UK researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that low thiamine (vitamin B1) levels may be key to a range of vascular problems for people with diabetes. These include damage to the kidney, retina and nerves in arms and legs, and major complications such as heart disease and stroke. The researchers have shown conclusively that up to 76% of diabetics (Types I and 2) are thiamine-deficient. The thiamine shortage was not due to low dietary input. Rather it was due to a profound increased rate of removal of thiamine from the blood into the urine. The researchers urge more study into the findings.
Source: The University of Warwick, Aug 7, 2007