A study of magnesium supplementation on sensory nerve conduction velocity (N.C.V) in patients of diabetic neuropathy

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, diabetes is the leading known cause of neuropathy. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, neuropathy being the most common complication contributes to majority of morbidity and mortality in such patients. Hyperglycemia is the main risk factor for diabetic neuropathy. A positive association exists between low serum magnesium levels and symptoms characteristics of peripheral neuropathy. Materials and Methods: The study was done in 60 diabetic neuropathy patients attending the neurology O.P.D of S.N Medical College & hospital, between February 2009 to August 2010. These patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=30) receiving magnesium and metformin therapy for a period of 16 weeks. Group II (n=30) receiving only metformin therapy. The blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum magnesium at 0, 4, 8, 16 weeks respectively. Nerve conduction velocity for common peroneal nerve was done at 0, 4, 8, 16 weeks respectively. Average of males in group 1 was 54.36±1.18yrs and of females was 53.09±1.47yrs and in group II was 55.94±1.62yrs and of females was 52.83±1.58yrs respectively. Results: In Group I mean baseline value for sensory N.C.V of sural nerve is 42.23±0.76 and after treatment values at 4 weeks is 46.85±0.99, 8 weeks 49.57±1.08, at 16 weeks 50.62+0.85 respectively. The difference between before and after treatment was extremely significant in Group I. In Group II mean Baseline value for sensory N.C.V of Sural N. is 42.89±0.63 and after treatment values at 4 weeks is 43.74+0.63, 8 weeks 44.1310.61, and at 16 weeks 44.53±0.62 respectively. Statistically insignificant difference was observed in group II patients for sensory nerve conduction velocity before and after treatment values at 16 weeks (p>0.05). Conclusion: Magnesium supplementation along with regular anti diabetic therapy improves sensory nerve conduction velocity. Keywords: Diabetic neuropathy, Magnesium supplementation, Sensory nerve conduction velocity.