Magnesium Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Key PointsMagnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation which is widely distributed in plant • and animal foods. Magnesium de fi ciency is actually fairly common, and low magnesium intake may play a role in the • development of type 2 diabetes. Magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and diabetes mellitus. • Magnesium de fi ciency is associated with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular • diseases.

Trace element status in patients with type 2 diabetes in Norway: The HUNT3 Survey

“…We found low blood levels of magnesium to be associated with increased prevalence of T2D, consistent with studies reporting suppressed magnesium levels in T2D [22][23][24]. Magnesium plays an important role in the regulation of insulin actions, including insulin-mediated glucose uptake by controlling insulin receptor affinity in the target tissues and vascular tone [25,26]. Being an essential cofactor in reactions involving phosphorylation, magnesium deficiency could impair the insulin signal transduction pathway [25].…”

“…Magnesium plays an important role in the regulation of insulin actions, including insulin-mediated glucose uptake by controlling insulin receptor affinity in the target tissues and vascular tone [25,26]. Being an essential cofactor in reactions involving phosphorylation, magnesium deficiency could impair the insulin signal transduction pathway [25]. Some authors have linked magnesium depletion in T2D to a low magnesium intake in the Western diet [27,28].…”