Can magnesium help those living with type 2 diabetes?

From medicalnewstoday.com

Maintaining healthy magnesium levels may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, more research is necessary to understand the impact of magnesium on those already living with T2D.

T2D develops when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone that moves glucose from the blood to the cells for use as energy.

In T2D, blood glucose levels remain high unless a person takes steps to manage them. Blood glucose management can involve dietary changes, exercise, or medications. Consistently high blood glucose levels can increase a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and kidney disease.

Maintaining a balanced intake of essential nutrients is crucial for promoting health. Magnesium is a vital mineral with close links to blood glucose regulation. For this reason, researchers have looked into its relationship with T2D.

Why might magnesium be beneficial for those living with diabetes?

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Consuming enough magnesium supports many chemical reactions throughout the body, including blood glucose regulation.

According to the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), people with T2D and insulin resistance might have lower magnesium levelsTrusted Source in their blood and eliminate more magnesium through their urine. As a result, they have a higher risk of magnesium deficiency. 

According to a 2023 research reviewTrusted Source, people with T2D are more likely to have low magnesium levels than those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This difference may occur because the development of T2D is associated with insulin resistance, while T1D relates to the immune system destroying cells in the pancreas that make insulin. 

The ODS also suggests that diets higher in magnesium have a link to a lower risk of T2D. In a 2020 reviewTrusted Source of 41 studies, researchers found that the population with the highest magnesium intake had a 22% lower risk of T2D than the population with the lowest intake.

However, studies examining the effects of magnesium supplementation on people already living with T2D are small and have mixed results.

For example, in a small 2024 studyTrusted Source, 14 people with T2D took 15 millimoles of magnesium every day for 6 weeks. The researchers found that improving magnesium levels did not improve the participants’ sensitivity to insulin.

In a small 2019 study with 42 participants, researchers found that a group of people who received 250 milligrams (mg) per dayTrusted Source of supplemental magnesium for 3 months had reduced insulin resistance and improved blood glucose regulation compared to a control group who did not take any supplements.

In a small 2021 study with 50 participants, researchers looked at 400-mg magnesium citrate supplementation in people with T2D who had unmanaged blood sugar levels. The group who received magnesium supplementation saw a significant drop in HbA1c, a measurement of long-term blood glucose levels.

Currently, there is not enough evidence to support the use of magnesium or any other supplement to manage blood glucose levels in people who have diabetes and do not have nutritional deficiencies.

Are different types of magnesium supplements better than others?

Various types of magnesium supplements are available, and they vary based on how easy they are to absorb. Options includeTrusted Source:

• magnesium aspartate
• magnesium carbonate
• magnesium chloride
• magnesium citrate
• magnesium gluconate
• magnesium glycinate
• magnesium lactate
• magnesium oxide
• magnesium sulfate
• magnesium taurate
• magnesium threonate

If a magnesium supplement dissolves well in a liquid, the body can absorb it more easily. According to the ODS, magnesium aspartate, chloride, citrate, and lactate are the easiest to absorb.

Studies on magnesium supplements and their effects on blood glucose regulation often do not compare different forms of magnesium to one another. Some studies, such as the small 2021 study above, state the type of magnesium they used but do not provide a control with a different type of magnesium.

The ODS highlights other small studies that used the following types and amounts of magnesium:

• 300 or 600 mg daily of magnesium oxide, which improved both magnesium levels and blood glucose regulation
• 300 mg daily of liquid magnesium chloride, which returned magnesium levels to normal and reduced glucose levels
• 368 mg daily of magnesium aspartate, which had no effect on blood glucose regulation

How to include magnesium in the diet

Adults over 18 years of age need 310 to 420 mgTrusted Source of magnesium per day, depending on age, sex, and pregnancy status. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, getting magnesium from food sources is better for overall health than taking supplements, as foods with magnesium provide other nutrients and more benefits.

