Summary
Taiwanese researchers explored the status of chromium, zinc, and magnesium in patients with type 1 diabetes. All these micronutrients are involved in glucose metabolism, among others. The findings showed that the concentrations of these trace elements (especially magnesium and zinc) were lower in the blood of type 1 diabetes patients than in study participants who did not have diabetes (controls). Type 1 diabetes patients with poor glucose regulation had an even lower blood concentration of zinc and magnesium. Supplementation studies with chromium and magnesium showed, among others, improved glucose regulation. In summary, many studies indicated correlations between decreased chromium, zinc, and magnesium levels and poor glucose regulation. Supplementation of type 1 diabetes patients with zinc, magnesium, and chromium may help to control diabetes. More details can be found in the review.
References
Lin and Huang