Why should people with diabetes take vitamin B6?

Feb 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I often see hospitals prescribing vitamin B6 for diabetic patients. May I ask, why should diabetics take vitamin B6?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Bai Hongmei

In the treatment and management of diabetes, vitamin B6 primarily plays a role in the prevention and alleviation of neuropathy. Diabetic patients often develop neuropathy, characterized by symptoms such as numbness and pain in the extremities, which is related to nerve damage caused by high blood glucose levels. Vitamin B6 is an essential component in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and participates in the synthesis and metabolism of nerve signaling substances, helping to maintain nervous system health. Moreover, vitamin B6 has a positive effect on treating some chronic complications of diabetes, such as peripheral neuropathy and skin disorders. It can help nourish nerves, improve patients' neurological function, and relieve abnormal symptoms. At the same time, vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body utilize nutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, thus benefiting the maintenance of normal metabolism in diabetic patients. In addition, vitamin B6 participates in glycogen breakdown and synthesis and contributes to maintaining stable blood glucose levels. Furthermore, supplementing with vitamin B6 may help reduce inflammation levels in diabetic patients, improving insulin resistance and glycemic control.

Therefore, for diabetic patients, appropriate supplementation with vitamin B6 can help improve quality of life. However, it cannot replace core methods of blood glucose control, such as dietary management, physical activity, and medication therapy when necessary.