Magnesium and Diabetes
The Fourth Most Common Mineral
Magnesium and diabetes is another well covered alternative treatment subject. Magnesium is the fourth most prevalent mineral in our bodies. Most magnesium is found in our bones, almost 50%, with the remaining portion in the cells. Increasingly, there has been focus on the magnesium diabetes connection in helping manage and prevent the disease.
Overview
Magnesium is necessary in almost 300 biochemical processes with the body. It helps maintain nerve and muscle function, improves the immune system, strengthens bones, and keeps the heart rhythm steady. The mineral also is known to help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and metabolize carbohydrates.
Interestingly, people with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetics often have a magnesium deficiency. The condition is often called hypomagnesemia. The lower levels of magnesium may cause or worsen insulin resistance, making it difficult to regulate blood sugar.
One explanation for this may be that increased urination in diabetics may increase the loss of magnesium as the mineral is passed from the body in the urine. Supplementing magnesium deficiency, particularly in older adults, may improve insulin action and response.
What do the Magnesium and Diabetes Studies Say?
Three studies take a look at magnesium's influence on whether someone will develop type 2 diabetes. The first was a comprehensive 12 year study of over 125,000 people without diabetes. Over this period, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was significantly higher for those with lower levels of magnesium.
Two other magnesium and diabetes studies have also been done. One found an increase risk of developing type 2 diabetes in persons with lower levels of magnesium. The other found no correlation between low levels of magnesium and developing diabetes. Seems to me that this is a 2-1 outcome in favor of making sure you have enough magnesium in your body! (From a purely sports driven, yet unscientific viewpoint!)
What about those who already have diabetes? The old - what's in it for me? The results are a draw.
One magnesium and diabetes study found that people who increased magnesium intake over a 16 week period had better glucose control and actually lowered their A1c level. The other study did not find any correlation between magnesium and glucose control. Using magnesium as a treatment for diabetes seems to be gaining traction, as more studies are on the way. Magnesium Diabetes? Now you know!
MY BASELINE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATION
Body Balance is what I have been taking for almost 10 years. It is a liquid wholefood supplement derived primarily from Aloe Vera and SeaNine™ vegetables, a proprietary blend of nine different sea vegetables.
Body Balance has over 120 naturally occurring nutrients useful for optimal nutrition, including vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and enzymes, in synergy with a broad spectrum of phytonutrients (plant nutrients)
I believe you need to establish a basic level of nutrition. Most people simply do not get the neccessary nutrition to lead healthy lives.
Please take the time to check out Body Balance, including a special video from the Public Broadcast Service on the benefits of Sea Vegetables, featuring this product.
Looking For More Natural Diabetes Treatment Information?
For information on Top Nutritional Supplement Ingredients, such as Omega-3, Sea Vegetables, Aloe Vera, Alpha Lipoic Acid, etc. Click on the Nutritional Supplements link at the TOP of the page.
Sources:
Gloria Y. Yeh, David M. Eisenberg, Ted J. Kaptchuk, and Russell S. Phillips, Systematic Review of Herbs and Dietary Supplements for Glycemic Control in Diabetes, Diabetes Care 26: 1277-1294.
CAM and Diabetes: A Focus on Dietary Supplements, National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, NNCACM Publication No. D416, June 2008.
Magnesium, Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institute of Health (Accessed March 2009).
