The relationship of B vitamins to diabetes mellitus

Vitamins, together with trace elements, belong to the group of essential nutrients called micronutrients, as they are needed by the human body in relatively small quantities. Their deficiency usually develops over a longer period, and therefore most often manifests itself in patients with chronic diseases, malnutrition or insufficient supplementation within the framework of long-term artificial nutrition. B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins that are primarily related to hematopoiesis and the nervous system; their deficiency can cause various anemias and neuropathies. However, the relationships of all B vitamins to various types of diabetes mellitus and their complications have also been described. B vitamins are related to glucose metabolism, their reduced serum level can be a risk factor for the onset and development of diabetes mellitus. Supplementation of individual vitamins is relevant for the prevention and/or therapy of diabetes mellitus and its complications.