It's not uncommon for diabetes to cause nutritional deficiencies. These deficiencies are usually sparked by adjustments to diet or medication, causing you to lose essential nutrients. B12 and vitamin D and E are a few vitamins that you may receive less of. Unfortunately, these vitamins help prevent diseases associated with diabetes. For diabetics, making sure you receive various nutrients is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamin B12

B12 is an essential nutrient because it maintains a healthy nervous system by transporting red bloods cells throughout the body. Having B12 is especially important for people with diabetes because it can help fend off nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy is a common diabetes complication, with damage occurring in the skull, spine, and vital organs. The condition can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in your arms, hands, legs, and feet, resulting in sores. If overlooked, these sores could lead to amputation. B12 also supports the digestive system by promoting glucose metabolism, keeping glucose levels stable.

Metaformin is a common diabetes medication; however, using this particular medication may cause a B12 deficiency because the body can no longer easily absorb B12. Medication is not the only cause of B12 nutritional deficiency. Being a vegan or vegetarian can also result in a lack of B12 because meat is an abundant source of B12. If you don't eat meat, fish, poultry or dairy products, green beans and peas are good B12 alternatives. You can also purchase supplements containing B12 at your local grocery or health food store.

Vitamin D

In order for calcium to build strong bones, vitamin D must be present. Ensuring you have enough vitamin D is especially important if you have diabetes because your bone density is lower. For people with diabetes, not having enough vitamin D may result in fractures or osteoporosis. In addition to having an impact on bone health, a vitamin D nutritional deficiency may make it more difficult to control diabetes because it worsens blood sugar levels.

Similar to B12, diet can cause vitamin D nutritional deficiencies. Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D; however, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause permanent skin damage. For this reason, most people receive vitamin D from foods like salmon, catfish, eggs, and shitake mushrooms. If you're a vegetarian, dietary supplements can provide you with vitamin D.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E nutritional deficiency is a common issue for diabetics because they possess a low level of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important because they prevent cell damage. Not only do the antioxidants in vitamin E promote eye health by protecting the cells near the cornea. Not only does vitamin E prevent degeneration of the eye, but it can also prevent your arteries from hardening by controlling cholesterol levels. This can reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Eating green leafy vegetables, almonds, avocado, and poultry is an easy and delicious way to receive vitamin E.

If you believe you have a nutritional deficiency then consult your doctor. Medical tests can pinpoint the deficiency, and your doctor will then be able to recommend a supplementation plan that best suits your lifestyle. Although dietary supplements can improve nutritional deficiencies, eating foods rich in vital nutrients is the best way to remain healthy.