Magnesium plays many essential roles in the human body. It is mostly referred to as the mineral you take when you have tight muscles or cramps.

Magnesium and Blood Sugar

Naturopaths and nutritionists  have known for a while now that this mineral also plays a very important role in the management of blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a condition that develops in many people as a result of a simple carbohydrate rich diet and lack of exercise. It is a warning sign of potential Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when your body's cells start to respond less efficiently to the insulin, which is trying to usher in blood sugar to feed the cells. Reduced insulin sensitivity is another way of saying insulin resistance.

Magnesium looks promising for Insulin Resistance

A study* was carried out to determine whether orally administered magnesium supplementation could improve insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic people.

• Subjects were those who had existing insulin resistance and also low serum magnesium levels.
• Subjects were split into two groups. One group received 2.5g daily of magnesium chloride and the other group a placebo for 3 months.

The results showed that the group taking the mineral supplement had significantly improved serum magnesium levels and improved insulin resistance. Magnesium supplementation may, therefore, represent an inexpensive and effective way to manage those with diagnosed insulin resistance. Its worth noting here that magnesium chloride (which was used in this study),  is not a well absorbed form of magnesium and that a more absorbable form such as magnesium glycinate may have yielded even better results.

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Peter Radi – Naturopath and Nutritionist

Having completed many years of clinical research in Naturopathic Medicine and Nutrition, experienced Naturopath Peter Radi focuses on both the advanced therapeutic methods – as well as the time-honoured simple principles that lead to proven health benefits. Peter can help you find the solutions you’re looking for, for your better health and wellbeing.  Learn more about Peter here…  

*Oral magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic subjects with insulin resistance. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial.  (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15223977)