Hypomagnesemia in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Magnesium is an intracellular cation. Insulin favours reabsorption of Magnesium from the loop of henle. In Insulin resistance states like Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, reabsorption of Magnesium from the loop of henle is reduced. Insulin dependent glucose uptake is decreased in hypomagnesemia. The objective of this study is to asses the serum level of magnesium in Type 2 Diabetic patients attending our hospital. This case- control study was conducted in the department of Diabetology in Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital Chennai. 100 patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, defined by fasting plasma glucose level more than 126 mg per dL were included in the study. The controls were 100 healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Serum magnesium was measured by spectrophotometry. The reference values are 1.8-3mg per dL. Results . The mean serum magnesium level in cases and controls were 1.79 (plus or minus 0.619)and 2.03(plus or minus 0.356) respectively. Student t test was used to calculate statistical significance and significant difference was found in magnesium levels between cases and controls. Conclusion. Serum magnesium maybe a significant risk factor for the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus