Magnesium’s overlooked link to type 2 diabetes

Magnesium doesn’t get nearly as much attention as cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar.

But research shows this mineral plays a surprisingly important role in type 2 diabetes — and it’s one that’s often overlooked.

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those critical to how insulin works. It helps regulate glucose uptake into cells, influences insulin sensitivity, and supports vascular health.

Yet studies show that people with type 2 diabetes often have lower magnesium levels — both inside their cells and in circulation — especially when blood sugar control is poor.

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Why magnesium matters in diabetes

When magnesium levels drop, insulin can’t do its job as effectively. That means cells don’t take in glucose efficiently, worsening insulin resistance and raising blood sugar levels.

This cycle can create further magnesium losses, particularly through the kidneys, leading to an ongoing deficit.

Over time, low levels have been linked not only to worsening diabetes but also to complications like high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, arrhythmias, and even cognitive decline.

The two-way connection—and what to do about it

So, does low magnesium cause diabetes, or does diabetes cause low magnesium? The answer is both.

A diet too low in magnesium can impair insulin action, increasing the risk of diabetes, while diabetes itself promotes magnesium loss. This two-way relationship means that people with diabetes are especially vulnerable to deficiency, and people who are deficient are at higher risk of developing diabetes.

Some research suggests magnesium supplements can improve fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, and blood vessel function, but results aren’t consistent.

That’s likely because not everyone with diabetes is magnesium-deficient to begin with, so supplement studies may dilute the true effect.

The American Diabetes Association does not currently recommend routine supplementation for blood sugar control. More research is needed before magnesium supplements can be broadly prescribed as a diabetes therapy.

What we do know is that magnesium-rich diets consistently lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

People who consume more magnesium-rich foods — nuts, seeds, legumes, leafy greens, and whole grains — tend to have better insulin sensitivity, lower inflammation, and a reduced risk of progressing from prediabetes to diabetes.

These foods also deliver other protective nutrients, like fiber, antioxidants, and plant sterols, that work together to support metabolic and cardiovascular health.

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Food first, supplements if needed

It’s important to note that magnesium from food is safe and doesn’t carry the risks associated with high-dose supplements.

Too much supplemental magnesium — especially in forms like magnesium oxide, carbonate, or chloride — can cause diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal cramps.

Extremely high doses can even lead to toxicity, with dangerous effects on heart rhythm and blood pressure. Supplements can also interact with common medications, including antibiotics, diuretics, and some acid reflux drugs.

That’s why the best approach is food first. Spinach, pumpkin seeds, black beans, almonds, edamame, and whole grains are all excellent sources.

If a supplement is considered, it should only be done under medical supervision, especially for people with kidney disease or those taking multiple medications.

The bottom line

Magnesium isn’t a cure for diabetes, but it is a nutrient that plays a critical role in how insulin works and how blood sugar is managed.

Ensuring your diet includes magnesium-rich foods is a safe, natural, and impactful way to support glucose control and protect against complications. Supplements may help in some cases, but food remains the most reliable and safest source.

At Step One Foods, many of our products naturally deliver magnesium along with other nutrients that support cholesterol, blood sugar, and vascular health. That’s because they’re made with ingredients naturally rich in magnesium — like oats, nuts and seeds, legumes, dried fruit, and even dark chocolate. By eating real food in the right combinations, you can take meaningful steps toward better outcomes.

Editor’s note: Are you feeling unusually tired? You may think this is normal aging, but the problem could be your master hormone. When it’s not working, your risk of age-related diseases skyrockets. To reset what many call “the trigger for all disease” and live better, longer, click here to discover The Insulin Factor: How to Repair Your Body’s Master Controller and Conquer Chronic Disease!

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

By Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

"Diet is a major driver of high cholesterol, but instead of changing the food, we prescribe medications. This never seemed logical to me.” Dr. Klodas has dedicated her career to preventive cardiology. Trained at Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins, she is the founder and Chief Medical Officer for Step One Foods. Dr. Klodas is a nationally sought out speaker and has an active role at the American College of Cardiology. Her clinical interests include prevention of heart disease and non-invasive cardiac imaging and she has published dozens of scientific articles throughout her career. Dr. Klodas has been featured on CNN Health for her mission to change how heart disease is treated. An independent study performed at leading medical institutions affirmed the ability of Step One Foods to deliver measurable and meaningful cholesterol-reduction benefits in the real world. The results of the trial were presented at the 2018 American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions. Dr. Klodas has also authored a book for patients, "Slay the Giant: The Power of Prevention in Defeating Heart Disease," and served as founding Editor-in-Chief of the patient education effort of the American College of Cardiology. In addition to her practice and her duties at Step One Foods, she also serves as medical editor for webMD.

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