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Magnesium in diabetes mellitus.
1Department of Internal Medicine, Utrecht University Hospital, The Netherlands. h.w.devalk@digd.azu.nl
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|April 28, 1999
Summary
Magnesium deficiency is common in diabetes. While supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity, it doesn't directly improve glycemic control in humans, though it shows promise for preventing complications like retinopathy and reducing blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Magnesium deficiency is prevalent in diabetes mellitus, influenced by factors like glucosuria, nutrition, and hyperinsulinemia.
- Plasma magnesium levels correlate inversely with insulin sensitivity and are lower in patients with retinopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of magnesium in diabetes mellitus, focusing on its impact on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and associated complications.
- To explore the potential benefits of magnesium supplementation in preventing type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing studies on magnesium levels and supplementation in diabetic patients and animal models.
- Examination of the relationship between magnesium, insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, retinopathy, and blood pressure.
Main Results:
- Magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and secretion in type 2 diabetes but shows no significant effect on glycemic control in type 1 or 2 diabetes.
- Oral magnesium reduced type 2 diabetes development in rats and is linked to lower retinopathy incidence/progression.
- Evidence suggests magnesium may lower blood pressure, though trials were not primarily designed for this outcome.
Conclusions:
- Further research into magnesium supplementation is warranted for preventing type 2 diabetes and retinopathy progression.
- Magnesium may play a role in managing blood pressure in diabetic individuals.