Magnesium and vitamin D supplements against diabetes: scientists' answer
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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In some cases, supplementation with magnesium and vitamin D may reduce the risks of developing type 2 diabetes. Such information was published in the World Journal of Diabetes. Specialists say that magnesium and vitamin D are crucial in controlling blood glucose levels.
As the incidence of diabetes mellitus continues to rise steadily, scientists do not stop working on new treatments to better combat this pathology.
Insulin resistance increases the likelihood of developing diabetes mellitus, and its degree affects the ability to control blood glucose levels. A number of studies indicate a relationship between vitamin D levels and insulin production and resistance: this vitamin plays an important role in regulating pancreatic β-cells.
Magnesium is involved in several hundred biochemical reactions that occur in the body. Some of these reactions have to do with the metabolism of insulin, glucose and magnesium. For this reason, a sharp decrease in the indicator of magnesium in the blood can provoke the development of type 2 diabetes. It is noted that in patients with low magnesium content (hypomagnesemia) diabetes progresses especially intensively, the probability of complications significantly increases. In addition, scientists point out that age patients suffering from diabetes are prone to hypomagnesemia, so it is important to regularly check the indicator of this trace element in the blood.
Patients with type 2 diabetes and hypomagnesemia show greater insulin resistance and low activity of β-cells, the structures that produce insulin. Supplemental magnesium supplementation can improve carbohydrate metabolism, minimize oxidative stress, block systemic inflammation, and correct magnesium and insulin sensitivity.
The magnesium content in the bloodstream is checked with a blood test. One of the problems is that in order to maintain homeostasis, the body independently maintains the level of the mineral in the blood by releasing it from tissues (in particular, from bone tissues). Therefore, in many cases, the analysis does not initially show a deficiency of the trace element, even if it is present.
Magnesium levels are also affected by certain medications. For example, taking antibiotics or laxatives, diuretics and digoxin can lead to hypomagnesemia. Antacids, acetylsalicylic acid, thyroid medications can cause hypermagnesemia.
Plant sources of magnesium include leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, fermented milk products, avocados, bananas, dark chocolate, some nuts and figs.
Vitamin D is found in cod liver, egg yolks, sea fish (mackerel, halibut, chum salmon, etc.).
Combined intake of vitamin D and magnesium helps to improve glycemic control in diabetic patients.
Information can be found on the National Library of Medicine's page at