India: In a recent breakthrough study published in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, researchers have uncovered a significant association between Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) and micronutrient deficiencies. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, affects millions worldwide, causing pain, numbness, and weakness, primarily in the extremities. This research sheds light on the potential role of micronutrients in mitigating the risk and severity of DPN, offering new avenues for prevention and treatment strategies.
The study revealed that altered levels of trace elements have a role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes mellitus (DM). They also play a significant role in diabetes complications, especially diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder that has been defined by hyperglycemia. Diabetic patients usually have high oxidative stress levels. Mitochondrial dysfunction and blood vessel inflammation are associated with a greater requirement for micronutrients in diabetic patients. These micronutrients may have an association with complications in patients with diabetes.
Sandhya Gautam, Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, and colleagues aimed to show the association of diabetic peripheral neuropathy with levels of micronutrients such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), vitamin B 12 (Vit B 12 ), and magnesium (Mg).
For this purpose, the researchers conducted a cross-sectional study in the Department of Medicine, Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, Meerut. The study included 130 randomly selected cases of confirmed type-2 diabetic patients. DPN cases were identified using the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument. Out of 130 diabetic patients, 28 patients had diabetic neuropathy. The level of various micronutrients was assessed and correlated with DPN development.
The researchers revealed that the association of DPN with Zn and Vit B12 was found to be significant, whereas Cu and Mg were found to be insignificant.
The decreased blood levels of Mg, Zn, and Vit B 12 and increased blood levels of Cu, as have been found in the present study, can be utilized for diabetes management.
“However, these observations require further research because of the important role of trace elements in DM; it is suggested that an adequate supply of these substances in the diet of patients with diabetes can be beneficial in the long-term management of diabetic patients, and further study in this field is recommended,” the researchers wrote.
The researchers noted that since it was a cross-sectional study, follow-up of the patients could not be done. Other limitation of the study was the small sample size, so the study findings can not be generalized. So, there is a need for a multicentric study with a larger sample size so that findings can be generalized.
As the global prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, understanding the interplay between nutrition and diabetic complications becomes increasingly vital. This study offers valuable insights into personalized approaches for DPN management, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care that addresses metabolic and nutritional factors in diabetic patients.
Reference:
Gautam S, Mittal C, Ranjan A, et al. Association of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy with Micronutrients. J Assoc Physicians India 2024;72(5):65-67.
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