Good food sources of magnesium includeTrusted Source leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans, such as:

• pumpkin seeds
• chia seeds
• almonds
• spinach
• cashews
• peanuts
• fortified cereal
• soy milk
• black beans
• edamame beans
• peanut butter
• potatoes
• rice
• yogurt
• oatmeal
• kidney beans
• banana
• salmon
• milk
• halibut

Other magnesium health benefits

Healthy levels of magnesium in the blood are also vital for the following possible functionsTrusted Source:

• regulating blood pressure and reducing a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke
• maintaining bone strength
• preventing migraine episodes
• making glucose more available to the brain during exercise and improving performance, according to a 2017 reviewTrusted Source
• reducing depression, anxiety, and stress, according to an 8-week study from 2021Trusted Source

However, more research is necessary to confirm many of these benefits. Maintaining adequate magnesium levels should be part of a balanced approach to nutrition.

Risks and side effects of magnesium

Magnesium is unlikely to cause any negative effects when a person consumes it as part of their diet. The kidneys remove excess magnesium through the urine.

However, if a person consumes too much magnesium from supplements, they might experience the following side effectsTrusted Source:

• diarrhoea
• nausea
• stomach cramps

Magnesium carbonate, chloride, gluconate, and oxide have most often appeared in reports of diarrhoea. Magnesium salts have a laxative effect.

Magnesium toxicity is also possible after taking especially high doses of magnesium-based laxatives or antacids that provide more than 5,000 mg per day. Early symptoms of magnesium toxicity include:

• low blood pressure
• nausea
• vomiting
• facial redness
• urine retention
• depression
• lethargy

This can progress to breathing difficulties, extremely low blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, and eventual cardiac arrest. People with kidney problems have a higher risk of magnesium toxicity because their bodies are less able to clear excess magnesium through their urine.

It is advisable to contact a qualified health professional before taking magnesium supplements.

Summary

Maintaining adequate magnesium levels might reduce a person’s risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Conversely, T2D may lower a person’s blood magnesium levels.

While some studies have shown promising results, the evidence is unclear on whether magnesium supplementation can help regulate blood glucose in people who already have T2D.

No particular type of magnesium supplement has shown more beneficial effects for people with T2D than other types. However, limited research has found that magnesium citrate, chloride, and oxide have improved blood glucose regulation.

People should aim to consume enough magnesium through food and should consult a healthcare professional before taking magnesium supplements.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/magnesium-and-diabetes-type-2#types 

People Are Living Longer With Type 1 Diabetes

From usnews.com

People with type 1 diabetes are 25% less likely to die early now than they were in 1990, a new global tally finds, and the number of people who've lived into their senior years with the autoimmune illness keeps rising.

The new findings suggest that type 1 diabetes "is no longer a contributory factor in decreased life expectancy owing to improvements in medical care over the three decades," said a team led by Yongze Li, of the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. People with type 1 disease must take insulin each day to remain healthy. About 5% of all diabetes cases are type 1.

If poorly controlled, the disease can take a toll on health, and in decades past, people with type 1 diabetes tended to live shorter lives.

The Chinese team looked at data from the Global Burden of Disease and Risk Factors Study 2019, to see if things had gotten better for patients.

They have: In 1990, the number of people who'd lived to age 65 or older worldwide with type 1 diabetes was estimated to be 1.3 million, but by 2019 it had risen to more than 3.7 million.

At the same time, death rates fell by 25%, from 4.7 per 100,000 population in 1990 to 3.5 in 2019.

These statistics occurred even as type 1 diabetes became more prevalent, according to the study published June 12 in the BMJ.

"Globally, the prevalence of type 1 diabetes at least tripled in every age group from 65 to 94 years, especially among men, while death rates decreased across all age groups, particularly among women and those younger than 79," according to a journal news release.

But gains against diabetes weren't seen everywhere. For example, the study found that death rates "fell 13 times faster in countries with a high sociodemographic index," compared to poorer countries, where the decline in early deaths to people with type 1 diabetes is considered much lower.

Keeping blood sugar under control is key to improved outcomes. For example, a person with high blood sugar levels was at greater risk of disabling symptoms.

Still, the news was mostly good, the Chinese team said, but older people with diabetes may need better care.

“Our study also advocates for urgent attention to coping strategies for ageing populations and older people with type 1 diabetes, rational allocation of health resources and the provision of targeted guidelines," they said.

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-06-13/people-are-living-longer-with-type-1-diabetes 

Simple ways to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes

From nationalseniors.com.au

Up to 58% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed, just by making lifestyle changes 

Key Points

• Exercise is key to managing our blood glucose levels, but also it can help improve sleep, which is an underrated area of type 2 diabetes prevention and management. 

• “Plate portioning” helps create a strong foundation for healthy eating: a meal should consist of one-quarter lean protein, one-quarter high-fibre carbohydrates, and half vegetables. 

• Specialist backup and support – including from your GP, Diabetes Australia, a credentialled diabetes educator, an accredited dietitian, or an exercise physiologist – can help you stay on top of your health goals. 

If you’re one of the two million Australians with pre-diabetes, or you’ve been told you’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, we have some good news for you. Statistics show that up to 58% of cases can be prevented or delayed – just by making lifestyle changes. 

Better yet, these changes will go a long way to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Here, two experts – a diabetes educator and a health coach – share their easy-to-action tips. 

Just over 1.3 million (or one in 20) Australians are living with diabetes, which Carolien Koreneff, credentialled diabetes educator at Diabetes Australia, describes as “a chronic condition that affects the metabolism of carbohydrate foods in particular”. 

She adds, “Carbohydrate foods get broken down to glucose. Glucose is our main energy source, but if it can’t be utilised properly then diabetes will develop.” 

There are three main types of diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition that is not preventable. 

“In some people, the body's immune system starts attacking the pancreas,” explains Carolien. “Once the pancreas is destroyed, a person is no longer able to produce insulin, which affects glucose metabolism. And so, people with type 1 diabetes rely on insulin injections or insulin infusions.” 

Type 2 diabetes, however, can often be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes. “Type 2 diabetes is more an issue of insulin resistance. The body still produces insulin, but the insulin doesn't work properly.” 

The third main type is gestational diabetes (GDM), which occurs during pregnancy. 

“Usually, it means that glucose levels are slightly above target. Those targets are very different from targets we have in type 1 and type 2 diabetes because the foetus is very sensitive to glucose.” 

Alongside medication, treatment for GDM focuses on lifestyle changes. 

The symptoms of diabetes, according to Carolien, include the four Ts: tired, thirsty, thinner, and toilet. She says that rising glucose levels result in the need to use the toilet more – and, because of this, people end up thirsty and tired. 

For those with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes, the condition can also lead to sudden unexplained weight loss. 

The risk factors you can and can't change

When it comes to preventing type 2 diabetes, there are some risk factors you won’t be able to change. Age is one factor, says Carolien, with your risk continuing to increase after 40. 

Another is ethnicity and cultural background. People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent, or Asian descent are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. 

Having a family history of the condition, previously having gestational diabetes, or living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are other non-modifiable risk factors. 

So, what can we manage? “The risk factors we can influence include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and excess weight, particularly around the waist.” 

Embrace exercise for a big pay-off

In terms of ways to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, it’s no surprise that exercise is high on the list – especially when you consider its positive impact on most of the condition’s controllable risk factors. 

The Australian Government recommends adults do at least 2.5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity a week or, if you’re over 65, 30 minutes on most days.  

Think differently about food

It can feel daunting to be told you need to change your eating habits to prevent or manage diabetes. “People think this means we're going to take all their favourite foods away, but you can still have food that you love,” reassures Phillippa. 

To start with, she recommends creating a healthy foundation with “plate portioning”. This means ensuring lunch and dinner always consist of one-quarter lean protein, one-quarter high-fibre carbohydrates and half vegetables. 

