Magnesium chloride supplements may lower blood sugar levels and counter insulin resistance, says a new study from Mexico.
The journal Diabetes & Metabolism reported the results of a trial of women and men with prediabetes and low mineral levels. It found an improvement in their sugar levels among the participants that received this important supplement. Read more…
Pre-diabetes study details
Scientists from the Biomedical Research Unit of the Mexican Social Security at the Institute at Durango conducted the study involving 116 men and women between the ages of 30 and 65, with newly diagnosed pre-diabetes and low blood (serum) magnesium levels. They were randomized into groups that did and a control group that did not receive daily 382 mg of magnesium chloride supplementation for four months. They were also advised to follow diet and physical activity guidelines throughout the study.
Data from a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial indicated that 50% of the people in the magnesium chloride group improved their glucose status, compared with only 7% in the placebo group.
Among the magnesium supplementation group participants, their fasting and post-load blood sugar (glucose) levels, triglycerides and insulin resistance significantly dropped, while their magnesium levels, and HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels increased.
According to author Martha Rodriguez-Moran, “The percentage of subjects who improved their pre-diabetic state was significantly larger among those taking magnesium chloride compared with those in the control group, whereas unfavorable changes in pre-diabetic state were significantly higher in the controls than in those taking magnesium.
“Our results support the hypothesis that, as a complement to lifestyle interventional programs, people with pre-diabetes and hypomagnesemia also should take magnesium supplements to decrease plasma glucose levels and potentially reduce the transition from pre-diabetes to diabetes. In this regard, given that measurement of serum magnesium is easy and accessible, the potential benefits of magnesium supplementation could readily be achieved in clinical settings.”
Magnesium is an essential nutrient
Magnesium is critically involved in over 300 biochemical reactions within our cells, including: helping maintain normal muscle and nerve function, to keeping heart rhythm steady, supporting a healthy immune system, and keeping bones strong. It is also required for normal blood sugar functioning, and healthy blood pressure.
This results are especially significant, in part, due to widespread magnesium deficiency. According to NHANES data, 60% of Americans are not hitting the Institute of Medicine’s intake recommendations for magnesium.
Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs, prior to the development of type 2 diabetes, where either impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) have been identified. Those with pre-diabetes (both types of impairment have a 12 fold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, in comparison to people with normal blood glucose levels.
Sources:
Diabetes & Metabolism
Magnesium supplements may help blood sugar management for pre-diabetics: RCT
Volume 41, Issue 3, Pages 202–207, doi: 10.1016/j.diabet.2015.03.010
“Oral magnesium supplementation improves glycaemic status in subjects with prediabetes and hypomagnesaemia: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial”
Authors: F. Guerrero-Romero, L.E. Simental-Mendia, G. Hernandez-Ronquillo, M. Rodriguez-Moran