The scientific evidence necessary to definitively state that a lack of certain trace minerals causes diabetes does not exist at present, according to a position statement issued by the American Diabetes Association. That said, research points to several trace minerals, including chromium, magnesium and zinc, as factors that contribute to glucose intolerance and eventual diabetes onset. Type 2 diabetes can largely be avoided through lifestyle adaptations; maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly remain the best way to avoid diabetes.
Zinc
A 2009 study conducted by Pakistani researchers and published in the "Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan" examined 42 patients with diabetes and found them to have significantly lower levels of zinc in their blood compared to the control subjects. A lack of the trace mineral zinc may aggravate glucose intolerance, according to the American Diabetes Association; however, whether or not zinc deficiency causes diabetes remains unclear.
Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral that improves the action of the hormone insulin and is directly implicated in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats. According to a 1997 study conducted by U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers and published in the journal "Diabetes," chromium supplementation lowered fasting blood glucose levels in 180 Type 2 diabetics of both genders. However, according to the American Diabetes Association, other studies have not demonstrated any positive effect; therefore, insufficient evidence exists to say for certain that chromium deficiency causes diabetes.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral involved in the conversion of glucose into energy. A lack of magnesium has been linked to insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and diabetes complications, according to Belinda S. O'Connell, MS, RD, LD, of the International Diabetes Center. Although magnesium deficiency consistently appears in patients with diabetes, whether or not a lack of magnesium causes diabetes remains unclear.
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
Lifestyle adaptations remain the simplest and surest way to avoid Type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Weight loss of as little as 5 to 10 percent of body mass in individuals who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes results in an immediate improvement in glucose metabolism and a decrease in insulin resistance. Weight loss, regular exercise and healthy foods high in vitamins and minerals will go a long way toward the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.
References
- "Diabetes Care"; Nutrition Recommendations and Interventions for Diabetes: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association; January 2008
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Micronutrient Status in Diabetes Mellitus; Arshag D. Mooradian, M.D., et al.; May 1987
- "Diabetes Spectrum"; Select Vitamins and Minerals in the Management of Diabetes; Belinda S. O'Connell, MS, RD, LD; August 2001
- "Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan"; Serum Zinc and Magnesium in Type-2 Diabetic Patients; N. Masood, et al.; August 2009
- "Diabetes"; Elevated Intakes of Supplemental Chromium Improve Glucose and Insulin Variables in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes; R. A. Anderson, et al.; November 1997
