ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of magnesium metabolism and other positive ions in pathogenesis of essential hypertension(EH) patients with insulin resistance(IR). Methods The levels of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ in erythrocyte and 24-hour urine samples were observed in 47 EH patients and in 30 subjects with normal blood pres sure. Insulin sensitivity index was used to evaluate the insulin sensitivity. Results In EH patients, the levels of K+ and Mg2+ in erythrocyte declined, but the levels of Na+ and Ca2+ in erythrocyte increased, and the 24-hour urinary excretion of Mg2+ reduced as compared to the subjects with normal blood pressure (P ＜0. 05). The levels of K+ and Mg2+ in erythrocyte of EH patients positively correlated with insulin sensitivity index, and the Mg2+ level in erythro cyte positively correlated with 24-hour urinary excretion of Ca2+ and Mg2+ , and the K+ level in erythrocyte. Conclu sion Abnormality of magnesium metabolism in EH patients may be the linking factor for hypertension and insulin re sistance, and may relate to inadequate intake of magnesium. Calcium and potassium may be involved in the occur rence of insulin resistance through affecting magnesium metabolism.