Vitamin C & Diabetes

Article by Amy Bragagnini, MS, RD, CSO
Posted on August 21, 2008

Could the green peppers on your salad or the spinach on your sandwich help reduce your risk of diabetes? A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that the vitamin C found in various fruits and vegetables may be key in helping to reduce diabetes. The dietary patterns of 21,831 men and women were analyzed over a 12-year period. Those with the highest blood levels of vitamin C had a 62% reduction in their risk for developing type-2 diabetes compared to those with the lowest levels. Researchers hypothesized that in addition to the benefits of vitamin C, fruits and vegetables in general contain high levels of other vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. The antioxidants help to reduce damaging oxidative stress, which can lead to impaired glucose metabolism. In addition, fruits and vegetables are relatively low in calories. Consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables can help people control their weight by eating fewer calories than they are expending. Being at a healthy weight is one of the best ways to prevent diabetes.