In this study, researchers looked at magnesium intake and the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes from incident prediabetes and/or insulin resistance. After adjusting for age (participants were 26-81 yrs old at baseline) and energy intake, those with the highest magnesium intake had a 37% lower risk of incident metabolic impairment as compared to those with the lowest magnesium intake. Additionally, for those with baseline metabolic impairment, higher magnesium intake was associated with 32% lower risk of incident diabetes. In the combined population of nearly 2600 participants, the risk in those with the highest intake was only 53% of those having the lowest magnesium intake. The researchers concluded that magnesium intake may be particularly beneficial in offsetting risk of developing diabetes among those at high risk.
Hruby A. et al. Higher magnesium intake reduces risk of impaired glucose and insulin metabolism, and progression from prediabetes to diabetes in middle-aged Americans. Diabetes Care Oct 2, 2013. Published online before print, doi:10.2337/dc13-1397.