Magnesium Health Watch

We’ve discussed magnesium and its consideration when treating diabetes.  Here’s what the National Institute of Health’s dietary supplement guide has to say about the role of magnesium in diabetes.

“Magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. It may influence the release and activity of insulin, the hormone that helps control blood glucose (sugar) levels. Low blood levels of magnesium (hypomagnesemia) are frequently seen in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Hypomagnesemia may worsen insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes diabetes, or may be a consequence of insulin resistance. Individuals with insulin resistance do not use insulin efficiently and require greater amounts of insulin to maintain blood sugar within normal levels. The kidneys possibly lose their ability to retain magnesium during periods of severe hyperglycemia (significantly elevated blood glucose). The increased loss of magnesium in urine may then result in lower blood levels of magnesium.  In  older adults, correcting magnesium depletion may improve insulin response and action.”

via Magnesium Dietary Supplements | National Institutes of Health.

An interesting study conducted at Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have concluded that people who are at risk for diabetes should eat a diet high in magnesium-rich foods.  This helps decrease the likelihood of getting diabetes.  Earthtimes shares some information about the study:

“In the first study, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health evaluated the dietary intake of specific nutrients for more than 85,000 women and more than 42,000 men, in data supplied over 18 years for the women and over 12 years for the men. They found that the men and women whose diets included the largest amounts of magnesium were the least likely to develop type 2. Most of the participants in the studies consumed magnesium through foods, such as whole grains, nuts and green leafy vegetables; less than 5 percent of those followed took magnesium supplements.”

Magnesium diet lowers diabetes risk.