The November 2013 issue of the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research published the findings of a study conducted at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute in Puducherry, India, of reduced levels of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium in diabetic individuals, as well as associations between decreased concentrations of serum vitamin D and magnesium with increased insulin resistance.

The study compared 30 diabetic men and women with an equal number of nondiabetic control subjects matched for gender and age. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for serum glucose, insulin, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3, and insulin levels, and insulin resistance was determined.

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Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels averaged 12.29 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) among those with type 2 diabetes in comparison with 19.55 ng/mL in the healthy controls. Serum calcium and magnesium levels were also significantly lower and fasting glucose, insulin and insulin resistance were greater among those with diabetes. A significant correlation exists between lower vitamin D levels and higher insulin levels as well as insulin resistance. Additionally, higher vitamin D levels correlate with an increase in magnesium status and low magnesium with insulin resistance.

In their discussion, authors Mahendra Bhauraoji Gandhe and colleagues suggest that serum magnesium levels have a measure in obese men and women as a predictor of insulin resistance and increased diabetes risk. They further remark that magnesium supplementation could help delay the onset of the disease.

“High-risk population should go through a thorough screening and must be placed on vitamin D supplements,” they write. “As per our observation, we hereby advise all our type 2 diabetes mellitus patients to take vitamin D and calcium regularly. Those who are using sunscreen with high SPF (sun protection factor) should receive supplements of vitamin D and calcium.”