What is always interesting during the scientific investigative process is the inevitable discovery of new and useful information for the clinician that may also have direct benefit to the analytical lay person. While the research regarding diabetes is vast and well known you may learn of some tidbits of therapeutically significance in this blog.

Magnesium

Magnesium's role in energy and glucose metabolism may very well be underappreciated. This mineral is involved in a myriad of enzymatic processes including carbohydrate oxidation insulin secretion insulin binding and insulin sensitivity. Not coincidentally magnesium deficiency is common in diabetics and there is a strong association between its deficiency and retinopathy obesity and hypertension. Additionally magnesium deficiency is also associated with poor glycemic control and insulin resistance in those individuals who are not diabetic.

Interestingly prescription treatments for type 2 diabetes appear to increase magnesium levels. For example metformin was shown to raise magnesium levels in the liver while also increasing levels of glutathione suggesting possible therapeutic benefits.

 In terms of direct supplementation increased magnesium intake is associated with a significantly decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes while also reducing the risk of both stroke and hypertension and improving endothelial function. The risk of dying from type 2 diabetes is also inversely proportional to higher levels of magnesium intake.

Magnesium also acts as a calcium antagonist.  It is interesting to note that some research indicates that increases in intercellular free calcium may adversely affect insulin responsiveness of adipocytes and skeletal muscle and may play a pathological role in insulin resistance.

Curcumin

Along more therapeutic lines curcumin the yellow extract from the Indian spice turmeric has been shown to actually reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in those individuals who were determined to be pre-diabetic and who consumed daily curcumin supplements for nine months. Heart disease and subsequent cardiomyopathy are not uncommon results of diabetes. Curcumin was shown to attenuate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular dysfunction in animal models of the disease. Diabetic nephropathy or kidney damage can also be a typical adverse effect of chronic diabetes and curcumin demonstrated its ability to significantly reduce kidney damage while improving the organ's function.

Ginger

Ginger another root spice reminiscent of turmeric has also been shown to be useful with diabetes. For example while both ginger and curcumin act as powerful anti-inflammatories and antioxidants (which could explain some of their therapeutic value) ginger was shown to enhance insulin production in diabetic mice while also displaying neuro- as well as nephro-protective properties.

Fertility in both men and women can be adversely affected by diabetes. Diabetes can negatively impact hormonal balance in both men and women while the dramatic increases in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress that are part and parcel of the diabetic cascade can damage delicate sperm and eggs. Ginger supplementation may help improve fertility in this vulnerable population.