoic acid may improve the symptoms of diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy). |
Cayenne Topical (Diabetic Neuropathy) | Apply an ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times daily to areas of nerve pain | [3 stars] Topically applied capsaicin (from cayenne) has been shown to relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. |
Magnesium | 200 to 600 mg daily | [3 stars] People with type 1 diabetes tend to have low magnesium levels and supplementing with magnesium may reduce the risk of deficiency-related problems, such as eye damage and neuropathy. |
Vitamin B12 | 1,500 micrograms daily | [3 stars] Supplementing with vitamin B12 may improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. |
Vitamin B6 | 100 to 200 mg vitamin B6 daily | [3 stars] People with diabetes may have an increased need for vitamin B6. Supplementing with the vitamin may help maintain normal levels and prevent type 1 diabetes complications. |
Vitamin D | Many doctors recommend a dose of 2,000 to 4,000 IU vitamin D daily, especially in the winter months | [3 stars] Vitamin D is needed to support healthy immune and pancreatic function. Supplementing with vitamin D may improve blood sugar control in those with type 1 diabetes, especially in those with low vitamin D levels. |
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (Diabetic Neuropathy) | 500 to 1,000 mg three times daily |  [2 stars] Taking acetyl-L-carnitine may improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. |
Bilberry | 160 mg twice daily of an herbal extract containing 25% anthocyanosides | [2 stars] Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy. |
Biotin | 16 mg daily | [2 stars] Biotin may improve glucose levels and reduce pain from diabetic nerve damage. |
Chromium | 200 mcg daily | [2 stars] Chromium has been shown to help improve glucose tolerance in people with type 1 diabetes. |
Coenzyme Q10 | 100 mg daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with CoQ10 may improve blood sugar metabolism. |
Fenugreek | 3 tablespoons of fenugreek powder with each meal | [2 stars] Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption. |
Fiber | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Taking fiber supplements may help to stabilize your blood sugar. |
Fish Oil | 1,000 mg combined omega-3 fatty acids from fish, or 660 mg EPA alone, daily | [2 stars] Fish oil and its omega-3 fatty acid EPA may improve blood sugar control and help prevent complications of type 1 diabetes. |
Gymnema | 400 mg daily | [2 stars] Gymnema may help normalize blood sugar control in people with type 1 diabetes. |
L-Carnitine | 1,500 to 2,000 mg daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with acetyl l-carnitine may reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in people with type 1 diabetes. |
Sea Buckthorn | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Animal and preliminary research suggests a connection between sea buckthorn and improved measures of blood sugar control.
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Selenium | 100 to 200 micrograms daily | [2 stars] Selenium is an important antioxidant that, along with other antioxidant supplements, may help prevent complications in people with type 1 diabetes. |
Taurine | 500 mg three times daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with taurine has been found to improve blood vessel function in people with type 1 diabetes. |
Vitamin B1 | 25 mg vitamin B1 with 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily or 600 mg lipid-soluble thiamine (benfotiamine) daily | [2 stars] People with type 1 diabetes may be deficient in vitamin B1. Supplementing with vitamin B1 may restore levels and improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Taking vitamin B3 (as niacin or niacinamide) might prevent or limit the severity of type 1 diabetes. |
Vitamin C | 1,000 mg vitamin C plus 400 IU vitamin E daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with vitamin C may benefit people with type 1 diabetes by preventing free radical damage and protecting blood vessels. |
Vitamin E (Diabetic Retinopathy) | 1800 IU daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with vitamin E may combat free radicals associated with diabetic retinopathy. |
Vitamin E (Diabetic Nephropathy) | 900 to 1,800 IU daily | [2 stars] Vitamin E supplementation may protect against diabetic neuropathy. |
Açaí | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Açaí is rich in antioxidants and has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. |
Amylase Inhibitors | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Amylase inhibitors, taken with meals, may reduce the usual rise in blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. |
Asian Ginseng | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. |
Evening Primrose Oil | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Evening primrose oil may relieve nerve pain in those with type 1 diabetes. |
Ginkgo | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Ginkgo may improve metabolism and help prevent complications of type 1 diabetes. |
Glucomannan | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Glucomannan delays stomach emptying, leading to more gradual sugar absorption and possibly lowering insulin requirements for people with type 1 diabetes. |
Hibiscus | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Hibiscus is a traditional remedy in India for diabetes. |
Inositol | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with inositol may improve diabetic neuropathy. |
Manganese | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with manganese may increase antioxidant defenses and improve blood sugar control in those with type 1 diabetes. |
Mistletoe | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Mistletoe extract has been found to stimulate insulin release from pancreas cells and improve health in animal models of diabetes. |
Olive Leaf | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Olive leaf extracts have been shown to improve blood sugar control in animals with diabetes. |
Onion | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Research in laboratory animals suggests onion and its active constituents may lower blood glucose levels, raise insulin levels, reduce advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation, and possibly prevent diabetes complications. |
Quercetin | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Quercetin has been found to improve blood sugar control and prevent complications of diabetes in animal research. |
Reishi | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Reishi may improve immune function and has demonstrated benefits in diabetic animals. |
Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E (Diabetic Retinopathy) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Antioxidant nutrients including selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E may combat free radicals associated with diabetic retinopathy. |
Zinc | 15 mg daily | [1 star] Supplementing with zinc may lower blood sugar levels and improve immune function in people with type 1 diabetes. |
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.