Can people with high blood sugar take vitamin B complex?

Jul 04, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Grandma's blood sugar is a bit high. My mom and I will visit her back home and have brought some B-complex vitamins. Are B-complex vitamins safe for someone with high blood sugar?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Patients with high blood sugar can generally take vitamin B complex. The vitamin B complex includes various vitamins such as B1, B2, B6, and B12, which play important roles in normal physiological functions of the body. The components of the vitamin B complex do not cause an increase in blood glucose levels; rather, they aid in multiple metabolic processes. For example, vitamin B1 is a component of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and helps maintain normal sugar metabolism; vitamin B6 is involved in the transport and metabolism of amino acids; vitamin B12 is crucial for the development of the nervous system and the health of the blood system. Additionally, for diabetic patients who have been taking antidiabetic medications like metformin long-term, supplementing with vitamin B12 becomes especially important, as these medications may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12. Vitamin B complex can be supplemented through dietary intake, such as from whole grains, meat, milk, and legumes, or through vitamin B complex supplements.