Impact of magnesium supplementation on glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and occurrence of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes and COVID-19 infection

Objective: Magnesium (Mg) is involved in several vital processes. The objective of our research was to investigate, for the first time, its supplementation influence on glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and complication development in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods: Our study was carried out on 140 T2D patients with COVID-19 systematically supplemented with zinc and vitamins C and D. They were divided equally into 2 groups (70 in each one): control group and group supplemented with Mg (375 mg/d) in addition to the systematic supplementation. Fasting blood samples were taken just after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and after recovery to determine magnesemia, glycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers levels. Results: Our results highlighted a significant improvement in fasting plasma Mg and glucose levels, a palpable recuperation in plasma total antioxidant status, a great reinforcement in the antioxidant activity of erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase, and an explicit decline in oxidant status markers (plasma 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, erythrocyte malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl), synchronized with interesting rectification in the immune performance by amending plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 concentrations in the Mg -supplemented group compared to the non -Mg -supplemented group, which continued to deteriorate. COVID-19 recovery period and rates of diabetic ketoacidosis episodes, respiratory distress syndrome, and death in the Mg -supplemented group were significantly lower compared to those in non -Mg -supplemented group. However, Mg supplementation had no impact on erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity. Conclusion: Mg supplementation in T2D patients with COVID-19 exerts insulin -mimetic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects by minimizing the onset of severe complications.