42 • Probe •Vol LXII • No. 4 • Sep–Dec 2023 The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Diabetes Mellitus Vitamins play an important role in regulating glucose uptake, insulin signaling, and insulin secretion by β cells, for maintaining the blood glucose level. Vitamin deficiencies can contribute to a number of physiologic and metabolic issues and predispose the development of diabetes mellitus (DM). Minerals are inorganic elements that play an important role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Mineral deficiencies can interfere with glucose metabolism.1,2 Vitamin Deficiencies and Diabetes Mellitus Vitamins A, B (B1, B12, and B6), C, D, and E are of primary importance in the pathogenesis of DM. Inadequate intake of vitamin-rich foods increases oxidative stress, which causes insulin resistance (IR), β-cell dysfunction, impaired glucose tolerance, and metabolic syndrome.3,4 Vitamin A deficiency and diabetes mellitus Vitamin A is fat-soluble, and it influences the metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of DM. Fish, poultry, dairy products, meat, fruits, and vegetables are the primary sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency causes β-cell death, results in decreased insulin synthesis, and causes hyperglycemia. Intake of vitamin A improves pancreatic β-cell functioning and prevents or delays the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).4,5 Vitamin B deficiency and diabetes mellitus Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is an essential cofactor in glucose metabolism, and it is naturally found in meat, fish, beans, peas, tofu, brown rice, and whole wheat. A lower blood thiamine pyrophosphate concentration and thiamine insufficiency are associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy.6 Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin, and it is naturally found in animal products such as meat, eggs, poultry, and fish. Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Vitamin B12 deficiency increases the homocysteine level, which in turn increases the risk of T2DM. Adequate intake of vitamin B12 improves IR and glucose metabolism. 5 Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is present in several foods, such as fish, soybeans, peanuts, bananas, wheat germ, oats, and cow milk. Vitamin B6 plays a key role in DM by regulating the metabolism of glucose, lipid, amino acid, and neurotransmitters. Adequate
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAwNDg=