Best supplements to prevent type 2 diabetes: A mineral which regulates blood sugar

Magnesium is a powerful mineral needed in the body. It helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady and helps bones remain strong. Another powerful element of magnesium is its ability to possibly prevent type 2 diabetes. How?

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For a person battling with type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin, however, not enough to meet their needs and this is known as insulin resistance.

Magnesium is an essential nutrient for the brain and the body.

Magnesium helps to regulate blood sugar, among its many benefits.

Yet a magnesium deficiency is often seen in people with diabetes, this is because low levels of magnesium are associated with insulin resistance.

Taking a magnesium supplements helps to improve diabetes control and possibly even prevent type 2 diabetes.

Magnesium is involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, and is key for people who are managing diabetes, blood pressure and glucose control according to the National Institutes of Health.

Having a magnesium deficiency is linked to having an insulin resistance, which is central to the development of type 2 diabetes.

What is magnesium?

MedicineNet explained: “Magnesium is a mineral involved in many processes in the body including nerve signalling, the building of healthy bones, and normal muscle concentration.

“About 350 enzymes are known to depend on magnesium.

“Magnesium is contained in all unprocessed foods with high concentrations of magnesium being found in nuts, dark-leafy vegetables, legumes including peas and beans.

“Magnesium is thus readily available in foods that form the basis of a healthy diet.”

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What happens to the body when it lacks magnesium

Magnesium deficiency can occur due to inadequate intake of magnesium, impaired intestinal absorption of the mineral, or excessive loss of it.

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.

Other benefits of taking magnesium supplements

Magnesium doesn’t only help regulate blood sugar.

Other benefits of a healthy magnesium blood level include a decrease in blood pressure which reduces the risk for heart disease and stroke, promotes healthy bones, reduces the frequency of migraine attacks, improves exercise performance, decreases anxiety and depression, reduces inflammation and pain and eases premenstrual syndrome.

It’s important to speak with your GP before embarking on any new supplements.

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