Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition which causes a person’s blood sugar levels to become too high which could have dangerous consequences. Taking this supplement, however, could help lower your blood sugar and keep you healthy. What is it?
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Low blood levels of magnesium have been observed in 25 to 38 percent of people with type 2 diabetes and are more common in those who don’t have their blood sugar under control.
In a systematic review, eight of 12 studies indicated that giving magnesium supplements for six to 24 weeks to healthy people or those with type 2 diabetes helped reduce fasting blood sugar levels, compared to a placebo.
In fact, it was noted by health care professionals that each 50 mg increase in magnesium intake produced a three percent decrease in fasting blood sugar in those who entered the studies with low blood magnesium levels.
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is an important mineral said Medical News Today.
It continued: “Magnesium plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions in the human body.
“Its many functions include helping with muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system.
“An adult body contains around 25 grams of magnesium, 50 to 60 percent of which the skeletal system stores.
“The rest is present in muscle, soft tissues, and bodily fluids.”
In a study with the National Library of Medicine, the effects of magnesium supplementation on insulin resistance in humans was analysed.
The study noted: “Recent studies have demonstrated that minerals play a role in glucose metabolism disorders in humans.
“Magnesium, in particular, is an extensively studied mineral that has been shown to function in the management of hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance (IR) action.
“The data of this systematic review provide evidence as to the benefits of magnesium supplementation in reducing IR in patients with hypomagnesemia presenting IR.”
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Magnesium deficiency can occur due to inadequate intake of magnesium, impaired intestinal absorption of the mineral, or excessive loss of it.
Having large amounts of magnesium can be lost by prolonged exercise, lactation, excessive sweating or chronic diarrhoea, kidney diseases, an overactive thyroid or low blood levels.
A magnesium deficiency is often associated with low blood levels of calcium and potassium and when deficient, an increased irritability of the nervous system including spasms of the hands and feet, muscular twitching or cramps can ensue.
Magnesium not only helps to regulate a person’s blood sugar levels.
Supplementing with magnesium can help decrease blood pressure which reduces the risk for heart disease and stroke, promotes healthy bones, reduces the frequency of migraine’s, improves exercise performance, decreases anxiety and depression, reduces inflammation and pain and helps to ease premenstrual symptoms.
It’s important to speak with your doctor before embarking on new supplements to help with your type 2 diabetes.
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