Evaluation of serum magnesium level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a worldwide, growing epidemic, with an estimated 415 million adults globally. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of death and a triad of serious diabetes-specific complications (neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy) and other associated complications. So, it becomes important to prioritize research on prevention and primary care of diabetic complications. Poor glycemic control has been associated with retinopathy. Hence, we evaluated serum magnesium level in type 2 DM with and without retinopathy. Magnesium is an intracellular cation and coenzyme for various reactions of glycolytic pathway, so hypomagnesemia has been shown to precipitate hyperglycemia. Objectives To assess serum magnesium level in type 2 diabetic patients and its correlation with retinopathy. Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional study that was carried out on 25 patients of type 2 diabetes with retinopathy and 25 patients of type 2 diabetes without retinopathy attending ophthalmology clinic of Al-Zahraa University Hospital. All patients were subjected to the following: detailed history taking, full ophthalmological examination, and investigations like fundus fluorescein angiography and serum magnesium. Results The results of the study revealed that there was a significant more decrease in serum magnesium level in diabetic patients with retinopathy than diabetic patients without retinopathy (P=0.028). Conclusion As magnesium level decreases in patients with type 2 DM, the prevalence of retinopathy increases. Hypomagnesemia correlated significantly with glycated hemoglobin. Timely monitoring of serum magnesium levels and glycated hemoglobin as well as appropriate interventions would be beneficial in early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.