Evaluation of Serum Magnesium Level in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is among the most important metabolic diseases, affecting 171 million people, worldwide. The number of people affected by diabetes is estimated to reach up to 366 million until 2030. Magnesium (Mg) is a co-factor for many enzyme reactions in the body and contributes to the oxidation and metabolism of carbohydrates and insulin activation. The current study aimed to evaluate serum Mg level in patients with type 2 diabetes and identify the contributing factors. In this descriptive, analytical (cross-sectional) study, 60 patients with type 2 diabetes, referring to the diabetic clinic and internal ward of Amir-al-Momenin Hospital of Zabol, were evaluated. The subjects were selected via accessible sampling, and written informed consents were obtained. Data were gathered, using interviews and a researcher-made checklist. Blood samples were taken for evaluating Mg and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, using SPSS software. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant (confidence interval=95%). The mean Mg level in patients with type 2 diabetes was 1.76±0.43 (mg/dl), and the mean HbA1c was 8.51±1.60 %. There was a significant relationship between Mg level and HbA1c (P=0.01). More over, Mg level was significantly correlated with patients’ gender. However, no statistical relation was observed between Mg level and other variables such as age, educational level, body mass index, economic status, blood pressure, or systolic and diastolic blood pressure. As the results indicated, the mean Mg concentration in diabetic patients was lower than the normal level (1.8–2.5 mg/dl). Considering the statistical relation between Mg concentration and HbA1c, more attention should be paid to integrating Mg in the diet of diabetic patients, and the patients should be informed about magnesium-rich sources.