Rodney Dangerfield was a well known comedian who developed a hilarious standup comedy routine based on the fact that he did not get any respect. The essential mineral micronutrient, Magnesium (Mg), does not get much, if any respect, either.
It should get much respect. Mg is the fourth most abundant cation in the body and is the second most abundant intracellular cation. Mg is necessary for the proper function of the human body. It plays a key role in many enzyme systems and is required for all enzymatic reactions involving the nucleotide adenosine triphosphate (ATP). A deficiency of Mg is rarely seen in healthy individuals; however, it has been reported in 47% of hospitalized patients, 61% of postoperative intensive care patients and 2 to 40% of diabetes patients. Diabetes patients should especially be concerned about Mg status since low body levels can impact diabetes complications including hypertension, retinopathy, dyslipidemias, heart functioning, focal seizures and reduce the release of insulin.
A major reason that Mg gets no respect is the fact that it functions and is found inside the cell. Measuring blood levels of Mg almost always shows normal levels and does not indicate the intracellular body stores of it. Expensive and invasive techniques are required to measure total body stores. 50% to 60% of Mg is found in bone and most of the rest is found in intracellular space. Only 1% is found in extracellular fluid like blood. Another factor that contributes to Mg's lack of respect is that low levels do not cause many symptoms. Low levels have been shown to cause lethargy, weakness, irritability, anorexia, and some nausea or vomiting.
Diabetes patients are especially prone to low Mg body stores since high blood sugars cause one to urinate out excess Mg; many foods containing Mg are not usually consumed by diabetes patients and if one has a water softener, Mg is removed from your drinking water. In addition, many patients with diabetes take diuretics that cause depletion of Mg. Low Mg levels also appear to contribute to reduced insulin sensitivity and can increase platelet stickiness.
Because of the importance of Mg to good health, it would seem prudent that diabetes patients to take daily Mg supplements UNLESS they have poor kidney function. Foods high in Mg include bran cereals, cashews, peanuts, soy beans, whole wheat, chocolate, rice and shrimp. Oral magnesium in the form of over-the-counter products makes sense to me. I take two tablets daily of an enteric coated magnesium chloride supplement called Slow Mag. I highly recommend that you read about Mg and discuss taking a daily supplement with your physician or diabetes educator.
About The Author
R. Keith Campbell RPh, FAADE, CDE is a leader in the field of diabetes, named the “Outstanding Health Care Educator in the Field of Diabetes in the U.S.” by the American Diabetes Association, having published more than 650 articles, serving on numerous boards (including the American Association of Diabetes Educators), and co-developing the popular CADD ambulatory infusion pump.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of Diabetes Product Source, Kestrel Health Information, Inc., its affiliates, or subsidiary companies.
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