Magnesium deficiency is associated with worsening of pancreatic b-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A recent study examined the correlation between plasma magnesium level and b-cell function, as measured by the homeostasis model assessment-beta (HOMA-b) index, in 76 diabetic patients. The results showed that pancreatic β-cell function was significantly lower among diabetic subjects with hypomagnesemia compared to diabetic subjects with normal magnesium levels. This was independent of age, body mass index (BMI), sex and duration of disease. Plasma magnesium levels were a significant predictor of pancreatic β-cell function.

Previous studies have also observed this correlation among non-diabetic subjects with insulin resistance. Furthermore, supplementing with magnesium has been found to improve b-cell function and insulin secretion in pre-diabetic subjects with low serum magnesium levels.

The progressive failure of the pancreatic b-cells to secrete enough insulin to overcome insulin resistance is associated with worsening of glycaemic control and treatment failure; therefore, preservation of b-cell function is an essential component of T2DM management. Magnesium is an essential mineral that acts as a co-factor for a number of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and deficiency is common among diabetic subjects. Magnesium is also needed for the secretion of insulin from b-cells. Elevated blood glucose increases glucose uptake into pancreatic b-cells. This causes intra-cellular magnesium to bind to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which triggers the closure of potassium channels and the opening of calcium channels and results in membrane depolarisation. This in turn triggers the release of insulin into the blood stream. Magnesium also plays a vital role in the production of insulin. Deficiency of magnesium can therefore be expected to worsen insulin resistance and diabetes.

The results of this study suggest that magnesium supplementation could slow disease progression in T2DM by improving or maintaining pancreatic b-cell function. Assessing magnesium status in your diabetic patients, is therefore, an important aspect of treatment and magnesium supplementation must be a key component of any clinical treatment strategy aimed at supporting diabetic patients.

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REFERENCE

Abdullahi, M., & Ibrahim, M. B. (2019). Impact of Magnesium Deficiency on Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetic Nigerians. Iranian Journal of Diabetes and Obesity. 11(2); 87-92.

https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/IJDO/article/view/2653