Magnesium and diabetes
Medical Scientist of Merck South Africa explain the effect of magnisium deficiency on diabetics.
Francois Smuts, Medical Scientist Merck South Africa, manufacturers of Slow-Mag, outlined the link between magnesium and healthy diabetes management.
Diabetes is a condition that can change the lifestyle of those affected, dramatically. As such, studies are continuously undertaken to see how the disease can not only be prevented but also successfully managed.
One subject that is currently under investigation is the role of magnesium in the management of diabetes and insulin resistance.
Large-scale studies which were carried out by the Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA, showed a positive link between magnesium intake and the prevention of type two diabetes. One of the studies showed that a higher intake of magnesium reduced the risk of developing type two diabetes, especially in woman.
Other studies show that when people with type two diabetes took oral magnesium for 12 weeks, their fasting glucose level was considerably lower than the placebo group.
A growing body of evidence suggests that magnesium supplementation plays a pivotal role in mitigating the risks of developing type two diabetes.
Furthermore, studies have shown that magnesium helps to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic control in type two diabetics.
Should one suspect that their diet may be deficient in magnesium have a family member that suffers from insulin resistance or diabetes, it may be a good idea to use a magnesium supplement as it will significantly improve their health and lifestyle. They should Speak to a doctor or pharmacist about a magnesium supplement that is right for them.
Effects of Magnesium Deficiency
• Diabetics are at increased risk of magnesium deficiency, so they would need to monitor their magnesium levels and ensure that they take magnesium supplements. A magnesium deficiency could cause the following:
• As magnesium is essential for normal carbohydrate metabolism and energy production, a magnesium deficiency will aggravate insulin resistance.
• A symptom of diabetes is the deterioration of the eyes (retinopathy), which can be aggravated by a magnesium deficiency.
• Diabetics lose more magnesium via the kidneys (urine) which results in low magnesium levels.
