Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar associated with an inability to produce sufficient amounts of insulin and resistance by cells to insulin. Diet plays a big role in your ability to control blood sugar and lower the risk of complications. Certain minerals might help exacerbate or mitigate symptoms and complications. Consult your doctor or nutritionist about your diet and minerals to use in managing your diabetes.
Calcium and Magnesium
Calcium and magnesium play significant roles in building and maintaining healthy bones and heart function. Increased dietary intake of calcium and magnesium might reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Research by scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in April 2009, indicated that increased intakes of calcium and magnesium lowered the risk of type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population in Shanghai.
Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral needed in tiny amounts. People with diabetes are susceptible to chromium deficiencies. Increasing chromium can improve insulin response to blood sugar in type 2 diabetics. Research by scientists at Medical University in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and published in "Folia Medica" in 2005 found that serum concentrations of chromium are significantly lower in diabetic patients than in healthy individuals without diabetes. The scientists discovered that diabetics improve insulin response to blood sugar and reduction of insulin resistance after two months of taking 30 mcg of chromium picolinate per day. Dosages above 200 mcg per day can cause kidney damage. The best food sources of chromium are whole grains, nuts and peanuts.
Sodium and Potassium
Diabetics are at risk for high blood pressure, or hypertension, which in turn can increase the risk of stroke and kidney disease. Sodium and potassium are minerals that can influence your blood pressure. Increasing dietary sodium can increase your blood pressure, whereas increasing potassium can lower your blood pressure. Research by scientists at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Victoria, Australia, and published in "Diabetic Medicine" in December 2010 found that most patients with type 2 diabetes have high levels of sodium and low levels of potassium, which can contribute to the development of hypertension and resistance to blood-pressure-lowering therapies. You can reduce your sodium levels by avoiding processed foods and increasing your potassium levels by eating whole, plant-based foods.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that supports growth and development, immune response, reproduction and neurological function, and assists nearly 100 enzymes in chemical reactions involved with cell regulation and structure. Diabetics are susceptible to a zinc deficiency, in part due to frequent urination and excretion of the mineral. Low zinc levels in drinking water are associated with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes in children, according to research by scientists at Linkoping University in Sweden and the University of Tampere in Finland, and published in "Pediatric Diabetes" in May 2011.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; "Diabetes"; 2010
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; "Dietary Calcium and Magnesium Intakes and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: The Shanghai Women's Health Study"; Raquel Villegas et al; April 2009
- "Folia Medica"; "Effect of Chromium on the Insulin Resistance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus"; Stefka Vladeva et al; 2005
- Joslin Diabetes Center; "What Are the Best Vitamins and Minerals to Take?"; 2011
- "Diabetic Medicine"; "High Sodium and Low Potassium Intake in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes"; E.I. Ekinci et al; December 2010
- Linus Pauing Institute at Oregon State University; "Zinc"; Emily Ho; February 2008
