Epsom salt is a combination magnesium sulfate. It is generally used as a soak for infections or irritated skin or as an enema to relieve constipation. Epsom salt also can provide a means of additional magnesium intake for a diabetic. A loss of magnesium from high blood glucose is common. A magnesium deficiency can make it hard for your body to regulate glucose removal from the blood. Before taking espom salt for diabetes, consult with your doctor.
Hyperglycemia
A characteristic of uncontrolled diabetes is hyperglycemia, or abnormally high blood glucose. Hyperglycemia results in the loss of magnesium through your urine. When your blood glucose remains high, your kidneys filter the magnesium you have and mark it for excretion. Because of this mechanism, many diabetics who have poor control over blood sugar also have low magnesium and may benefit from a supplement.
Insulin
Magnesium can also be useful in the regulation, release and sensitivity to insulin. Low levels of magnesium can result in insufficient insulin release. Low magnesium can also result in a cellular insensitivity to the presence of insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps to move glucose out of the blood and into your cells. Without enough insulin and without the ability to recognize its presence, your blood glucose may become elevated, and the cells that need glucose to run on will not receive it.
Safety
Epsom salt is safe to ingest; however, ingesting epsom salt is normally done for its laxative properties. There is no concrete evidence that epsom salt is beneficial for diabetics when taken orally. Before you take epsom salt orally, consult with your doctor about the safety and benefits for your condition.
Recommendations
If you are taking epsom salt to take in extra magnesium, consider changing your diet first. Leafy green vegetables, legumes and whole grains are healthy and natural sources of magnesium. Adult men between the ages of 19 to 30 years need 400 mg, and women need 310 mg per day. An adult male over 30 should be taking in 420 mg of magnesium per day, while a female of the same age needs 320 mg per day.
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