Role of Micronutrients and Trace Elements in Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

The present review tries to understand the relationship between minerals, trace elements, and blood glucose levels in diabetic patients in chronic hyperglycemic conditions, a state where there is impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which is caused by abnormal insulin secretion or insulin action or both. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome characterized by increased blood sugar levels and glucose intolerance due to insulin resistance and deficiency. Many research trials have shed light on the relationship between trace elements and diabetes mellitus. Certain trace elements like copper, chromium, magnesium, vanadium, zinc, iron, and selenium are known to potentiate the insulin action. The mechanism behind this includes the activation of receptor sites of insulin, by involving in glucose metabolism enzyme systems serving as components or cofactors in it. Many studies have convincingly shown a link between micronutrients and glucose homeostasis. There is also evidence that the deficiency and efficiency of these micronutrients might have precise role in the pathogenesis and development of this disease.