Nutrient Deficiency Risks and Diabetes

Let’s look at nutrient deficiency risks as they relate to diabetes.

Let's first stress the importance of safety. Often times people will think it is easy to pop a pill in the hopes it will help them with their diabetes or potential nutrient needs.

There are a couple of considerations with this approach.

First: remember that supplements are unregulated. It is important to know what you are taking and what it’s potential effects will be.

Second: Do not self-diagnose. Supplements only help if there is a deficiency. A person with diabetes should work with their health care provider to find out if they have any deficiencies by using the results of lab work. They can then inquire about any potential drug interactions that supplements can have. Supplements should always be taken as directed.

And keep in mind that there are times when supplements will make a positive impact if taken when needed.

B12 and Diabetes

Research shows a risk of vitamin B12 deficiency with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  This deficiency manifests as impaired memory and peripheral neuropathy. A lack of B12 damages the myelin sheath that protects and surrounds the nerves. In this case, the nerves cannot function properly and peripheral neuropathy can occur.

Let’s first talk about type 1 diabetes. In type 1, B 12 deficiency due to pernicious anemia occurs frequently among those with type 1. Those with type 1 are 10 times more likely to have pernicious anemia than those without diabetes.

B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA.

There are other autoimmune conditions common in those with type 1 which also contribute to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Two common ones are celiac, and autoimmune hypothyroidism.

All patients who are deficient of vitamin B12 should receive treatment. Oral and parenteral both show positive outcomes. In adult patients it is recommended to give 1000 mg daily for a week then once every week for 4 weeks. In severe cases, monthly thereafter is then advised.

For young patients a dose of 100 mg daily is recommended for a week and then monthly.

Some food sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, and some fortified breakfast cereals.

Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes

A deficiency of magnesium is common in those with type 2 diabetes who have poor glycemic control. Insulin and glucose are important regulators of Magnesium metabolism. Intracellular Magnesium plays a key role in regulating insulin action and insulin-mediated-glucose-uptake. When Mg levels are low, there is an impairment in insulin actions which worsens insulin resistance in those with type 2 diabetes.

Sources of magnesium are whole grains and dark green leafy vegetables. Wolf out milk and yogurt also contain magnesium.

Studies have shown that magnesium supplementations can make a positive impact on those with type 2 diabetes and have museum deficiencies. Magnesium supplementation may also improve insulin sensitivity.

Also, low dietary intake of magnesium has been related to the development of type 2 diabetes. Some food sources of magnesium are whole grains, dark-green leafy vegetables, low fat milk, and yogurt. 

Dosing

The highest supplementation dose is 65 mg/day ages 1-3. 110 mg/day ages 4-8 amd 350 mg/day ages 9 and up.  Remember, too much of any supplement can be toxic.