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Published:
Dec 12, 2018Keywords:
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Material submitted for publication in the Journal of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (JEMDSA) is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. JEMDSA reserves copyright of the material published. Neither JEMDSA nor the Publisher may be held responsible for statements made by the authors.
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The Magnesium and Glucose (MAG) Study: the prevalence and effect of hypomagnesaemia on diabetes control in a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a great burden of disease worldwide. The adverse effects of hypomagnesaemia (hypoMg2+) in patients with DM have been well described, with a higher prevalence of hypoMg2+ in patients with DM than in the general population (up to 35% vs. up to 15%). No data exist for South Africa (SA).
Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypoMg2+ in a cohort of patients visiting a specialised DM clinic and to ascertain whether there is a relationship between hypoMg2+ and glycaemic control and hypoMg2+ and renal dysfunction.
Methods: Data recorded on standardised clinical sheets from patients who attended a specialised DM clinic at Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, SA, over a period of one year (July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016) were collected. Patient demographics, diabetes type, glycaemic control, serum magnesium (Mg2+) and renal function are presented for statistical analysis.
Results: A total of 744 patients were enrolled. Most patients were female (527; 70.8%) and were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (DM2) (633; 85.1%) with a mean age of 52.3 (SD 15.6 years). The prevalence of hypoMg2+ was found to be 8.44%. HypoMg2+ was associated with poor glycaemic control (r = –0.16, p < 0.0001). A significant relationship was observed between glycaemic control and hypoMg2+ in males (r = –0.21, p = 0.0038), but not females (r = –0.011, p = 0.81). No significant relationship was evident between hypoMg2+ and renal dysfunction (r = –0.064, p = 0.11).
Conclusion: HypoMg2+ in patients with DM was associated with poorer glycaemic control in the male population, potentially increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. However, the prevalence of hypoMg2+ was not higher than in published data, but population-specific controls are required. No association could be found between hypoMg2+and renal dysfunction. The need for routine Mg2+ testing and supplementation in our population requires further assessment.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, glycaemic control, magnesium, renal function, types 1 and 2
