Diabetes is a common disease and an escalating health issue characterized by increase in blood sugar level. By adding zinc either in your diet or as food supplements can improve blood glucose levels.
Studies have revealed that zinc is an essential element in diabetes mellitus. Zinc is normally bound to insulin and improves the glycaemic control in diabetes type I and diabetes typeII. It is involved in sugar metabolism and act as natural catalyst for insulin secretion. In this way, zinc helps in harnessing diabetes. Jayawardena et al published a study evaluating the effects of zinc in diabetics in the journal of ‘Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome’.
The experts stated that zinc resulted in a significant decrease in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Zinc supplements are effective in controlling glucose levels in the blood and promoting favorable lipid parameters.
The body requirement of zinc increases with the advancement in age. By boosting the intake of vitamins and zinc, you can improve your insulin level and keep a check on the blood glucose. The common dietary sources of zinc are fish, chicken, egg yolks, cheese, whole grains, etc
The researchers suggested that if you happen to suffer from diabetes, consult your physician and take zinc supplements. Your nutritionist might recommend you a zinc-rich diet.
However, zinc supplements are in no way a replacement to ant –diabetic drugs. They should be taken in conjunction to these drugs.
Reference: Effects of zinc supplementation on diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis; Jayawardena et al; Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome 2012