Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Thiamine Deficiency
Greetings!
If you’ve read any of our newsletters then you probably already know that diabetic neuropathy and Thiamine deficiency are ugly twin sisters.
It is satisfying when our beliefs bear up under closer scrutiny, though.
A new study has confirmed that the Thiamine (B1) level among diabetics is as low as 75% less than in non-diabetics.
Further, the symptoms of neuropathy were seen to be worse in those folks with the lowest levels of B1.
Some researchers are now saying that diabetes is “a disease of B1 deficiency firstly”
Add to this scenario that the number one drug for non insulin dependent diabetes, Metformin, actually inhibits the activity of B1 that is present.
So…we have less B1, and the stuff we do have is less potent, thanks to the drug that controls our diabetes?
Sheesh!
Fortunately, replacing B1 is a cinch. Natural sources abound and we always prefer to get our vitamins naturally, but supplementation is easy too. There is an advantage in going the semi-synthetic route (benfotiamine) though.
Here’s why:
- Although replacing B1 with Thiamine is easy, Thiamine is water soluble and passes through our systems too easily.
- Fat soluble,semi-synthetic Benfotiamine, the kind you’ll find in NeuraVite, is better absorbed by our gut, and is not affected by Metformin the way Thiamine is.
So, achieving adequate levels is easier when we supplement with Benfotiamine.
Doctors recommend prevention of vitamin deficiency as the best course of action.
Maintaining healthy levels of B1 and thwarting the deficiency inherent in diabetes, might be the golden ticket for many to keep neuropathy at bay.
Yours In Health,
Your Friends at NeuraVite