“This is a good balance of the food that helps us feel energised and fuller for longer. This really helps with insulin sensitivity, and you’ll find two hours later there’s a reduction in blood glucose levels. That’s a way people can still include the foods they love that might affect their blood glucose levels but still satisfy their health goals.” 

Keep your support crew close

Want backup to make sure you stick to your new health goals? Set up your own diabetes support team: your GP, Diabetes Australia – whose membership provides access to diabetes-specific information from health professionals like Carolien – and an accredited practising dietitian, like Phillippa, accessed via Australian Unity’s HealthierMe or one you personally source who is endorsed by Dietitians Australia. 

Credentialled diabetes educators (CDEs) can also provide valuable support. This team of professionals can help create a healthy eating plan you’ll actually stick to. 

And finally, remember you don’t have to overhaul your life all at once. As Phillippa says, “Just focus on one thing. One small step will add up over time.”

https://nationalseniors.com.au/news/health/simple-ways-to-prevent-and-manage-diabetes

What is diabetes? James Norton's advice for parents on their child's diabetes diagnosis

From bbc.co.uk

Actor James Norton is reading a book for CBeebies Bedtime Stories that is aimed at helping children and their families understand diabetes. James has also talked to us about living with type 1 diabetes himself, and has a key message for you as a parent if your child has recently been diagnosed with the condition:

“It can be hard to accept diabetes into your life, but the condition is manageable for you and your child, and things will get better.”

BBC Bitesize Parents’ Toolkit has been speaking to some experts to get their tips on how to handle your child’s diabetes. 

What is diabetes?

“Diabetes is a serious condition where your blood glucose level is too high. It can happen either when your body doesn't produce enough insulin, the insulin it produces isn't effective or when your body can't produce any insulin at all. We can’t live without insulin – it works like a key that helps unlock your cells and allows glucose (sugar) in your blood to move into your cells where it is used for energy.” says Emma Elvin - Deputy Head of Care at Diabetes UK.

“We can’t live without insulin – it works like a key that helps unlock your cells…”

–Diabetes UK

According to charity Diabetes UK, there are 4.6 million people in the UK who have diabetes. There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2.

Differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes:

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, which means your body’s own immune system attacks and destroys the cells that normally produce insulin.

If you’ve got type 1 diabetes, you can’t make any insulin at all.

The treatment for type 1 diabetes is to replace the insulin your body can't produce via injections or an insulin pump. You will also need to monitor your blood glucose levels at home using a finger prick glucose monitor or continuous glucose monitor.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes has lots of risk factors including: age, family history, genetics, body weight and medical history.

If you’ve got type 2 diabetes, the insulin you make either can’t work effectively, you can’t produce enough of it, or a combination of both.

The treatment for type 2 diabetes in children can vary but usually involves taking medication such as metformin or insulin injections. For both types of diabetes, healthy food and physical activity are important parts of keeping well.

What happens if my child gets diabetes?

“Focus on caring for them, not just their condition. The key thing is you control the diabetes, it doesn’t control you.”

– James Norton

Emma Elvin says: “If your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes – like James Norton – they will be seen in hospital by a specialist children’s diabetes team. This will include diabetes specialist nurses, doctors and possibly a dietitian. They will show and teach you and your child how to inject insulin and monitor blood glucose levels. It’s quite likely your child will stay in hospital for this bit, but it's nothing to worry about. You may also learn about carbohydrate counting with a dietitian. After the initial diagnosis your child will then be regularly seen by their diabetes team and will have other checks such as blood pressure and kidney function.”

