1. Introduction
Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which there is insulin resistance, which means that the body uses insulin very poorly (although insulin is still secreted). The body’s natural response is to increase insulin secretion in the early stages, until at some point the pancreatic β cells lose function and cannot secrete enough insulin, at which point exogenous insulin must be provided to the body. Diet plays an important role in managing type 2 diabetes. In addition to reducing sugar and starch intake, supplementing vitamins and minerals is also an important part of the diet of type 2 diabetes patients. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium and potassium all play an important role in sugar metabolism and improving insulin function, helping type 2 diabetes patients maintain stable blood sugar levels. However, vitamin and mineral supplementation should also be guided by a nutritionist or physician to ensure safety and effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes
Vitamins and minerals
2. Important vitamins and minerals in the diet of type 2 diabetes patients
Patients with type 2 diabetes need to pay attention to providing adequate vitamins and minerals in their diet to maintain optimal health and support treatment of the disease. Important vitamins and minerals include vitamin D, vitamin B12, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium.
Vitamin D:
Potential role of vitamin D in glucose metabolism: stimulating insulin secretion via vitamin D receptors on pancreatic β cells, regulating immune responses and reducing systemic inflammation, reducing peripheral insulin resistance via vitamin D receptors in muscle and liver.
The main source of vitamin D is from sunlight, however, patients should supplement vitamin D through diet or by taking vitamin D supplements such as salmon, egg yolks and mushrooms.
Calcium:
Calcium plays an important role in the health of type 2 diabetes patients by helping to stabilize blood sugar and maintain the function of cells in the body, by helping to increase the absorption of glucose into the body’s cells. In addition, Calcium also has the effect of reducing insulin resistance, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Some studies have shown that type 2 diabetes patients are often at risk of calcium deficiency. Supplementing calcium through diet or using calcium supplements such as milk, yogurt, kale, broccoli, salmon, etc. can help type 2 diabetes patients maintain good cell function in the body and support blood sugar control.
Broccoli
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is also important for the health of type 2 diabetes patients. Vitamin B12 helps maintain nerve function and enhances glucose absorption.
Several studies have shown that type 2 diabetes patients are often at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that patients with diabetic neuropathy who are treated with Metformin should have their vitamin B12 levels monitored regularly every year.
Supplementing vitamin B12 through diet or taking vitamin B12 supplements such as meat, liver, milk and eggs can help type 2 diabetes patients maintain nerve function and support blood sugar control.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral for the health of type 2 diabetes patients by helping to maintain the function of cells in the body and stabilize blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity markers and improve glucose parameters in people with diabetes.
Supplementing Magnesium through diet or using Magnesium supplements such as cashews, sunflower seeds, peanuts, etc. can help type 2 diabetes patients maintain good cell function in the body and support blood sugar control.
Potassium
Potassium is an important mineral for maintaining water and electrolyte balance between cells in the body, and is also an essential mineral for the health of type 2 diabetes patients by enhancing the absorption of glucose into the body’s cells. Potassium also has the effect of reducing insulin resistance, maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
In addition, Potassium also has the effect of reducing the risk of complications related to type 2 diabetes such as cardiovascular disease.
Supplementing Potassium through diet or using Potassium supplements such as bananas, sweet potatoes, cabbage, etc. can help type 2 diabetes patients maintain good cell function in the body and support blood sugar control.
In summary, adequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals is important for people with type 2 diabetes. Patients should consult with their doctor or dietitian to determine their specific vitamin and mineral needs and choose appropriate foods to supplement them.
