Indications

Diabetes

It is estimated that there are around 150,000 diabetics in Slovenia.

In 1986 at the 2^nd European Congress in Stockholm on the topic of magnesium, research results were presented on the effect that drinking 7 dcl a day of Donat Mg for a 16-day period had on the concentration of magnesium, blood sugar levels, cholesterol and uric acid in individuals with diabetes and ulcer conditions. The same research had also been carried out on a group of healthy individuals. Statistically, lower concentrations of magnesium in patients suffering from diabetes and ulcers typically rose after drinking Donat Mg. A decline in the blood sugar of those individuals with Type II diabetes was also statistically typical, so that out of 70 of this team of patients, 12 of them even had to reduce the medical treatment for their diabetes. Also, after drinking Donat Mg, statistically cholesterol was typically reduced from an average value of 7.19 to 5.96 mmol/l. The level of uric acid was also reduced.

In its guidelines, The American Diabetes Society was of the opinion that a deficiency of magnesium and some other elements occurred far more frequently in those people with diabetes than in healthy people. Available data in support of this says that if magnesium is taken as a preventive measure it prevents the onset of complications.

It is a proven fact that a magnesium deficiency encourages the formation of free radicals. Indirectly from this arises an increasing of tonus simpatikus, which slows down the working of insulin. In the instance of hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency), the cells lose potassium and sodium whilst accumulating calcium, which triggers negative metabolic pathways. A slowing down of the functioning of some important membranous enzymes also occurs. This is connected with diabetes-related complications such as retinotherapy and nephropathy, which if not detected early can cause serious problems later on.

A magnesium deficiency can also lead to a disturbance of the heart rhythm, muscle cramps, premenstrual difficulties and can also manifest itself in the form of a lack of concentration or even depression. Magnesium appears as a coenzyme of numerous enzymes, which are important for converting carbon hydrates, proteins, fats and purines into energy. Hyperglycaemia however causes, amongst other things, excessive excretion of magnesium through the kidneys, which means that the magnesium deficiency is more pronounced in diabetics who are not properly regulating their condition. The deficiency should be directly proportional to the level of glycosolated haemoglobin.

Many diabetics experience hypertension or raised blood pressure, some a heart warning and use diuretics which increases the excretion of potassium and magnesium. Consequently many diabetics have a magnesium deficiency. Determination of concentration in the serum does not give a true picture; determination of concentration in the erythrocytes is required, as the serum only has a 1% magnesium content. The stores of magnesium in the body (in the bones, muscles, liver etc) are not easily accessed, so we are tied to a daily intake.

While taking care with a well-balanced diet, an ideal body weight and regular exercise, Donat Mg is an excellent supplement which contributes to a better regulation of the condition. Each litre of Donat Mg contains more than 1000 mg of magnesium. 1-2 dcl of lukewarm Donat Mg should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach and before each meal.