Study Explores Zinc Supplements and Blood Sugar Control in Diabetics

Diabetes Overview

A recent study has examined the impact of zinc supplements on blood sugar levels for individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes. In 2016, diabetes was responsible for 1.6 million deaths, and the global prevalence of this chronic condition nearly doubled from 1980 to 2014. Diabetes arises when the body struggles to manage insulin levels, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form, occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. This type of diabetes is often associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Management typically involves dietary modifications, physical activity, and insulin therapy when necessary. Blood sugar levels can be monitored using a blood glucose meter.

Zinc and Blood Sugar Regulation

Emerging research has suggested a potential relationship between zinc metabolism and blood sugar regulation, indicating that zinc supplements may aid in managing blood sugar levels. A team of researchers from China recently conducted an analysis of 32 studies to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc supplements for diabetes management. Their findings were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The researchers focused on studies published up until February 10, 2019, specifically targeting human trials involving participants who were pre-diabetic, diabetic, or overweight, with a trial involving zinc supplements and blood sugar data. Out of 1,497 studies identified, only 36 met the established criteria.

Study Findings

The researchers assessed the quality of the data from these 36 studies and conducted a statistical analysis. They primarily focused on participants’ fasting glucose levels, which indicate how well the body controls blood sugar after fasting for at least eight hours. Their analysis revealed that blood sugar levels significantly decreased in participants taking zinc-only supplements and those taking zinc in combination with other supplements.

Additionally, the researchers evaluated post-meal blood sugar levels two hours after eating. Results demonstrated that participants using zinc-only supplements or zinc co-supplements had notably lower blood sugar levels post-meal. Over a two to three month period, zinc supplements helped lower average blood sugar levels, reduce chronic inflammation, and decrease insulin resistance. However, the effect on fasting glucose levels was not as pronounced when taken in conjunction with other supplements.

The study indicated that zinc supplements were particularly beneficial for diabetic participants compared to pre-diabetic individuals. The dosage and duration of zinc supplementation did not significantly alter the outcomes. However, the formulation used did appear to influence results; inorganic zinc supplements led to better fasting glucose levels than their organic counterparts.

Considerations and Conclusion

It is essential to acknowledge that various factors, including genetics, study size, participant demographics, and the specific formulations of zinc supplements, may impact the findings. Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of zinc supplementation in diabetes management.

Further Reading

– Can the benefits of green tea improve muscle health in people with diabetes?
– What is the Best Diet for Weight Loss for Those at Risk of Diabetes?
– Top Seven Type 2 Diabetes Medications
– Link between apple polyphenol phloridzin and type 2 diabetes risk
– Pomegranate Seed Oil to Treat Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammation, and Diabetes
– Diet soda and pregnancy – is it safe?

References

Wang X, Wu W, Zheng W et al. Zinc supplementation improves glycemic control for diabetes prevention and management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;110(1):76-90. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz041

Diabetes. Who.int. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes. Published 2019. Accessed July 20, 2019.

Why Do We Need Sugar in Our Blood?. Healthfully. https://healthfully.com/21929-need-sugar-blood.html. Published 2019. Accessed July 20, 2019.