Coq10 and Diabetes: A Natural Alternative Worth Exploring

Coq10 or Coenzyme Q10 is also known as ubiquinone. It has a substance more like a vitamin that gives energy and also serves as an antioxidant. This enzyme is commonly found in different seafoods and meats, particularly in oily fish and organ meats, as well as grains. These are also sold in the market in tablet and capsule form.

CoQ10 is known to  be a naturally-occuring chemical compound that the body makes. It is found in the part of the cells that produce energy. These parts are also important for producing proteins and initiating the contraction of  muscles.

The truth is, there are not many findings about the relationship of CoQ10 and diabetes. Those studies made have not been able to show its effect on controlling blood glucose. More proof was found that it serves to alleviate heart disease among diabetics but had no ample evidence on this.

Basically, it is a safe substance for adults when taken by itself. The only problem is, it interacts with other drugs taken like Warfarin, hypertensive drugs and chemotherapy for cancer. Side effects may include diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, vomiting and hyperacidity.

The drug has been proven to have good effects on the body, among which are preventing fatigue and obesity. It also helps in strengthening the body’s natural immune system. HIV patients have greatly benefited from this drug. It has also proved to enhance the tolerance of people for exercise. Toxin overload is helped also by this drug.

Although not well-proven, CoQ10 may have shown to decrease the amount of blood sugar tremendously. Therefore, consulting the doctor before taking this supplement is highly recommended as it may lead to hypoglycemia, a condition where it is no longer safe for a diabetic patient.

Sidebar: The next article on diabetes cures and treatments is about treatment for type two diabetes.

How does CoEnzyme Q10 do this? CoQ10 acts as a catalyst that works on cells as they release energy in the mitochondria. This is very important for a person to stay alive because without it, energy will not be released. This substance can be found in practically all the cells in the body. However, as one gets older, the production of this coenzyme diminishes so an increased intake of the foods carrying this substance may be necessary.

These coenzymes are a lot different from enzymes as they are much smaller. They do not activate stomach acids and can be readily be absorbed by the small intestines. But one must be careful because the CoQ10 content of foods gets destroyed with processing and prolonged storage. Taking in also of synthetic CoQ10 allows the oxidation of sugars and fats to be converted to energy.

Sometimes, it is necessary to take supplemental CoQ10. Reasons such as nutritional deficiencies, increased need for the coenzyme because of illness or inherited defect in the synthesis of this very important substance. Diabetes is one of the reasons why CoQ10 is highly prescribed by doctors since it metabolizes sugar to convert to energy which diabetics can not do.

The pancreas, a digestive organ, contains CoQ10 in large amounts. Diabetes affects the activities of the pancreas reducing the production of CoQ10 in the blood. Some studies did prove that the introduction of CoQ10 has a little effect on improving blood sugar levels.

As said earlier, CoQ10 may interact with other drugs taken by patients. Taking the dry form of CoQ10 just like the ones found in tablets and capsules is less effective than taking the ones in oil bases because of lesser ability to be absorbed.

It is unfortunate that there is not enough evidence to support the theories that CoQ10 could actually lower and control blood sugar levels. One reason is that, not enough studies have  been made and the ones made have remained inconclusive.

But the truth remains that CoQ10 has a good effect on heart ailment and blood pressure which are common accompanying diseases of diabetes. And because of its safety, it has remained a good supplement to take among most diabetics.

Even with the opposing and contradicting studies done, sometimes, it is better to choose the lesser between two evils. If severe diabetes is involved, the taking in of CoQ10 may be necessary and though this may have side effects, that would be better than the health troubles brought about by diabetes.