Zinc is an important nutrient that can help the immune system and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Some evidence suggests that zinc may be beneficial for the management of type 2 diabetes. Other research notes a potential link between zinc deficiency and diabetes. However, further research is needed.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting over
Zinc is a naturally occurring nutrient in many foods, such as beans, meat, and fish. People can also take it as a dietary supplement. It helps support a number of functions in the body, including helping the immune system, as it has antioxidant properties. Although zinc deficiencies are rare in the United States, they can occur if a person’s diet lacks adequate nutrition.
Due to the possible health benefits of zinc, there is some evidence that it may have a protective effect against diabetes and improve the prognosis for people with this condition.
In this article, we discuss the potential link between diabetes and zinc, including whether zinc can help manage type 2 diabetes.
More research is needed to understand the association between zinc and type 2 diabetes. Some evidence indicates that there may be a link between zinc deficiencies and the development of diabetes. Research also suggests that zinc supplementation helps reduce risk factors for developing diabetes and helps manage the disease.
A
As such, this may suggest that zinc supplementation may help in the management of diabetes as an adjunctive treatment. A 2022 study indicates that zinc may help due to its antioxidant properties. In the same vein, a
Another meta-analysis from 2019 also suggests that a moderately high dietary zinc intake may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by
Therefore, zinc could benefit the management of diabetes. However, lower zinc levels may coincide with non-nutritive eating habits that may contribute to disease development. As such, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between diabetes and zinc.
Although zinc is present in many foods, some research estimates that approximately
- Red meat
- Poultry
- seafood, such as oysters, crab, and lobster
- fortified breakfast cereals
- Beans
- nuts
- whole grains
- dairy products
Zinc is also available in supplements that people may have in addition to food sources to ensure adequate intake of the nutrient. However, before taking any supplements, it may be advisable to seek the advice of a doctor.
It is important for individuals to have a clear idea of their dietary zinc needs. Although zinc is a very important dietary element, consuming too much of it can lead to zinc toxicity, which can cause problems. A
- gastric irritation
- vomiting
- nausea
- gastric bleeding
Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that regular excessive consumption of
- low copper levels
- changes in iron function
- reduced immune function
- reduced levels of “good” high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
- urogenital problems
In addition to its potential beneficial effects on diabetes, evidence indicates that zinc may possess many other health benefits.
Evidence indicates that the body uses zinc for many different purposes,
In some cases it is
Likewise, a
In some cases, a person may also require
Click here to learn more about controlling type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a common disease that can significantly affect an individual’s health. Some research suggests that adequate levels of zinc may help prevent the development of diabetes and make the disease more manageable. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between zinc and diabetes.
Although more research is still needed, evidence indicates that incorporating healthy lifestyle changes, which may include a nutritious diet with enough zinc, can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and manage blood sugar.