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A global analysis published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention and Health has highlighted the alarming prevalence of vitamin and mineral deficiencies among individuals with diabetes. The study, which included data from 132 research papers conducted between 1998 and 2023, involving over 52,000 participants, found that Vitamin D deficiency is the most common, affecting more than 60% of people with diabetes.
In addition to Vitamin D, the analysis revealed that 42% of people with diabetes suffer from magnesium deficiency, while 28% experience iron deficiency. These micronutrient deficits, often referred to as “hidden hunger,” are of particular concern given the essential role that vitamins and minerals play in maintaining healthy bodily functions.
The research, conducted by a team including experts from the Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) in Rajasthan, sheds light on the global impact of micronutrient deficiencies in those with type 2 diabetes. The study underscores the importance of addressing these deficiencies in managing diabetes, as micronutrients are known to influence glucose metabolism and insulin function.
One striking finding of the study is the heightened risk of micronutrient deficiencies in women with diabetes, who were found to be more susceptible to these deficits than their male counterparts. This highlights a gender disparity in the nutritional health of diabetics, with women potentially facing an increased burden from “hidden hunger.”
The study also investigated the broader issue of multiple micronutrient deficiencies in diabetes patients, with findings suggesting that 45.30% of type 2 diabetes patients worldwide suffer from deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. The figure was notably higher among women, with nearly 49% of women with diabetes found to be deficient in multiple micronutrients.
Vitamin B12 deficiency also emerged as a significant concern, affecting 29% of diabetes patients, particularly those on metformin, a commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. The authors noted that B12 deficiency is more prevalent in individuals taking this medication, which is known to interfere with vitamin B12 absorption.
While the study provides valuable insight into the global prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in diabetes, the authors caution that the findings should be interpreted with caution due to sample selection bias, as most of the included studies were hospital-based. Additionally, the analysis did not establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship, leaving uncertainty over whether micronutrient deficiencies contribute to poor glycemic control or result from it.
This comprehensive analysis calls for increased awareness and further research into the role of micronutrients in diabetes management. It highlights the need for healthcare providers to consider addressing these deficiencies as part of a holistic approach to managing type 2 diabetes.
Disclaimer: The results of this study are based on observational data, and further research is needed to establish causal relationships between micronutrient deficiencies and diabetes. The findings should not be interpreted as definitive conclusions about the causes or consequences of these deficiencies in diabetic patients.
