Daruka K. M1
BACKGROUND: Experimental studies in animals and cross-sectional studies in humans have suggested that low serum magnesium levels might lead to type 2diabetes; however, this association has not been examined prospectively.
METHODS: A total of randomly selected 100 diagnosed cases of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus admitted in Medicine wards, were taken for study considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Diabetic retinopathy was assessed by direct fundoscopy. Serum magnesium was measured by calmagite dye method.
RESULTS: Patients with diabetic retinopathy (n=30) were found to have lower mean serum magnesium level (1.6mg/dl) than those without retinopathy (n=74, Mg= 2mg/dl). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). This comparison was statistically significant (P value < 0.05) There was no significant association between low serum magnesium level with respect to age, sex, duration of diabetes
INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: In this study, it was observed that poor glycemic control among diabetics was significantly associated with low serum magnesium. There was strong association which was statistically significant between low serum magnesium and diabetic retinopathy. Hence it is observed that the low serum magnesium may have an adverse bearing on complications and morbidity in patients of diabetes. Because hypomagnesemia has been linked to various micro- and macrovascular complications, a better understanding of Mg metabolism and efforts to minimize hypomagnesemia in the routine management of diabetes are warranted. In view of above observations and results of earlier studies done, the treatment of the patients with diabetes would require a multidisciplinary approach whereby every potential complicating factor must be monitored closely and treated.
