ROLE OF SERUM MAGNESIUM IN DIABETES MELLITUS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Dr. Chandan Sharma*

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes-Mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine disorder, encountered in clinical practice. At the same time, micronutrients are known as potential, preventive and therapeutic agents and among them, magnesium merits special attention. Magnesium is essential for insulin secretion, insulin receptor interaction or normal carbohydrate utilization. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse serum magnesium levels among diabetes mellitus patients. Method: A case-control study was performed on 80 diabetic patients, age >20 years, attending the outpatient Department of Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu, for a period of 6 months. 40 age-matched healthy controls were also selected for the study. Results: Out of 80 Type 2 diabetics, 51.25% were between 40-60 years; 55% were males; 45% were females. Serum magnesium levels among normal healthy controls were 1.92 ± 0.23 mg/dl and 1.56 ± 0.46 mg/dl among cases, with 66.25% patients had mean range of 1.1-2.0 mg/dl. Mean HbA1c among patients was 7.67% ± 1.92%. Patients with longer duration of diabetes showed highest mean HbA1c values (8.04 %) and lowest mean serum magnesium values (1.36 mg/dl). 35 patients in the study group had one or more macro or micro vascular complications. Thus hypomagnesemia appeared to be an additional risk factor in the development and progression of DM. Conclusion: Since, the treatment of the diabetes requires a multidisciplinary approach whereby every potential complicating factor must be monitored and treated. It is advisable to include serum magnesium in the routine electrolyte panel for the better management of diabetes mellitus.

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