The Influence of Magnesium on Blood Glucose Control

Abstract

Background: Magnesium acts as a cofactor in glucose phosphorylation and numerous other enzymatic reactions. Its deficiency may contribute to insulin resistance, carbohydrate intolerance, and dyslipidemia. Reduced serum magnesium levels have been linked to the development of diabetic complications, including retinopathy, altered platelet function, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. The present study aimed to examine the association between serum magnesium levels and glucose regulation.

Materials and methods: Data from 256 patients who underwent serum testing for glucose, magnesium, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, and lipid profile between May 2024 and June 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on glucose and HbA1c values defined by the 2017 American Diabetes Association guidelines, participants were categorized into three groups: non-diabetic, prediabetic, and diabetic. Intergroup comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal–Wallis H test and the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results: Among the participants, 137 were nondiabetic, 85 were prediabetic, and 34 were diabetic, with median ages (range) of 40 years (24–55), 45 years (35–58), and 48 years (30–57), respectively. Magnesium levels differed significantly between the nondiabetic and diabetic groups, as well as between the prediabetic and diabetic groups (both p<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between the nondiabetic and prediabetic groups. Patients with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥2.5) had significantly lower magnesium levels (p=0.020). Furthermore, serum magnesium showed a significant negative correlation with glucose (r=–0.244, p<0.001), HbA1c (r=–0.332, p<0.001), and HOMA-IR values (r=–0.162, p=0.010).

Conclusion: Magnesium serves as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in carbohydrate oxidation and is essential for glucose transport across the cell membrane. This study found that reduced magnesium levels adversely influenced glucose regulation. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods or providing oral magnesium supplementation may help improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients with low serum magnesium.