Magnesium utilization survey in selected patients with diabetes

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is associated with magnesium deficiency.
• Hypomagnesemia can exacerbate cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.
• American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines exist for magnesium supplementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess magnesium utilization and supplementation patterns in diabetic patients.
• To correlate these patterns with ADA recommendations.
• To identify needs for physician education regarding magnesium therapy in diabetes.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 199 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) receiving oral magnesium chloride.
• Data collection on patient characteristics, concomitant diseases, cardiovascular medications, baseline serum magnesium, and supplementation details.
• Analysis of serum magnesium levels, glucose control (HbA1c), and correlation with supplementation practices.

Main Results:

• Mean serum magnesium levels were below normal in both IDDM (1.48 mg/dL) and NIDDM (1.44 mg/dL) patients.
• No significant differences in magnesium levels were found between sexes or diabetes types.
• Glucose control did not correlate with serum magnesium levels; 70% of patients had cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions:

• Magnesium supplementation patterns in surveyed diabetic patients largely followed ADA recommendations.
• A high prevalence of hypomagnesemia and concomitant cardiovascular disease necessitates physician awareness of magnesium's role.
• Enhanced physician education is required for optimal initial dosing and duration of magnesium supplementation in high-risk diabetic patients.