Evaluation of serum electrolyte abnormalities in type II diabetic patients presenting in Gulab Devi hospital, Lahore

Abstract

Background: The hallmark of diabetes mellitus (DM) is hyperglycemia brought on by an absolute or relative insulin shortage. Globally, the prevalence of DM is a major cause for worry. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 26.7% of Pakistan's adult population would have diabetes in 2022, totalling over 33,000,000 cases 1. Patients with diabetes are more likely to experience electrolyte imbalances, which may be caused by an imbalance in the distribution of electrolytes. Electrolytes play a vital role in the maintenance of blood acid-base balance, composition of body fluids, blood clotting, muscle and nerve conduction. Impaired electrolytes balance in diabetics may lead to micro and macrovascular complications. Aims and objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate disturbances in serum electrolytes including Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+) and Chloride (Cl) in Type II diabetics. Methodology: This has been a descriptive cross-sectional study where random sampling technique was used. 3cc clotted blood samples of 100 Type II diabetic patients were collected from diabetic OPD and medicine wards of Gulab Devi Chest Hospital Lahore and processed in the Pathology lab of Gulab Devi Educational Complex. Results: Out of 100 samples of type II diabetic patients, there were 65 patients in which serum sodium levels were decreased. Serum potassium and serum chloride were slightly increased in some patients. Conclusion: In this study, serum sodium levels were significantly decreased in type II diabetic patients, while no significant alteration was observed in serum potassium and chloride levels. Serum electrolytes should be routinely measured in diabetics to prevent complications.