Diabetes Reversal-Calcium and Magnesium May Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
In order to help prevent Type 2 Diabetes it is necessary not only maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet, containing low glycemic response carbohydrates, but also to obtain an adequate supply of minerals. While it is now well established that calcium and magnesium are vital for the prevention of hypertension, recently these minerals have been shown to have preventative qualities against Type 2 Diabetes.
Nutritional and medical research continually reveals aspects of human biochemistry that are relevant to the development of chronic disease. Particular attention has been given to Type 2 Diabetes. This condition is characterized by poor blood glucose control and associated complications such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy and chronic renal (kidney) failure.
In an article published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researcher Pittas and colleagues analyzed data resulting from both observational studies and clinical trials in order to ascertain if calcium, vitamin D intake, or dairy food intake is associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes. The authors state that data from the observational studies they analyzed demonstrated a “relatively consistent association” between intakes of calcium, vitamin D, or dairy food intake and the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes. In fact, the highest levels of calcium, vitamin D, or dairy food intake were associated with a 64% lower prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes.
In another recent study, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine , researchers looked at the relationship between magnesium intake and risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Swedish researchers Larsson and Wolk, from Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute, performed a meta-analysis of what are known as cohort studies. These types of studies follow groups of people over time with the aim of showing causal relationships between dietary factors and disease.
The researchers chose seven studies that examined the link between magnesium intake from food and/or supplements and the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. The total number of participants in these studies came to 286,668 people with 10,912 cases of Type 2 Diabetes.
Out of seven studies reviewed, six of them showed a statistically significant inverse association between magnesium intake and Type 2 Diabetes risk. In fact they concluded that for every 100 mg per day increase in magnesium intake there was a 15% decrease in Type 2 Diabetes risk. Put simply, this means that when magnesium intake is increased the risk of Type 2 Diabetes is reduced significantly.
The mechanism by which this process is thought to occur is not yet fully understood. The researchers did state however that, “The potential protective role of magnesium intake against Type 2 Diabetes may be due to improvement of insulin sensitivity.” Type 2 Diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic diseases in the world today. This disease is, for most people, entirely preventable.
A prevention strategy should include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy balanced diet. A balanced diet should include fruits and vegetables, whole grains and an adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids. In light of this recent research it would also seem a prudent measure to include calcium and magnesium rich foods such as legumes, nuts and seeds and leafy greens.
Of course eating an ideal diet is often not practical or indeed possible. Supplementation with calcium and magnesium is a sure- fire way to meet your requirements and ensure an optimal supply of these vital minerals.
For more Diabetes prevention information,download a report that shows “How To Balances Your Normal Blood Sugar and Healthy Insulin Levels in Only 4 Short Weeks” . . . To get it “CLICK HERE”
Article Reference:
1. A.G. Pittas, J. Lau, F. Hu, B. Dawson-Hughes. “The Role of Vitamin D and Calcium in Type 2 Diabetes. A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism; June 2007, Volume 92, Number 6, Pages 2017-2029. doi:10.1210/jc.2007-0298
2. S.C. Larsson, A. Wolk. “Magnesium intake and risk of Type 2 Diabetes: a meta-analysis,” Journal of Internal Medicine (Blackwell Publishing). Published on-line, doi: 10.1111/j.1365- 2796.2007.01840.x
Tags: 
