Importance of Minerals for Diabetes

Attention is often drawn to macronutrients in diabetic research. However, numerous compelling studies have surfaced, underscoring the pivotal role of minerals in diabetes. These studies have consistently observed alterations in certain mineral levels among patients diagnosed with type II diabetes (1). This effect could be due to increased urinary output. However, these minerals have an essential role in the formation and secretion of insulin (2).

For example, Recent research has shown that calcium has vital signaling roles in preventing insulin resistance (3). Calcium also has an inverse correlation with plasma glucose levels. This means as more calcium is present, blood sugar tends to be lower (4). 

Another example is chromium. When supplemented in non-diabetic patients, the trace mineral chromium has had numerous impacts on the metabolic panels (5). This could be due to the amplification of insulin that chromium demonstrates (6).

Although many minerals and trace elements will be lower due to increased urine, it is important to recognize this loss and incorporate sources of these minerals. Many of these minerals have important roles that can interrupt the pathogenesis of type II diabetes (7). 

These studies highlight the importance of maintaining a diet rich in minerals. Minerals are present in animal and plant sources. With diabetic and prediabetic nutrition, many things can often become limited due to the decreased tolerance of carbohydrates. Supplementation can be effective; however, high levels of minerals can be toxic (8). It is also important to include all sources of these minerals when possible. (9)

1. Zhang, Hongmei et al. “Alterations of serum trace elements in patients with type 2 diabetes.” Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) vol. 40 (2017): 91-96. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.12.017

2. S, Praveeena et al. “Trace elements in diabetes mellitus.” Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR vol. 7,9 (2013): 1863-5. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2013/5464.3335

3. Ozcan, L, and I Tabas. “Calcium signalling and ER stress in insulin resistance and atherosclerosis.” Journal of internal medicine vol. 280,5 (2016): 457-464. doi:10.1111/joim.12562

4. Kanchana N., Saikumar P. Serum Calcium Levels In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. IOSR J. Dent. Med Sci. 2014;13:1–3. doi: 10.9790/0853-13820103.

5. Anderson, R A et al. “Chromium supplementation of human subjects: effects on glucose, insulin, and lipid variables.” Metabolism: clinical and experimental vol. 32,9 (1983): 894-9. doi:10.1016/0026-0495(83)90203-2

6. Vincent, J B. “Elucidating a biological role for chromium at a molecular level.” Accounts of chemical research vol. 33,7 (2000): 503-10. doi:10.1021/ar990073r

7. Badran, M et al. “Assessment of trace elements levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes using multivariate statistical analysis.” Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) vol. 33 (2016): 114-9. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2015.10.006

8. National Research Council (US) Committee on Diet and Health. Diet and Health: Implications for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1989. 14, Trace Elements. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218751/

9. Dubey, P., Thakur, V., & Chattopadhyay, M. (2020). Role of Minerals and Trace Elements in Diabetes and Insulin Resistance. Nutrients, 12(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061864