Magnesium Deficiency, Fibromyalgia Pain, and Your Hemoglobin A1C

Poking, prodding, siring headaches, and the relentless volume of tests is something that is all too common to both Fibromyalgia and Diabetes patients. Over the past 20 years there has been advancements in both Diabetes and Fibromyalgia. Although diabetes gained attention by researchers a bit earlier on, fibromyalgia is now becoming an equal attention getter in the eyes of researchers. Recently the FDA approved two drugs for treatment in fibromyalgia; Lyrica and Cymbalta. Although the jury is still out among the patients on the effectiveness of these medications they have shown some positive results.

Something equally promising is the effect of magnesium on both Fibromyalgia and Diabetes. In past years both the American Diabetes Association, Rheumatology International, and the Harvard School of Public Health have done studies on the effects of Magnesium on both of these conditions. They have all learned that a lack of magnesium in the body is a link to these conditions whether it is risk or reactions of the disease itself.

Fibromyalgia (FM) causes widespread pain in the muscles and bones of the patients, as well as fatigue, headaches, and restlessness whether in the legs or other extremities. Those suffering from fibromyalgia often have a lack of magnesium. Magnesium controls the constriction of muscles in the body and has an important role is glucose metabolism. In a study done by The Department of Medicine 'B'; The Rheumatology Service; and ASSAF Harofe Medical Center 17% of the Diabetic patients tested had Fibromyalgia and shown a higher A1c level before testing. The diabetic patients showed symptoms of more tender points, fatigue, and headaches among other things. This lead to the belief that diabetics with higher A1c levels had a higher chance of getting fibromyalgia and that FM maybe controlled more by better control of glucose levels.

Additionally in a study done by the American Diabetes Association and a lack of magnesium played a large roll in the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association studied over 40,000 men and over 80,000 women for over a decade and found that there was a significant risk in developing type 2 diabetes. As a result they recommended that patients maintain a diet high in magnesium.

Although Diabetes has been a noted co-condition of fibromyalgia for years the research shows that it may not be coincidental that many diabetes patients have also been struggling with fibromyalgia. Researchers are learning more each day on both diabetes and fibromyalgia; finding a way to stop the development of these life changing conditions; and many positive results maybe a head for the future. Those patients suffering with both debilitating conditions can get help. You don't have to go through it alone. Finding someone who specializes in both can be difficult but not impossible. There are still many studies on both DM and FM to learn more about the studies mentioned here you can visit:

http://www.pubmed.gov

http://www.diabetesjournal.org

http://www.ctds.info

Remember to stay strong, gain knowledge, and persevere!