Mikronährstoffe bei der Behandlung von Diabetes

Micronutrients in the treatment of diabetes

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Diabetes is a widespread disease. Type 2 diabetes (so-called adult-onset diabetes) is particularly widespread and is becoming increasingly common.

Diet and lifestyle play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Incorrect eating habits, especially excessive consumption of sugar and white flour, promote the development of diabetes. But the supply of essential nutrients - vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids - also appear to be involved in the development of diabetes. Dietary supplements with these nutrients can potentially support diabetes therapy.

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magnesium

Magnesium is needed for the release of insulin from the pancreas. Magnesium deficiency is very common in diabetics and correlates with the severity of the disease. [1]

Studies show that magnesium can improve blood sugar control in diabetic patients.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D also plays a role in the release of vitamin D. It also helps counteract insulin resistance. [2]

Since vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects, it can also reduce chronic inflammation, which is severe in type 2 diabetes and is responsible for the complications of diabetes.

chrome

Chromium is a trace element that is needed for the absorption of sugar into the cells.

Studies show that chromium can lower fasting and long-term blood sugar (HbA1c). [3]

zinc

Zinc is important for insulin production in the pancreas. Zinc also promotes the absorption of sugar into the cells.

Zinc is also a powerful antioxidant, counteracting oxidative stress and chronic inflammation associated with diabetes. [4]

Diabetics are significantly more likely to suffer from zinc deficiency than people without diabetes.

The administration of zinc can lower fasting and long-term blood sugar levels in diabetics.

B vitamins

B vitamins have important functions in sugar metabolism. Diabetic patients are often not well supplied with vitamin B1 and vitamin B6. [5] The diabetes drug metformin also promotes a deficiency in vitamin B12. [6]

Vitamin B6, folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 are also needed to break down the toxic metabolite homocysteine. Diabetic patients often have elevated homocysteine levels, which can lead to vascular damage.

Alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a very effective antioxidant. It reduces oxidative stress, which is responsible for many of the complications of diabetes. One important example is nerve damage (neuropathy). Alpha-lipoic acid is used to treat neuropathy in diabetes. [7]

Alpha-lipoic acid can also lower blood sugar.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and thus counteract chronic inflammation in diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for the nerves and can therefore probably support nerve health in diabetes. In addition, the administration of omega fatty acids can help to lower fasting and long-term blood sugar. [8]

When it comes to omega-3 supplements, it is important to ensure that they also contain high levels of the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and (docosahexaenoic acid) DHA. EPA has an anti-inflammatory effect, while DHA is needed for the nerves.

Conclusion: Micronutrients can support diabetes therapy

Many nutrients are involved in sugar metabolism and the effects of insulin. Other nutrients have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect and can thus counteract the consequences of diabetes. Micronutrients also play a role in the treatment and prevention of nerve damage.