An important systematic review regarding type 2 diabetics was published in the BMJ on January 28, 2025. It showed that about 50% of type 2 diabetics have marginal to moderate deficiencies of key vitamins and minerals that are required for optimal health and disease prevention.  More specifically, it showed that the prevalence of deficiency was highest for vitamin D (over 60% of patients), magnesium (about 42% of patients), iron (about 28% of patients) and vitamin B12 (about 22% of patients). And the patients with the highest prevalence of deficiencies was found right here in the Americas (over 54% of type 2 diabetic patients).This is indeed alarming and needs to be addressed. As the researchers indicate much of the management of type diabetes is focused on energy metabolism and managing carbohydrates, protein and fat intake.

What has been overlooked in standard medical management of diabetes is attention to the important role of specific vitamins and minerals, which play key roles in improving blood sugar regulation, reducing risk of diabetic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy (leading to blindness). Certain vitamins and minerals are also shown to help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, which is also strongly related to type 2 diabetes. Certain vitamins and minerals also reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer risk. Diabetics have double the cancer incidence compared to non-diabetics, and they have a strong predisposition to the development of heart disease and heart attacks.

In my view, most type 2 diabetics should take a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral each day that is enriched with meaningful levels of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-Carotene, Lutein-Zeaxanthin, Selenium, Bioflavonoids) that can help reduce diabetic eye damage (cataracts and retinopathy) and reduce free radical damage to the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Formula should also contain a B-50 complex to support nerve function (helping to guard against diabetic neuropathy) and reduce the build-up of homocysteine, which damages arteries and is linked to heart attacks. B-vitamins also have important brain-protective effects (neuroprotective effects). Of course, magnesium is required for normal nerve, heart and muscle function and iron is critical for the formation of red blood cells that deliver oxygen to all our tissues. Along with antioxidants, minerals such as zinc and selenium also help support the body’s immune system, which is often weaker in diabetic patients. We saw this during the pandemic where diabetics were shown to be at very high risk for COVID-19 complications and death. There are many reasons for type 2 diabetics to take high potency multiple vitamin and mineral each day. The study published in the BMJ in January 2025, which I have provided a link to in the text below, is a real eye-opener as to the real state of vitamin and mineral deficiencies that presently impact more than 50% of type 2 diabetics in this part of the world.

References:

Kirshan Mangal D. et al. Burden of micronutrient deficiency among patients with type 2 diabetes: systemic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. January 28, 2025. Burden of micronutrient deficiency among patients with type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis | BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health

Medscape February 4, 2025: Around 50% Diabetes Patients Face Micronutrient Deficiency.  Around 50% Diabetes Patients Face Micronutrient Deficiency

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino