Role of nutrition in diabetes mellitus and infections

Figure 1 Diabetes mellitus, infections, and malnutrition. Diabetic patients are at high risk of infection, and infection can also cause hyperglycemia. Diabetic patients are prone to malnutrition, which can also lead to poor blood sugar control. Infected patients are susceptible to malnutrition, which can also exacerbate the course of infection.

Figure 2 Effect of micronutrients on diabetes and infections. Diabetic patients are prone to deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B₁₂. At the same time, their need for vitamin C and vitamin E is increased due to the induction of oxidative stress. Vitamins are beneficial for anti-infections, such as vitamin C and vitamin E have anti-oxidant effects, and vitamins B₂, B_3, and vitamin D are involved in immune regulation. Diabetes mellitus can easily cause metabolic disorders of iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn). High Fe and high Se can increase diabetes risk. Zn and Mg are involved in immune regulation, and Zn and Se have anti-inflammatory effects. Fe: Iron; Mg: Magnesium; Se: Selenium; Zn: Zinc.