Your child’s diabetes

Emma Elvin goes on to advise: “When your child is using insulin to manage their diabetes, it means they are at risk of their blood glucose levels going too low, this is called a hypo and needs to be treated. Hypos are treated by eating or drinking something that contains fast acting carbohydrate:

• glucose or dextrose tablets or gels
• jelly babies
• non-diet soft drinks

"Your child’s diabetes team will advise on the amount of hypo treatment they need. If you use an insulin pump, your treatment may be different, so talk to your diabetes team for advice. It is useful to carry hypo treatments with you as well as a slower-acting carbohydrate. This could be a:

• sandwich or a piece of toast
• piece of fruit
• cereal bar

"Sometimes your child will need this additional carbohydrate after a hypo to help prevent their glucose level dropping again. It’s also a good idea to put together a diabetes kit bag of all the essentials your child might need out and about, for example their blood glucose monitor, medication, etc.”

How do we cope with a diagnosis?

Being told your child has diabetes can have a big emotional impact on you and your child, both in terms of the initial shock, and the subsequent vigilance required to manage the condition. This is a completely natural response when accepting a condition like this into your life.

Dr Rose Stewart is Adult Diabetes Psychology Lead for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in Wales, and she wrote the book ‘How to Manage a Mammoth’, which James Norton reads on CBeebies Bedtime Stories. She says that as a parent you may feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of supporting your child living with type 1 diabetes. It’s important to acknowledge any fear or anxiety, and to give yourself time to process what’s happened. Then you can take steps to manage the stress so that it doesn’t impact further on you, your home life, or your child’s diabetes management.

Dr Stewart suggests trying some of the following strategies (even if you’ve tried them already before) if you’re feeling worried or burnt out:

• talk to your child’s diabetes team about how you feel
• try talking therapy with a diabetes psychologist or another service
• find out about, and experiment with, the different technology available to treat diabetes
• access support groups in person and online

Emma Elvin adds: “A lot of parents feel guilty when they find out their child has diabetes, but it isn’t your fault. It’s okay to feel sad, angry and overwhelmed at the start as it’s a big change, but remember it’s important to seek help, and talking to other parents can really help.”

Common symptoms of diabetes

“Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes diagnosed in children, however cases of type 2 diabetes in children and young people are increasing. The symptoms can depend on the type of diabetes you have but the common symptoms of diabetes include:"

• peeing more, especially at night
• being really thirsty
• feeling more tired than usual
• losing weight without trying to

What to do if you think your child has developed symptoms of diabetes

Emma Elvin continues: "The symptoms of type 1 diabetes tend to come on within a matter of days or weeks and you should get urgent medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. If your child has any of the above symptoms, take them straight to the doctor and insist on a blood glucose test. If you’re struggling to get a GP appointment you can call 111 or if it’s urgent go straight to A&E. If a quick and simple finger prick test indicates high blood sugar, your GP will refer your child to a specialist diabetes team and a blood test will be sent to the lab to make a diagnosis. If your child feels very unwell or their symptoms have come on quickly seek an urgent appointment with your GP or call NHS 111.”

“The most important thing is for your kid to have the biggest, fullest life possible.”– James Norton

Dr Rose Stewart emphasises: “It’s really important to recognise that living with a child with type 1 diabetes is often difficult and stressful” but to try and let go of any guilt attached to the situation. Instead, write down what’s important to you as a parent or carer – like how you want your child to feel about their childhood, and what values are important to you – and then “take action towards using what’s important to you to guide your parenting”, as you would with any child.

You could also:

• read our tips on how to talk to your child
• write an action plan together with your child
• reward your child for their efforts
• celebrate the victories, big or small
• take time out for yourself (hard but necessary!)

Finally, Dr Stewart also suggests recognising and writing down your stress early warning signs. This can be things like feeling a lack of joy, distancing yourself emotionally, stopping communicating, or feeling upset or angry all the time. Regularly check in with yourself, so you can ‘catch’ stress or burnout early.

Emma Elvin finishes: “Most people who look after a child with diabetes don’t know anything about it before diagnosis, but your healthcare team is there to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions and ask for support. You need to understand what diabetes is and how to look after it too.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zmtr7v4