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Micronutrient deficiency is common among people with type 2 diabetes, according to an analysis of 132 studies involving 52,501 participants.

The analysis, funded by Abbott Nutrition, found that the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among type 2 diabetes patients varied worldwide, possibly reflecting diet, lifestyle and culture. In Europe, 39.8 per cent of type 2 diabetes patients had micronutrient deficiencies.

Globally, vitamin D deficiency affected 60.5 per cent of type 2 diabetes patients. The prevalence of magnesium and iron deficiency was 42.0 and 27.8 per cent. The global prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 23.8 per cent, rising to 28.7 per cent among those taking metformin. Micro-nutrient deficiencies were more common in women than men.  

The authors could not establish causality; determine if micronutrient deficiency preceded, or was a consequence of, poor glycaemic control; or compare micronutrient deficiency in type 2 diabetes patients with the general population. 

“The treatment of type 2 diabetes often tends to focus on energy metabolism and macronutrients, but the identification of a higher prevalence of specific micronutrient deficiencies in those affected is a reminder that optimising overall nutrition should always be a priority,” comments Shane McAuliffe, visiting senior academic associate, NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, who was not involved in the study. 

“The findings should help to focus research and policy initiatives aimed at furthering our understanding of the causes and effects of these deficiencies and the potential for targeted and tailored interventions.”