Serum magnesium in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria and overt proteinuria

Introduction:Magnesium is an essential mineral for the human body, principally because of its role in the regulation of cellular processes and its function as a cofactor in a wide range of metabolic reactions. Alterations in the distribution of magnesium within the body have been associated with several diseases, especially diabetes mellitus. Since hypomagnesemia has been reported to be directly related to the development of complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is prudent to identify the condition and treat it, in an attempt to retard the progress of the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Aim: 1) Estimating serum magnesium levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.2) Comparing mean magnesium levels in type 2 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and overt proteinuria. Methods: A total of 60 previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients admitted in M S Ramaiah Hospital during the period September 2012 to September 2014 formed the study population considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study population was grouped in the following groups – Normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and overt proteinuria based on 24 hour urine albumin excretion. Results:The mean magnesium level in the study population (n=60) was 1.85±0.34 mg/dl. The mean magnesium levels in the over proteinuria group (n=20) was found to be lower (1.57±0.17 mg/dl) compared to the microalbuminuria group (n=20) (1.90±0.21 mg/dl) and more so in the normoalbuminuria group (n=20) (2.10±0.37 mg/dl). The correlation was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that microalbuminuria, overt proteinuria along with poor glycemic control are associated with lower levels of serum magnesium. This association was also observed with increasing severity of diabetic retinopathy. Since hypomagnesemia has been linked to worsening of complications of diabetes mellitus, efforts to minimize hypomagnesemia in the management of type 2 diabetes are warranted. Identifying and treating hypomagnesemia can potentially delay end stage renal disease in diabetic nephropathy.