Zinc Inhibits Glucose Metabolism?

[Guest guest]

Jo Harper wrote to LC-DIABETES ...

************

Recently I've started supplementing 30 mg zinc pretty near daily. Then was

wandering this website tonight, and am startled to find this information:

Some diabetics have been found to be low in zinc, and a deficiency has been

related to a decreased response to insulin. However, in at least two

studies, zinc supplementation was found to impair glucose metabolism. In

one study, type 1 diabetics receiving 50 mg zinc daily for 28 days

demonstrated marked increases in glycosylated hemoglobin. In another small

study, of type 2 diabetics, supplementation of 220 mg zinc sulfate (90 mg

actual zinc) 3 times daily for 2 months increased fasting glucose from an

average of 177 mg/dL to 207 mg/dL. Based on these results, if you are

diabetic and want to take significantly more than the RDA of 15 mg zinc

daily, you would be wise to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully. <<<

According to my other research about zinc, supplementing this substance

would include these factors:

.... Traffic director; maintenance of enzyme systems and cells; essential

for protein synthesis and collagen formation; governs the contractibility of

muscles; helps form insulin; works with E in acid/alkaline balance.

Needed for reproductive organs, brain function, synthesis of DNA.

Accelerates healing, promotes mental alertness; decreases cholesterol

deposits; fights colds. More is needed if taking extra Vit B6, or if

diabetic. With manganese, helps memory. Increases need for Vit A. Immune

system booster. ...

Does the " helps form insulin " part make zinc inadvisable, then, for those of

us who are insulin resistant?