Bodybuilding does not mean that you have to build your muscles to the level of Arnold Schwarzenegger in his heyday but a well toned, defined body looks good on both males and females. To aid their efforts and maintain their overall health and stamina many people who are into body building take a supplement or two.  The majority of these are natural and safe (we are not talking about steroids here) for most people but for those who suffer from Type 1, or insulin dependent diabetes,  need to take a little more care when choosing which supplements to take, as maintaining the correct nutritional balance is so crucial to their wellbeing.

Before beginning to take any dietary supplement a Type 1 diabetic should really discuss the matter with their usual doctor. There are though certain substances that both the ADA and the NIDDK (the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) have deemed to be safe and effective for most people with Type 1 diabetes. Some of them are listed below, but remember to check all the ingredients in a certain supplement as most of them contain a blend of many different substances in a single capsule.

Alpha Lipoic Acid – This is a substance that has been found to be very effective for increasing insulin sensitivity, which helps keep blood sugar levels at their most efficient .

Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract - Also considered efficient for balancing blood sugars as well as to achieve increased energy and fat loss

B Vitamins – Great all around energy boosters that can also help prevent some of the nerve damage associated with Type 1 diabetes.

Manganese – Protects muscle tissues against damage

Creatine is a substance that is very popular with body builders but the medical community is somewhat divided about whether or not the substance is safe for diabetics.  Some studies have seemed to suggest that such supplements can be taken without any ill effects by Type 1 diabetics in small doses but there is the concern that the left over creatine which is extracted from the body as creatinine and could put undue stress on the kidneys, which are already very vulnerable in diabetics. This is one issue that certainly must be discussed with a physician before any action is taken.