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 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!