People with diabetes are more likely than those without diabetes to be low in magnesium. “Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with both extracellular and intracellular magnesium (Mg) deficits.”

Magnesium has a beneficial effect on insulin resistance. After six months, those taking the magnesium had lower fasting blood sugar levels and less insulin resistance than the control group. “There is abundant scientific evidence demonstrating magnesium’s contribution to insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation.”

“People with insulin sensitivity or resistance also lose excess magnesium in their urine, contributing to lower levels of this nutrient. Some people with type 1 diabetes also develop insulin resistance. This may put them at risk for a magnesium deficiency, too. Taking a magnesium supplement, however, can increase your magnesium blood level and improve diabetes control. If you have pre-diabetes, supplementation may also improve blood sugar and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes.”

“Magnesium improves and helps correct insulin sensitivity, which is the fundamental defect that characterizes pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and even full-blown diabetes and heart disease. An intracellular enzyme called tyrosine kinase requires magnesium to allow insulin to exert its blood-sugar-lowering effects. In several studies, daily oral magnesium supplementation substantially improved insulin sensitivity by 10% and reduced blood sugar by 37%.”

There are many varieties of magnesium supplements, so you have to figure out what works best for you.

  • Magnesium citrate
  • Magnesium malate
  • Magnesium threonate
  • Magnesium oxide
  • Magnesium chloride
  • Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts)
  • Magnesium glycinate is a highly absorbable form of magnesium.

Magnesium citrate is very popular, but some people claim it has a laxative effect. Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate, and taking an Epsom salts bath is a way to absorb magnesium into your body through your skin. Many health care practitioners recommend magnesium glycinate and magnesium threonate.

References

Barbagallo, Mario, and Ligia J. Dominguez. “Magnesium and type 2 diabetes,” World J Diabetes. 2015 Aug 25; 6(10): 1152–1157. Published online 2015 Aug 25. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v6.i10.1152. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4549665/ (accessed on 8/3/2020).

“Why Adequate Magnesium Is A Must-Have With Diabetes,” Information About Diabetes, n.d. https://www.informationaboutdiabetes.com/lifestyle/lifestyle/why-adequate-magnesium-is-a-must-have-with-diabetes (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Higuera, Valencia; medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, RN, CRNA. “Magnesium and Diabetes: How Are They Related?” Healthline (March 27, 2019). https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/magnesium-and-diabetes (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Sircus, Dr. Mark, Ac, OMD, DM. “Reversing Insulin Resistance – The Insulin Magnesium Story,” DrSircus (December 8, 2009). https://drsircus.com/diabetes/reversing-insulin-resistance-the-insulin-magnesium-story/ (accessed on 8/3/2020).
Reversing Insulin Resistance – The Insulin Magnesium Story
Magnesium improves and helps correct insulin sensitivity, which is the fundamental defect that characterizes pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and even full blown diabetes and heart disease. An intracellular enzyme called tyrosine kinase requires magnesium to allow insulin to exert its blood-sugar-lowering effects. In several studies, daily oral magnesium supplementation substantially improved insulin sensitivity by 10% and reduced blood sugar by 37%.

Sperlazza, Courtney, MPH. “How to Choose the Best Magnesium Supplement for Your Body,” Bulletproof (February 26, 2020). https://www.bulletproof.com/supplements/vitamins-minerals/best-magnesium-supplement/ (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Can Magnesium Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes?
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/03/30/magnesium-diabetes.aspx

Low Magnesium May Play Key Role in Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/05/10/magnesium-type-2-diabetes.aspx

Magnesium and Diabetes: A Hidden Link in Blood Sugar Levels
https://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/magnesium-diabetes-link-blood-sugar/2016/07/19/id/739476/

Magnesium: The Forgotten Healer
https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/magnesium-the-forgotten-healer/

Magnesium Citrate: The Best Form Of Magnesium For Diabetes
https://www.sepalika.com/type-2-diabetes/magnesium-citrate-diabetes/

Magnesium Oil Benefits & How to Use It
https://wellnessmama.com/5804/magnesium-oil/

Oral Magnesium Supplementation Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Metabolic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/26/4/1147

Reversing Insulin Resistance – The Insulin Magnesium Story
Magnesium improves and helps correct insulin sensitivity, which is the fundamental defect that characterizes pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and even full blown diabetes and heart disease. An intracellular enzyme called tyrosine kinase requires magnesium to allow insulin to exert its blood-sugar-lowering effects. In several studies, daily oral magnesium supplementation substantially improved insulin sensitivity by 10% and reduced blood sugar by 37%.
https://drsircus.com/diabetes/reversing-insulin-resistance-the-insulin-magnesium-story/

The best and worst forms of magnesium to take as a supplement
https://www.naturalnews.com/046401_magnesium_dietary_supplements_nutrient_absorption.html

The Best Kind of Magnesium For You
http://peoplesrx.com/the-best-kind-of-magnesium-for-you/

Top 10 Foods Highest in Magnesium
https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/foods-high-in-magnesium.php#vegetables-high-in-magnesium

Why Magnesium is Your Self-Care Savior
https://schmidtsnaturals.com/the-natural/why-magnesium-is-your-self-care-savior