I take supplements. All kinds. Right now my stash includes a multi, ferrous gluconate (a fancy name for iron), vitamin C, ASA, and chromium. In the past I’ve also taken ALA. Many diabetes books recommend even more supplements - like vanadium, CLA, omega 3s, and mushrooms (the non-hallucinogenic kind).

I used to pooh-pooh extra vitamins and minerals, oils and fungi as unnecessary. I eat well, so why do I need to supplement my diet?

I am also confused by all the information out there. Which vitamins go together, what facilitates what, which ones can be harmful and how do I finance all this pill popping?

I decided to start taking a few supplements after researching, talking with my dietitian, and trying to slow down the effects of my diabetes. I truly don’t know if they help or not. Do I feel healthier? No. Do I feel more energetic? No. Do I get sick less often? No. Am I slowing down my diabetes? I don’t know.

What I do know - I have very expensive urine.