Dietary Antioxidant Minerals (Cr, Mg, Cu, Se, Zn) in Diabetic Children and their Relationship with Fasting and Postprandial Blood Glucose

Abstract

Background: Dietary micronutrient levels can influence glucose and insulin regulation. Studies show micronutrients can have a positive effect on blood sugar control. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between blood sugar levels and dietary antioxidant minerals (Cr, Mg, Cu, Se, Zn) in children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: This cross‑sectional study was conducted on 82 children aged 3–18 with type 1 diabetes. A three‑day food record was used to collect dietary information. Fasting blood sugar and 2‑hour postprandial glucose were recorded by parents. Dietary data were extracted by N4. SPSS Version 27 was used for all statistical analyses. Results: The average age of subjects was 10/3 ± 3/3 years. According to the comparison of intake amounts of antioxidant minerals based on age and sex with Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), most children reported enough intake. A significant positive relationship was observed between the intake of copper and 2 hours of blood sugar after breakfast (P values < 0.05). We found a significant relationship between intake of chromium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc with blood sugar levels, after adjusting for confounding variables (P values < 0.05). Conclusions: The amount of dietary antioxidant minerals in most children was within the appropriate range compared with the RDA. There is a significant relationship between dietary antioxidant minerals (chromium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc) and fasting and postprandial blood glucose after adjusting for confounding variables.