Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal, the eighth-most abundant mineral in the earth's crust. Most of the magnesium in the human body is found in the skeleton and teeth, at least 60-65% of the total. Almost all of the remaining amount is in tissues and muscle cells, while only 1% is in our blood. The balance of magnesium in the body is controlled by a dynamic interaction between intestinal absorption, exchange with bones, and renal excretion.
It fulfills many biological functions, including Activating muscles and nerves, creating energy in the body by activating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), helping to digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, serving as the building block for the synthesis of RNA and DNA.
Deficiencies in Mg status, including both hypomagnesemia and/or reduced Mg dietary intake, have been linked to an increased risk of a wide range of chronic diseases and strongly associated with developing DM2 or glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and decreased insulin secretion.
Maximizing magnesium status through diet and supplementation appears to be a safe and useful way to stabilize and maintain adequate glucose levels and plays an important therapeutic and preventive role in diabetes and its complications.