Micronutrient support in diabetes care – Prevention & Management (Paperback, BANSHI SABOO)

The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is on the rise, globally, and especially in India. Diabetes is associated with several complications and premature mortality. T2D is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from insulin resistance, disruptions in insulin secretion regulation and a decrease in pancreatic beta cell mass, consequent to both, genetic predisposition and environmental factors (sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy dietary habits and obesity). The management of T2D includes lifestyle measures (nutritional management and physical activity and exercises) and pharmacological therapy. The nutritional management of T2D has majorly focused on macronutrients. However, micronutrients have been documented to have significant role in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and various cardiometabolic disorders. Micronutrients are also involved in glucose metabolism. Deficiencies of micronutrients are associated with impaired insulin action, due to oxidative stress or reduced activity of insulin-associated enzymes. Micronutrient intake is thus important for optimal health of patients with T2D. Alterations in micronutrient status (lower plasma concentrations and higher urinary excretion) have been reported in patients with T2D, which can impact adversely, glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity and may lead to complications of the disease. Lower levels of vitamins B1, B6, B12, D, and C as well as some minerals such as zinc, magnesium, chromium, copper, manganese, iron, selenium, etc., are reported in T2D. Hence patients with T2D should be advised to ensure adequate intake of these micronutrients. This book aims to fill the knowledge gap on the role of micronutrients in T2D. It delves on the physiological role of micronutrients, their role in diabetes, prevalence of their deficiency in diabetes, consequences of their deficiency in diabetes, as well as benefits of supplementation in people with T2D.