Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes: An Update

Abstract

The link between magnesium (Mg) deficiency and type 2 diabetes mellitus is well known. Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with both extracellular and intracellular Mg deficits. A chronic latent Mg deficit or an overt clinical hypomagnesaemia is common in subjects with type 2 diabetes, especially in those with poorly controlled glycemic profiles. Insulin and glucose are important regulators of Mg metabolism. Intracellular Mg plays a key role in regulating insulin action, insulin-mediated-glucose-uptake and vascular tone. Reduced intracellular Mg concentrations result in a defective tyrosine-kinase activity, postreceptorial impairment in insulin action and worsening of insulin resistance in diabetic patients. A low Mg intake and an increased Mg urinary loss appear the most important mechanisms that may favor Mg depletion in patients with type 2 diabetes. Low dietary Mg intake has been related to the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Benefits of Mg supplementation on metabolic profile in diabetic subjects have been found in most, but not all clinical studies and larger prospective studies are needed to support the potential role of dietary Mg supplementation as a possible public health strategy in diabetes risk.The objective of this review is to revise current evidences on the mechanisms of Mg deficiency in diabetes mellitus type 2 and on the possible role of Mg supplementation in the prevention and management of the disease.

Effect of magnesium supplementation on type 2 diabetes associated cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The effect of Mg supplementation of FPG, FPI, HbA 1C , TC, HDL, LDL, TG, SBP and DBP was assessed via metaanalysis of 27, 15,14,15,20,12,21,19 and 19 treatment arms. After Mg supplementation, significant improvement was observed in FPG (WMD = À4.641 mg dL À1 , 95% CI = À7.602, À1.680, I 2 = 83.353, P = 0.002) (Fig.…”

Effect of magnesium sulfate administration to improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes animal model: using the hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp technique

“…Our previous study and others [7,[11][12][13][14] indicated that dietary Mg has the useful impact with T2DM and insulin resistance. But the exact mechanism in these processes is not clear.…”

Efficacy of Magnesium Supplementation on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Meta-Analysis

“…[12][13][14] While frank hypomagnesemia (serum level less than 0.61 mmol/L) usually occurs only in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, patients with magnesium concentrations less than 0.75 mmol/L may have preclinical disease. 15 …”