Potassium has insulin-like effects, and deficiency could be a key factor in gestational diabetes.
I want to give a shout-out to one of the real MVP minerals: potassium.
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Out of the four main minerals, including calcium, magnesium and sodium, potassium is often overlooked. It’s also one of the most common deficiencies that I see in my practice.
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Potassium is critical for:
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〰️Regulating heartbeat and other muscle contractions
〰️Regulating blood pressure
〰️Regulating the water balance and pH of the blood and tissues
〰️Conducting nerve impulses
〰️Protein synthesis
〰️Thyroid function
〰️Overall vitality
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It also plays a big role in blood sugar balance.
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Potassium has insulin-like effects, helping get blood sugar into cells.
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“Insulin itself has been found to account for only about 8% of the "insulin-like activity" of the blood, with potassium being probably the largest factor.” — Dr. Ray Peat
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Potassium is also involved in the conversion of glucose (blood sugar) into glycogen (stored blood sugar) for future energy.
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“A normal quantity of potassium in muscle is necessary for glycogen synthesis. In potassium deficiency, both storage and synthesis of glycogen are seriously impaired.” (Knochel)
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Due to its clear importance in blood sugar regulation, getting more potassium in the diet could help ameliorate those with insulin sensitivity issues and even gestational diabetes.
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“Specific nutrient deficiencies of...potassium...may potentiate the tendency towards hyperglycemia in gestational diabetic women because...deficiencies [cause] impairment of pancreatic insulin production.” (Jovanovic-Peterson et al)
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This is why a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) is one of the foundational tests I use with clients looking to conceive. 98% of potassium is found within the cells, so blood tests that check for serum aren’t very accurate.
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Not medical advice.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Fallon, S. Enig, M.G. (1999, 2001). Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats. Washington, D.C.: NewTrends Publishing.
Haas, E. M. Levin, B. (2006). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. New York, NY: Ten Speed Press.
Jovanovic-Peterson, L. Peterson, C.M. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies which may predispose to glucose intolerance of pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8632110/.
Knochel, J.P. (1977). Role of glucoregulatory hormones in potassium homeostasis. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/875264/.
Peat, R. (2009). Glycemia, starch, and sugar in context. Retrieved from: http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/glycemia.shtml.
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