A meta-analysis of 19 studies looked at the effect of dietary or supplemental magnesium on Type 2 diabetes.

The study, which was published in Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, included more than 500,000 men and women.

The authors compared the highest and lowest magnesium intake for each study, and found a higher intake was associated with 23 percent lower risk of diabetes. A 100 mg per day increase in magnesium was associated with a 16 percent average reduction in risk for diabetes.

The number one risk factor for developing diabetes is being overweight. But numerous studies have also found a correlation between nutrient deficiency and diabetes.

This study found a direct association with low magnesium.

Approximately 40 percent of new patients I see are magnesium deficient. Our food supply has become seriously deficient of basic vitamins and minerals.

Luckily, magnesium can be supplemented. If a person has a deficiency, I recommend 200 to 400 mg per day.