Hypomagnesemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Correlation with Glycemic Control and Microvascular Complications

Abstract

Background: Low magnesium levels contribute to defective tyrosine-kinase activity, post-receptor impairment of insulin action, and aggravated insulin resistance in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Hypomagnesemia has also been linked to the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease. Methods: This study included patients with a history of T2DM who attended the clinic and fulfilled eligibility criteria. Patients were diagnosed according to ADA/WHO guidelines and had regular hospital follow-up for at least one year. A detailed clinical history was obtained, including duration of diabetes, treatment type, and symptoms such as blurring of vision, tingling, numbness, burning sensation, frothing of urine, and pedal oedema. Past history of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular accidents was also recorded. Clinical examination included general assessment, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, pulse rate, and blood pressure measurement. Results: The study highlighted the association between hypomagnesemia and T2DM, with low magnesium levels linked to poor glycemic control and increased risk of complications. Hypomagnesemia is seen in 31.5 patients and was significantly associated with longer duration of diabetes (>10 Hypomagnesemia years: 45.2%). Poor long-term glycemic control (HbA1c >8%) was significantly associated with hypomagnesemia (37.9% vs 22.6%, p=0.02), whereas short-term control (FBS >130) showed only a trend (p=0.06). Conclusion: Monitoring serum magnesium levels in T2DM patients is clinically important. Correction of hypomagnesemia through dietary supplementation or pharmacological replacement can improve insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, and endothelial function. Routine screening for magnesium deficiency, particularly in females and patients with long-standing diabetes, may help reduce complication risk and support timely interventions.