6 Signs Your Magnesium Levels Might Be Off – And Why It Matters in Diabetes

Magnesium is one of the most underrated minerals in the body — yet it plays a role in over 300 biological reactions, including blood sugar regulation, nerve function and muscle control. For people with diabetes, a magnesium deficiency can quietly worsen complications or interfere with glucose control.

Unfortunately, low magnesium levels are common in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and the symptoms can be subtle.

Here are 6 signs your magnesium levels might be off and why a simple Serum Magnesium test is essential in diabetes care.

  1. Your Blood Sugar Is Unpredictable

Magnesium helps insulin work properly. When you are deficient, insulin becomes less effective, leading to sudden highs or lows — even if you take your medicines regularly.

Unexplained blood sugar swings? Low magnesium could be a hidden cause.

  1. You Have Muscle Cramps or Twitches

Magnesium is key for muscle and nerve relaxation. Deficiency may cause:

  • Leg cramps
  • Muscle twitching
  • Numbness or tingling

These symptoms are often mistaken for diabetic neuropathy, but may improve with magnesium.

  1. You Feel Tired and Low on Energy

Without enough magnesium, your body struggles to produce energy at the cellular level, leading to persistent fatigue.

If you are tired despite good sleep and sugar control, check your magnesium.

  1. You Have High Blood Pressure

Magnesium helps relax blood vessels and regulate blood pressure. Studies show that low magnesium is linked to hypertension, especially in people with metabolic disorders.

Managing BP is crucial in diabetes — magnesium helps keep it stable.

  1. You’re Losing Magnesium Through Urine

High blood sugar can cause frequent urination, which may flush magnesium out of your body. Those with long-term diabetes and kidney issues are at higher risk.

If you are constantly thirsty and urinating often, you may be losing key minerals, too.

  1. You’re Taking Medications That Deplete Magnesium

Common diabetes-related medications like diuretics, proton-pump inhibitors, or long-term antibiotics can reduce magnesium levels over time.

Regular monitoring helps prevent drug-induced deficiencies.

 Normal Magnesium Range

Test Normal Range (mg/dL)
Serum Magnesium 1.7 – 2.4

Even levels on the lower end of this range may cause symptoms in sensitive individuals.

At Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, we include Serum Magnesium testing in our extended diabetes check-ups to identify subtle deficiencies before they lead to bigger issues.