The Use of Selenium in the Treatment of Diabetes in Adolescents - Essay Example

Other (s) The Impact of Selenium on Adolescents with Type Diabetes Selenium is an important trace mineral that is commonly found in water, soil and a number of foods. It is an essential element that plays a critical role in many metabolic pathways in the body. Generally most of the selenium in our bodies is obtained from dietary intakes. Some of the good sources of the mineral include wheat, poultry, Crab, liver and fish among others (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 1300). Although the mechanism through which selenium supplementation impacts on diseases such as type 1diabetes and cancer is not fully understood, it is widely believed that the important trace element works by enhancing the performance and action of various antioxidants in the body. This paper discusses the impact of Selenium on Adolescents with type 1diabetes. Type 1diabetes is a metabolism disorder that is primarily caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin necessary for the control of the blood sugar level in the body. In most cases, the onset of the condition is childhood and adolescence. Individuals with type 1diabetes usually suffer from increased oxidative stress that is induced by their diabetic conditions Although currently there is no treatment for Diabetes mellitus (Type 1), the condition is usually controlled through regular injection of insulin as well as strict dietary control to ensure that amount and type of foods taken is effectively balanced with the body’s energy expenditure and the insulin intake (American Diabetes Association, 2). Diabetes Mellitus often causes an increase in the oxidative metabolism in most adolescents suffering from the disease and this is attributed to high oxidative stress in such individuals. Many previous researches have suggested that the oxidative stress associated with diabetes mellitus often results in further insulin resistance and reduction in insulin secretion. This is because the elevation of blood glucose level due to the lack of insulin in diabetic individuals often induces a number of biochemical defects such as overproduction of reactive oxygen radicals leading to cell injury and various complications associated with type 1diabetes. In most adolescent diabetic individuals, increased oxidative not only causes cell dysfunction but it also results in significant tissue damage which is primarily caused by the activation of various stress sensitive signaling pathways. Additionally oxidative stress is also associated with increased insulin resistance as well as the genesis of a number of late complications of chronic type 1diabetes. Anti-oxidant supplementation such as the use of selenium has been known to improve glucose metabolism in many individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus. Consequently since selenium has high levels of antioxidant properties, significant amounts of the mineral often help the body to effectively control the effects of the metabolism disorder. Many medical studies on the impact of selenium in diabetic patients have produced conflicting findings. Researchers however agree that selenium being one of the trace elements with high anti-oxidant properties, can effectively be used to reduce the oxidative stress as well as alleviate many secondary diabetic complications. This is most probably because oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis and complications of diabetes. According to Park, the protective role of selenium on individuals with diabetes 1 is attributed to the “insulin-like” activity of selenium and the antioxidant properties of the selenoenzymes(1). For example, one of the major impacts of selenium on adolescents with type 1biabetes is the reduced cases of retinopathy progression. For example as an antioxidant, selenium offers considerable protects adolescents with Diabetes mellitus from developing a diabetic eye damage known as retinopathy. Diabetic eye damage is a common complication in individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes and is largely attributed to the oxidative damage caused by the disease. Selenium supplements can therefore effectively be used not only to reduce the progression of retinopathy but also to improve the conditions of the affected patients. Serum selenium is also regarded as an integral part on the defense system against degradation products associated with increased free radicals caused by diabetic conditions. Additionally selenium and other natural antioxidants such as such vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene usually neutralize and destroy free radicals before they are removed from the body as wastes. In this regard selenium can potentially provide an effective protection to the biological molecules of diabetic individuals and prevent any damage of their tissues by the elevated oxidative stress that is often caused by type 1diabetes. Antioxidant supplements in the diet of diabetic adolescents can also significantly help in mitigating obesity. It is however important to note that in excess, selenium can cause hair loss, nail problems, fatigue, irritability and nerve damage though it’s a rare case especially in the United States. Besides preventing the development of retinopathy, selenium also plays a critical role in reducing neuroathy, nepropathy and other diabetic late complications that are associated with elevated oxidative stress in diabetic individuals. Some of the free radicals that result from the elevated oxidation stress in diabetic individuals can also cause nerve damage particularly in the peripheral neuropathy. Generally neuropathy is often manifested through symptoms such as pain and itching sensation in the legs. This condition can however be significantly reduced by increasing the amount of natural antioxidant supplements such as selenium in the diet of diabetic individuals. Other researches suggest that selenium stimulates immune defenses, improves glucose tolerance and promote the healing of wounds while at the same time reducing the risks of some of the important secondary complications of type 1diabetes. In conclusion, adolescents with type 1diabetes usually suffer from increased oxidative stress that is induced by their diabetic conditions. Although currently there is no known treatment for type 1diabetes, the progression of the disorder can be reduced by using selenium supplements. For example, just like the other natural antioxidants, selenium significantly reduces the progression of type 1biabetes in adolescent patients by acting against the free radicals caused by the metabolism disorder as well as damaging properties of such radicals. Consequently more research should be carried out on the therapeutic effects of antioxidant supplements like selenium on diabetic individuals. Works Cited American Diabetes Association. Diabetes basics: Type 1 diabetes. 2012. Retrieved on Oct 25, 2012. from www.diabetes.org American Dietetic Association. “Position of the American Dietetic Association: Fortification and Nutritional Supplements.” Journal of Amercan Diet Association, 105.8 (2005):1300-1311. Retrieved from http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0002-8223/PIIS0002822305010345.pdf?refuid=S0002-8223(07)00749-3&refissn=0002-8223&mis=.pdf Park, Kyong. “Toenail Selenium and Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in U.S. Men and Women.” Diabetes Care, online May 22, 2011.Retrieved from http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2012/05/20/dc11-2136.abstract Read More