Importance of Magnesium in Diabetes Identified

A mineral found abundantly in green leafy vegetables, magnesium is essential for the regulation of many cellular processes and functions, serving as a vital cofactor in a wide range of metabolic reactions. Previous studies have determined that the function of insulin is dependent on magnesium, as the mineral activates insulin receptors and stimulates proteins and substrates involved in insulin signaling. Cristiane Hermes Sales, from University of Sao Paulo (Brazil), and colleagues assessed magnesium intake status in 51 adults with type 2 diabetes. Noting that 77% of the study subjects presented one or more magnesium status parameters below the cut-off points for deficiency, the team found that concentrations of plasma magnesium were inversely correlated with fasting and 2-hour post meal glucose levels.  Among the subjects evaluated, 63% were found to have low concentrations of plasma magnesium.  The researchers conclude that: “Magnesium status was influenced by kidney depuration and was altered in patients with type 2 diabetes, and magnesium showed to play an important role in blood glucose control.”