What is Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for diabetics for several reasons:

• It is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease and neuropathy. 
• Vitamin C has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which is important for the management of diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate the levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. When cells become resistant to insulin, it can lead to high blood sugar levels, which is a characteristic of diabetes. 
• Vitamin C may also help to lower blood glucose levels by improving glucose uptake in cells and by increasing the activity of enzymes that are involved in glucose metabolism. 
• Vitamin C may also help to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy, which is a complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness. Studies have shown that individuals with diabetes who have low levels of vitamin C are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. 

A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to a condition known as scurvy, which is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, joint and muscle pain, skin changes, and anemia. In severe cases, it can also lead to the formation of spots on the skin, bleeding gums, and open wounds that do not heal properly. 

Vitamin C deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of developing infections, and it can also affect the health of the skin, blood vessels, and bones. Long-term deficiency can also lead to other complications such as anemia and poor wound healing. 

In terms of diabetics, studies have found that individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of vitamin C deficiency as compared to non-diabetics. This is due to increased oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and higher glucose levels which can lead to increased vitamin C utilization by the body. 

It is not clear if diabetic individuals suffer from more severe effects of vitamin C deficiency as compared to non-diabetic individuals. However, it is important for diabetics to consume an adequate amount of vitamin C from food or supplements to maintain optimal health, as diabetes increases the risk of developing certain complications that vitamin C can help to prevent.