Interested in exploring the relationship between vanadyl sulfate and diabetes? It is said that vanadyl sulfate improves glucose levels in patients diagnosed with diabetes. Read on to know whether it is safe to take vanadyl sulfate for diabetes.....
Vanadyl sulfate, a well known inorganic compound of vanadium, is a naturally found mineral in the body. Pepper, dill, oats, buck wheat, radishes, eggs and vegetable oils contain some amount of vanadyl sulfate. More research is needed to determine its physiological role in the human body. 'Vanadyl sulfate and diabetes' is fiercely discussed in the society and medical world as well, as vanadyl sulfate has gained a huge popularity for its insulin like properties.

Vanadyl Sulfate

Vanadyl sulfate acts like insulin and increases the amount of glucose and amino acids driven into the muscle. It helps to balance blood sugar levels and thus aids in the release of energy. High concentration of sugar or glucose in the blood stream triggers release of insulin to alert the muscles, liver and fat tissues to utilize this glucose in the blood as a source of energy, instead of stored fat as the main source of energy. As a result of this action, the elevated glucose levels drop and consequently the insulin levels also go down. An individual who often has high blood sugar levels or uncontrolled insulin levels is considered to be suffering from diabetes. Studies have shown that vanadyl sulfate supplements if taken regularly, help improve body's sensitivity to insulin and help treat diabetes.

Actually, vanadyl sulfate which mimics the effects of insulin is one of the most popular bodybuilding supplements though, its effectiveness as a workout supplement is still in question. Some argue that vanadyl sulfate is essential for normal growth and development. But is vanadyl sulfate really safe to use or are there any vanadyl sulfate side effects? Well, we will try to know this in the following paragraphs.

Vanadyl Sulfate: Good or Bad

It is claimed that by consuming vanadyl sulfate, your lean body mass can be increased, your body fat can be eliminated, your endurance level can be raised and a long term muscle growth can be experienced. The claims seem to be exaggerated.

If the body does not have enough insulin to do its job without outside help, as noticed in diabetes, then vanadyl sulfate can help improve the mechanisms controlled by insulin. The manufacturers claim that vanadyl sulfate is the perfect shortcut to get a body builder's physique. An uneducated consumer may look at vanadyl sulfate as a miracle product. Vanadyl sulfate is advertised as a perfect workout supplement. But during exercise, insulin has no role to play. Increased amount of insulin can be beneficial after a large meal. A workout supplement needs to be taken by an individual who is exercising and not by the one who is eating. So vanadyl sulfate does not live up to its claims regarding body building. There are no shortcuts in bodybuilding.

Vanadyl Sulfate and Diabetes

A body builder thinks that more insulin in the body would provide him with more energy for a workout which will provide him greater strength. If the body cannot produce enough insulin for energy and muscle growth, then an increased level in the bloodstream would be more desirable. In order to raise the insulin level in the body, bodybuilders or weightlifters try a number of methods and supplements which include consuming synthetic forms of insulin. Of these, the most popular has been vanadyl sulfate.

It seems that increased insulin is required during exercise but actually, during exercise, more glucose is made available to the cells due to increased blood flow. Thus, the muscle actually becomes more sensitive to insulin and there is no need for an increase in insulin. So, instead of using vanadyl sulfate as a workout supplement, it should be treated as a diabetic supplement for insulin.

In type 1 diabetes, body is unable to produce insulin while in type 2 diabetes, there is no problem in production of insulin, but body has a hard time recognizing insulin and so, the individual has excess glucose in the blood stream.

Diabetic patients have to control their glucose levels with the careful monitoring of their diet and exercise. They need to take insulin orally, some even take shots to help regulate glucose levels in their blood. Most current forms of oral synthetic insulin seem to have side effects. So, the scientists are researching to find another form of synthetic oral insulin, that could be acceptable for both Type I and Type II diabetics.

Studies have shown that vanadyl sulfate is difficult for the body to handle over periods of
time. Development of green tongue, upset stomach, gastrointestinal disturbances were the side effects observed during the studies when small amounts of vanadyl sulfate were given to study groups. Unfortunately, athletes take large amounts of vanadyl sulfate, and some have experienced hypoglycemia, which can cause seizures, hypoglycemic comas and death too. Body builders, after taking large amounts of vanadyl sulfate, may experience unconsciousness and convulsions, and even though treated with glucose, may suffer from brain damage. In another study, when rats were given high doses of vanadyl sulfate, death rates for the rats were as high as 50%. Even though they were cured of diabetes, such results cannot be considered positive.

It can be concluded that vanadyl sulfate has the potential to be harmful and more research is needed in this field. Several doubts are being raised about the relationship between vanadyl sulfate and diabetes. So, it is better to consult your doctor before opting for vanadyl sulfate and the best way of controlling diabetes is strictly following the diabetic diet. There is always room for testing and researching, scientists may possibly succeed in developing an alternative treatment for diabetes.