A readily available supplement shows promise in tackling one of type 2 diabetes’ most serious complications: heart disease, potentially offering patients a new way to protect their cardiovascular health without prescription medications.
At a Glance
- Mitoquinone, an over-the-counter antioxidant supplement, appears to reverse early signs of diabetes-related heart failure by improving heart energy processing
- Research participants taking mitoquinone showed a 15% improvement in heart energy efficiency at rest and better heart muscle relaxation
- Magnesium supplements were found to reduce the risk of heart failure and major adverse cardiac events in diabetes patients, with benefits appearing after 3 years of use
- Phytosterols from plant-based foods may help lower heart disease and diabetes risk by competing with cholesterol absorption in the gut
- The FDA warns against products claiming to “cure” diabetes or replace prescribed medications
Promising Supplements for Heart Protection in Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes face significantly higher risks of developing heart disease, making cardiovascular protection a critical component of diabetes management. Recent research suggests certain supplements may help address this concern. Mitoquinone, an antioxidant available without prescription, has shown particularly encouraging results. In clinical studies, this supplement appeared to reverse early indicators of diabetes-related heart failure by improving how the heart processes energy and reducing stress and stiffness in heart muscles. Study participants taking mitoquinone demonstrated measurable improvements in cardiac function, including a 15% better heart energy efficiency at rest and improved heart muscle relaxation.
Magnesium supplementation also shows potential cardiovascular benefits for diabetes patients. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that long-term magnesium supplementation was associated with reduced risk of heart failure and major adverse cardiac events in people with diabetes. These benefits became apparent after approximately three years of consistent use, suggesting that patience and persistence with supplementation may be necessary to see results.
Plant-Based Compounds Show Protective Effects
Beyond specific supplements, research points to the benefits of plant-derived compounds in supporting heart health for diabetes patients. Phytosterols—compounds found in plant foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—appear to offer protection against both heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These natural compounds work by competing with cholesterol in the digestive system, preventing its absorption and potentially lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Higher intake of phytosterols has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in multiple studies.
More specifically, a compound called β-sitosterol may provide additional benefits beyond cholesterol reduction. According to Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, MPH, DrPH, “β-sitosterol may also reduce trimethylamine N-oxide, or TMAO, a compound produced by the gut bacteria that break down red meat. High TMAO has been linked to increased cardiovascular risk.”
Important Cautions About Supplement Use
While some supplements show promise, health experts and regulatory agencies emphasize caution. The evidence supporting many diabetes-related supplements remains limited, with most studies suffering from methodological limitations or inconsistent results. Safety concerns exist for certain supplements, including potential serious side effects like kidney damage when taken in high doses or combined with medications. It’s essential for diabetes patients to consult healthcare providers before starting any supplement regimen.
Experts consistently emphasize that supplements should complement—never replace—proven diabetes management strategies. Lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet rich in natural plant foods, regular physical activity, and prescribed medications, remain the cornerstone of diabetes care. Supplements may offer additional support for heart health, but they work best when integrated into a comprehensive approach to diabetes management developed in partnership with healthcare providers.
The Future of Supplement Research
Research into supplements for diabetes management continues to evolve. Professor Bryan Williams notes, “This study presents some intriguing initial findings. It’s still early days for this research and the results will need to be confirmed in a larger scale trial.” The growing interest in natural approaches to managing diabetes complications reflects patients’ desire for accessible, affordable options to protect their long-term health. As research advances, we may see more evidence-based recommendations for specific supplements that can help reduce the burden of heart disease in the diabetes population.
