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CoQ10 stands for Coenzyme Q10, which is also known as ubiquinone or ubiquinol. This substance, a compound that is similar to vitamins, plays a vital role in many biological processes such as protein production & muscle contraction.

As an antioxidant, it helps fight free radicals by destroying compounds that cause damage to the body’s cells. It was first identified by researchers at the University of Wisconsin in 1957.

How Does This Compound Work?

Cells thrive on energy in order to perform their functions. There is more. This energy is sourced from fats, amino acids & sugars. There is more. The part of the cell that processes these sources is called the mitochondrion (plural: mitochondria). CoQ10 is naturally present in mitochondria & plays a major role in the metabolism of energy.

It is carried through the bloodstream by lipoproteins. Right. When lipoproteins are oxidized, CoQ10 is depleted. In healthy amounts, it can potentially reduce the formation of plaques in the arteries. There is more. The organs in the body which have high concentrations of this substance are the liver, heart & kidneys.

Its Role in the Treatment & Management of Diabetes

This substance isn’t the new miracle supplement that may lead to the treatment of diabetes, but it’s being considered for its potential in helping improve heart conditions & blood pressure & regulate high cholesterol. This makes it promising for individual persons with diabetes especially those who have risks of developing hypertension & heart disease. One study even showed that it reduced the likelihood that patients who have had a previous heart attack would again suffer from heart attacks later.

Its antioxidant properties also help scavenge destructive free radicals to keep cells young & robust. Free radicals not just contribute to the process of aging, they also lead to the development of certain health problems, including cancer & health disease. Antioxidants contribute to keeping the body of a diabetic healthy because they also help boost the immune system.

It may also help regulate blood sugar levels because when taken in controlled amounts, it has been shown to improve the functions of the cells that line the blood vessels. There is more. There was some concern, though, that this might lead to hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by a sudden decrease in blood sugar. However, two studies indicated that diabetics who took this supplement twice or two times a day showed no signs of hypoglycemia, which might indicate that it’s safe to use for people with diabetes.

Other Benefits

CoQ10 appears to improve the immune functions in people who have problems with their immune systems & those who suffer chronic infections. It also seems to help increase energy & reduce feelings of fatigue, something that people with diabetes can benefit from as they’re usually generally tired. It may even reduce damage that result from stroke.

Sources of the Supplement

CoQ10 can be easily found in food sources, such as whole grains, oily fish, seafood & organ meats, even though these foods contain only small amounts. For diabetes patients, it’s often taken as a supplement in tablet or capsule form.

Side Effects

Although this supplement is considered generally safe for consumption by adults, it may have certain side effects & risks, something that people with diabetes should know about. It may cause certain adverse reactions in some people, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, heartburn & loss of appetite.

It may also affect how certain medicines work, such as those used for chemotherapy & hypertension. This makes it necessary that any diabetic individual taking the supplement should be supervised & monitored by a health-care provider. It’s still not known how it will affect pregnant & breastfeeding women.

Limitations of Its Use in Diabetes

There are only a few studies involving the use of this compound as a supplement & most of them are focused on its uses & benefits to people with cardiovascular diseases & hypertension. It has been evaluated for use with diabetes but researchers admit more research & studies have to be done in order to confirm its real clinical role in people who have diabetes.

If you are a diabetic considering taking CoQ10 as a supplement, talk to your doctor or health-care provider to discuss if it’s the right choice for you.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster & publisher of Learn-About-Diabetes.com. She gives more information on topics such as Coq10 & diabetes, cure for Type 2 diabetes & the answer to the question is there a cure for diabetes, which you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

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