Oral magnesium supplementation in insulin-requiring Type 2 diabetic patients

Oral magnesium (Mg) supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and secretion in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We studied the effect of Mg supplementation on glycaemic control, blood pressure, and plasma lipids in insulin‐requiring patients with Type 2 DM. Fifty moderately controlled patients were randomized to 15 mmol Mg or placebo daily for 3 months. Plasma Mg, glucose, HbA1c, lipids, erythrocyte Mg, Mg and glucose concentrations in 24‐h urine, and systolic and diastolic pressure were measured before and after 3 months treatment. Plasma Mg concentration was higher after supplementation than after placebo (0.82 ± 0.07 vs 0.78 ± 0.08 mmol l−1, p