Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 29: Nearly half of individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) suffer from deficiencies in critical nutrients such as vitamin D and magnesium, which are vital for blood sugar regulation and insulin function. Despite this, awareness remains low among patients and healthcare providers.
Urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and the dominance of processed diets have further compounded this issue. People who rely heavily on fast food often lack key nutrients, worsening diabetes-related complications. Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) quietly erode metabolic health and quality of life, yet the scope of this problem remains underexplored in research.
As diabetes rates rise globally, it is becoming evident that MNDs disrupt glucose metabolism and insulin signaling, accelerating the progression of T2DM. Addressing these deficiencies through targeted interventions could improve disease management, prevent complications, and enhance patient outcomes.
A systematic review conducted under PRISMA guidelines analyzed 132 studies involving 52,501 participants with T2DM. Key findings include:
• Prevalence: Nearly 45.3% of T2DM patients have multiple MNDs, with vitamin D (60.45%) and magnesium (41.95%) being the most common.
• Gender Disparities: Deficiencies are more prevalent in women (48.62%) than men (42.53%).
• Metformin Users: Vitamin B12 deficiency is higher among metformin users (28.72%).
• Regional Variations: The Americas reported the highest MND prevalence (54.04%), followed by Southeast Asia (49.73%).
The review highlighted significant heterogeneity among studies due to variations in diagnostic criteria, dietary habits, and population characteristics. Hospital-based studies reported higher prevalence rates, suggesting potential selection bias. Community-based and population-wide studies are urgently needed to provide a clearer picture.
The high burden of MNDs among T2DM patients underscores the need for integrating nutritional assessments into routine diabetes care. Regional differences point to the importance of culturally tailored nutritional policies. Policymakers and healthcare providers must prioritize interventions to address these deficiencies as part of holistic diabetes management.
Future research should focus on population-based cohorts to strengthen generalizability and investigate causal relationships between MNDs and T2DM progression. Comprehensive strategies addressing diet, supplementation, and education will be crucial in mitigating the growing impact of T2DM worldwide.