Magnesium's Role in Fighting Type II Diabetes

Roughly half of all adults in the U.S. do not get enough magnesium.^1,2

And 25% of Americans are thought to be magnesium-deficient.³

That's a major problem.

Magnesium deficiency is a contributor to metabolic disease, including type II diabetes.^4-6

Systematic review of clinical studies suggest that oral magnesium supplementation could have favorable effects on glycemic control in type II diabetics.⁷

In people with type II diabetes or in those at high risk of developing it, several clinical trials have demonstrated that supplemental magnesium can:

• Improve glucose/A1C control,^9-11
• Enhance insulin sensitivity,^9,12
• Correct metabolic imbalances.⁸

These actions may reduce damage inflicted by type II diabetes and help delay its development.

A Vital Mineral

Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. It is a required cofactor ("helper molecule") for hundreds of essential enzymatic processes within cells.^4,5

These enzymes include many that are involved in cell metabolism and energy production. Deficiency of magnesium negatively impacts these functions.

Magnesium also interacts in a critical way with other nutrients. For example, magnesium is required for the activation of vitamin D in the body.¹³ If you are taking vitamin D but your magnesium levels are low, the vitamin D can't deliver all its benefits.

The Type II Diabetes Link

Many of the enzymes and proteins that rely on magnesium play a vital role in insulin function and the metabolism of blood glucose.^4,5,8

As a result, the impact that magnesium deficiency has on metabolic health is profound. It directly contributes to diseases such as type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis ^1,4 Magnesium deficiency also increases risk for other chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease.^14,15

Observational studies show that the lower the dietary magnesium intake, the higher the prevalence of diabetes.^4,5

Additionally, individuals who already have a diagnosis of type II diabetes often have lower magnesium levels than healthy individuals.^5,16

The connection between magnesium and diabetes is so strong because magnesium affects multiple aspects of metabolism.

Magnesium is crucial at practically every step of insulin function and sugar metabolism, including:^4,5

• Insulin secretion. After a meal, the hormone insulin is secreted by the pancreas to help tissues take up and process blood sugar. With magnesium deficiency, the mechanism that leads to insulin secretion is impaired, leaving blood glucose levels elevated.¹⁷
• Glucose metabolism. Many of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of glucose and other nutrients rely on magnesium to function. Low magnesium impairs cells' ability to process nutrients and extract energy from them.
• Insulin sensitivity. Magnesium deficiency contributes to insulin resistance. This drop in insulin sensitivity is central to type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome.^9,18 Studies have found that higher magnesium levels correlate with higher insulin sensitivity. ^18,19

Defects in insulin function and glucose metabolism lead to insulin resistance and high blood sugar. High blood sugar eventually results in complications of diabetes, including kidney disease, eye disease, cognitive decline, and nerve damage.

By preventing or countering these defects, magnesium has shown potential to help prevent or control type II diabetes.²⁰

What Human Trials Reveal

Several clinical trials have shown that oral magnesium supplementation improves control of blood glucose and insulin sensitivity in people with type II diabetes.^9,11,20

Other studies have shown that magnesium can be beneficial in those at risk for type II diabetes who do not yet have a diagnosis.

For example, in non-diabetic adults who have insulin resistance or are overweight, supplemental magnesium has been shown to improve metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and blood glucose control.^8,12,21,22

This indicates that increased magnesium intake, specifically with oral supplements, may not only be useful for those already suffering from diabetes, but may also help in preventing progression to type II diabetes in high-risk people.

Summary

Roughly half of all adults in the U.S. do not get enough magnesium. .

Lower magnesium intake increases the risk for metabolic disease, including type II diabetes. Higher magnesium levels correlate with better insulin sensitivity.

Human trials have found that supplementation with oral magnesium can improve metabolism, increase insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar control in type II diabetics and those at risk for it.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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