Optimizing Vitamin and Mineral Intake for Diabetes Management - Author/KingNet National Online Medical Editorial Department

2024-04-15 04:24:35

Author/KingNet National Online Medical Editorial Department

According to statistics from the National Health Service of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the prevalence of diabetes among Chinese people over 18 years old from 106 to 109 is as high as 11.1%, and it is estimated that there are approximately 2.186 million diabetic patients nationwide. Diabetes is not only a blood sugar problem, but also a risk factor for many other diseases, affecting the quality of life and health.

A study published in the journal “Human Nutrition & Metabolism” in January 2024 pointed out that vitamin K deficiency seems to be related to the development of type 2 diabetes, and supplementing vitamin K can help improve insulin resistance in the elderly.

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Vitamin K and diabetes

Vitamin K is a regulator of lipid metabolism in the human body, helping to reduce triglyceride levels and improve blood sugar and insulin levels after meals. Studies have pointed out that long-term vitamin K supplementation can improve insulin resistance in the elderly and may also help bone density in the elderly.
Although the study failed to prove that vitamin K had an effect on fasting blood sugar levels, it had a significant effect on insulin and blood sugar levels 2 hours after a meal. Studies have shown that vitamin K supplements improved insulin resistance in older women and men with diabetes after 36 months of supplementation. In addition, vitamin K also has an impact on bone density and fracture rate, and can improve bone density and reduce fractures in women with osteoporosis and postmenopausal women.

The importance of vitamin and mineral intake for diabetics

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In addition to vitamin K, other nutrients such as vitamins B9, E, D, B1 and zinc have been linked to diabetes and its pre-existing conditions. Vitamin E can reduce glycated hemoglobin and improve diabetes management; zinc is one of the factors that make up insulin. A lack of zinc will lead to a decrease in the production of insulin, worsen the quality of insulin, and reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin; moderate intake of folic acid can also help To reduce the risk of diabetes.

Master the five steps to control sugar and help stabilize sugar

The National Health Department recommends that you master your health through the “Five Steps to Control Blood Sugar” to steadily control blood sugar, develop good living habits, and cooperate with professional care guidance to reduce and prevent the occurrence of complications.

“Healthy diet: three less and one high”: You should consult a doctor and nutritionist to formulate a suitable diet plan according to your individual condition, based on “balanced diet”, and pay attention to the three “less” and one high: less oil, less salt, less sugar and The principle of high-fiber diet can achieve the purpose of controlling blood sugar and maintaining health.
“Regular Exercise Weekly 150”: Reduce the lifestyle of sitting for long periods of time, and have at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week. Pay attention to potential dangers, such as falls, dehydration, etc., and self-monitor blood sugar before exercise to avoid Hypoglycemia occurs.
“Control weight and reduce burden”: Under the guidance of a nutritionist/health teacher, control your weight, or join a patient group to lose weight to stay away from the threats posed by obesity and diabetes.
“Take medicine regularly and on time”: Take medicine on time and regularly according to the doctor’s instructions. Do not increase or decrease the dosage of medicine at will or stop taking medicine on your own. If you change doctors during treatment, you must inform the new doctor of your current medication status to reduce unnecessary drug overlap and blood sugar interference. control.
“Monitor blood sugar regularly and independently”: Blood sugar levels will change with diet and lifestyle. You should develop self-monitoring of blood sugar and measure blood sugar regularly and correctly to ensure that blood sugar is within the normal control range.