Many individuals with type 2 diabetes experience deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, a recent review published on January 28 in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health reveals.
The analysis, which examined data from 132 studies conducted between 1998 and 2023 and involving over 52,500 participants, found that nearly 45% of those with type 2 diabetes suffer from multiple micronutrient deficiencies.
According to researchers led by Dr. Daya Krishan Mangal, an adjunct professor at the International Institute of Health Management Research in Jaipur, India, this issue reflects a “double burden of malnutrition.” Individuals aiming to control their diabetes through diet may inadvertently develop deficiencies in vital nutrients.
The review identified vitamin D as the most frequently deficient nutrient, with over 60% of type 2 diabetics exhibiting low levels. Magnesium deficiency was observed in 42% of cases, iron deficiency in 28%, and vitamin B12 deficiency in 22%. Notably, individuals using metformin, a common diabetes medication, faced an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, with nearly 29% experiencing low levels.
Women with diabetes were more affected by nutrient deficiencies than men, with rates of 49% compared to 43%. Additionally, individuals with diabetes in North and South America were found to have the highest prevalence of nutrient deficiencies, affecting 54% of this population.
The study highlights the importance of addressing overall nutritional health in diabetes management, rather than focusing solely on macronutrients and energy metabolism. Since micronutrients play a crucial role in metabolic processes, deficiencies may contribute to worsening diabetes and other health complications.
Moreover, researchers suggest that a lack of essential vitamins and minerals may be a contributing factor in the development of type 2 diabetes, as they influence glucose metabolism and insulin function. Addressing these deficiencies could be a key component in preventing and managing the condition effectively.
