Association of serum magnesium levels with microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus, with significant correlation to diabetic retinopathy: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Magnesium is essential for numerous biological processes, including glucose metabolism, insulin responsiveness and vascular integrity. A deficiency in magnesium is commonly reported in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is suspected to contribute to the development of microvascular complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in T2DM patients and explore its association with microvascular complications. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at SRN Hospital, Prayagraj, involving 143 patients diagnosed with T2DM. Serum magnesium levels were estimated, with values below 1.7 mg/dl considered indicative of hypomagnesemia. Statistical analysis was used to examine relationships between magnesium levels and the occurrence of microvascular complications as nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Results: Among the 143 participants (average age 57 years), hypomagnesemia was identified in 17.5% of cases. The overall mean serum magnesium concentration was 1.93±0.29 mg/dl. A significant inverse relationship was observed between serum magnesium levels and the presence of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.008); retinopathy was found in 60% of patients with hypomagnesemia compared to 29.66% of those with normal magnesium levels. Although nephropathy and neuropathy were more prevalent in the hypomagnesemia group (40% and 28%, respectively), these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The study found a significant link between magnesium deficiency and diabetic retinopathy, highlighting a potential role of hypomagnesemia in its pathogenesis. Regular monitoring of magnesium status in T2DM patients may help identify those at higher risk for microvascular complications.