Frequency of Hypomagnesemia in Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health burden characterized not only by hyperglycemia but also by associated metabolic and electrolyte disturbances. Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of hypomagnesemia in patients with T2DM and its association with clinical and biochemical parameters. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, National Hospital and Medical Centre, from OCTOBER 2024 to March 2025. A total of 181 patients aged 40–65 years with T2DM for more than three years were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients with type I diabetes, secondary causes of diabetes, gastrointestinal losses, alcohol abuse, or drugs affecting magnesium metabolism were excluded. Serum magnesium levels were measured using the Calmagite dye method, with values <1.8 mg/dL defined as hypomagnesemia. Results: The mean age of patients was 54.3 ± 6.1 years, with 97 (53.6%) males and 84 (46.4%) females. Hypomagnesemia was observed in 112 patients (61.9%), while 69 (38.1%) had normal serum magnesium levels. Patients with hypomagnesemia had significantly longer duration of diabetes (9.6 ± 3.5 vs. 7.2 ± 2.9 years, p < 0.001), higher fasting blood glucose (164.7 ± 32.1 vs. 142.5 ± 29.8 mg/dL, p = 0.002), and elevated HbA1c (8.9 ± 1.2% vs. 7.8 ± 1.1%, p < 0.001) compared to those with normal magnesium levels. Conclusion: Hypomagnesemia is a common finding in patients with type II diabetes mellitus and is significantly associated with poor glycemic control and longer disease duration.