Diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, affects 8.3 percent of the population of the United States. This condition is characterized by high levels of blood glucose that occur when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or when your body becomes resistant to the effects of this hormone. Complications of diabetes range from hypertension to vision problems to kidney failure, but the disease can generally be controlled through medication, diet or a combination of both. Certain minerals may also help to stabilize blood glucose levels in some individuals. Check with your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
Chromium
The trace mineral chromium is necessary for the metabolism of glucose by your body, according to registered dietitian Belinda S. O'Connell, writing in "Diabetes Spectrum." The National Institutes of Health, NIH, explains that the recommended daily intake of chromium for men age 19 to 50 is 35 mcg, and women should consume 25 mcg. The NIH adds that a deficiency of chromium is considered rare but chromium concentrations decrease as you age, and some people may need supplementation. Research performed to test chromium's effectiveness in stabilizing blood glucose levels thus far has been mixed but the NIH suggests supplementation may be useful for individuals with a chromium deficiency.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is found in every part of your body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Individuals who have adult-onset diabetes, also known as type-2 diabetes, tend to have low levels of magnesium in their blood. It appears that supplemental magnesium may be helpful in stabilizing blood glucose levels and decreasing both symptoms and damage that occur as a result of diabetes. Magnesium should be taken with a B-complex supplement, which facilitates the body's absorption of magnesium. Additionally, calcium is often paired in supplements that contain magnesium because these two minerals work together to maintain each other's balance.
Vanadium
Although not as familiar as other minerals, vanadium is available in several different foods and may play a role in bone development. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that vanadium may help reduce blood glucose and decrease insulin resistance. Unfortunately, any benefit found in research thus far has been accomplished using dosages of vanadium that are too high for regular human consumption. Supplements made for athletes often contain vanadyl sulfate, which is a form of vanadium marketed as a performance enhancer. The highest recommended dose of vanadium for humans is 30 mcg daily, however, if you are considering supplemental vanadium, check with your doctor first.
Calcium
Calcium is the most prevalent mineral in your body and is necessary for vascular, neurological and muscle functioning as well as being the foundation for building bones. Calcium works together with the mineral magnesium to maintain the balance of each. This means that a deficiency of magnesium can lead to one of calcium and vice versa. Similarly, your potassium balance is also dependent on a proper balance of calcium and magnesium. Nutritional supplements often contain both calcium and magnesium in order to decrease the risk of an imbalance. Check with your doctor before using supplemental calcium with or without magnesium.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics
- "Diabetes Spectrum"; Select Vitamins and Minerals in the Management of Diabetes; Belinda S. O'Connell, MS, RD; August 2001
- National Institutes of Health: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Chromium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vanadium
- FAO Corporate Document Repository: Chapter 14. Magnesium
