Research has shown that magnesium supplementation helps to reduce the severity of insulin resistance (syndrome X). Being low in magnesium can place you at increased risk of developing insulin resistance. This means that the hormone insulin doesn’t work as well in your body. Eventually insulin levels rise. Having too much insulin in your bloodstream isn’t good because it can promote abdominal weight gain and suppress your fat burning enzymes from being able to function. Insulin resistant people are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In some women, the condition causes them to develop polycystic ovarian syndrome and abnormally high levels of male hormones. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body. More than 300 enzymes in your body rely on it for their function. If you are not getting enough magnesium in your body, your metabolism will suffer. Magnesium is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts and grains. However, the beneficial effects of magnesium on insulin resistance seen in clinical trials were achieved with supplementation. If you already have insulin resistance, PCOS or type 2 diabetes, you need more magnesium than can be provided just through a healthy diet. Reference