Are people with diabetes at higher risk of vitamin deficiency?
Nutrition plays a very important role in controlling diabetes, a chronic disease that affects the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. However, people with diabetes may face a higher risk of vitamin deficiency than healthy people, which can affect their disease control.
According to Dr. Swati Tayal Goray, Consultant - Endocrinologist, Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune (India), diabetics often have low levels of antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, due to oxidative stress associated with glucose metabolism.
A study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition showed that nearly half (45.3%) of type 2 diabetes patients are deficient in micronutrients. Vitamin D is the most common micronutrient deficiency, with an incidence of up to 60.45%. In addition to vitamin D, other micronutrients such as magnesium (41.95%) and vitamin B12 (23.78%) are also often deficient in diabetics, especially those who are taking metformin.
Vitamin deficiency can aggravate diabetes symptoms
Dr. Swati Tayal Goray says vitamin deficiency can make diabetes worse. Deficiency of B vitamins such as B9 and B12 can affect glucose uptake and worsen symptoms of the disease. In addition, vitamin D plays an important role in preventing complications of diabetes such as cardiovascular disease, so maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is very necessary.
Tips for maintaining nutrition for diabetics
To maintain a healthy diet and control diabetes, patients need to choose nutritious foods, including milk or plant milk, non-starchy fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods such as lean meat and fish, and foods that provide healthy fats.
In addition, diabetics should limit foods high in saturated fat and sodium, avoid sugary drinks such as soda or sugary fruit juice. Choosing water, unsweetened tea, or low-fat milk will help control blood sugar levels.
