Managing blood sugar and inflammation is a constant challenge for people living with diabetes, gestational diabetes, or prediabetes. A large review of data involving over 1,000 people looked at how zinc supplements might affect these conditions. The findings suggest that taking zinc could lead to measurable improvements in how the body handles insulin and manages internal stress.
The study found that zinc supplementation was linked to lower insulin resistance and lower levels of serum insulin. It also showed a decrease in C-reactive protein, which is a marker for inflammation in the body, and a reduction in malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress. Additionally, patients saw an increase in their total antioxidant capacity.
While the results are promising for managing metabolic health, there are some nuances. For example, the study noted an increase in LDL cholesterol, but it is unclear if this change is clinically significant. Because this is a meta-analysis of various trials, the results show a clear association but do not provide a definitive guarantee for every individual.
