Huge New Study Points to the Role of Nutrients in Diabetes
The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly on the rise. Recent research is now shining a light on the role of nutrient deficiencies in diabetes. This huge new study identified the most common nutrient deficiencies in diabetics.
A growing body of research is pointing to an important role for nutrients in the development of insulin resistance, leading to diabetes. Nutrient deficiencies can also affect glucose metabolism, beta cell function and insulin activity. Some studies have suggested a direct connection between deficiencies of essential nutrients and both diabetes and complications and death from diabetes.
Research has shown that a lack of several vitamins and minerals, including chromium and vitamins B1, C, D and biotin, may play a role in the development of diabetes. This new study set out to see which nutrient deficiencies are most prevalent in type 2 diabetics.
The systematic review and meta-analysis was massive. It included 132 studies of 52,501 people.
The study found nutrient deficiencies in a full 45.3% of the diabetics and in 40% of those with diabetic complications.
As for the most common deficiencies, 60.45% were deficient in vitamin D, 41.95% were deficient in magnesium. 27.81% of diabetics were also deficient in iron, and 22.01% were deficient in B12. Among those taking the diabetes drug metformin, B12 deficiency went up to 28.72%.
This study shows the need to address nutritional deficiencies, overall nutrition and supplementation in preventing diabetes.
BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. 2025;0:e000950.
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