ABSTRACT
Low magnesium status has been shown to have a negative impact on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity, as well as on the evolution of diabetic complications. In the present study, 45- to 65- year old type 2 diabetic patients and normal age-matched subjects (n = 40 each) were recruited and their intracellular total magnesium level, serum total magnesium level, and 24-hour urinary total magnesium excretion were assessed. The magnesium levels were measured by spectrophotometric method using calmagite. In type 2 diabetic patients, intracellular magnesium concentration was significantly lower (4.26 ± 0.61 vs. 5.76 ± 0.59 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and 24-hour urinary magnesium concentration significantly higher (125.60 ± 33.32 vs. 72.04 ± 14.55 mg/24 hr, P < 0.001) compared with those of healthy subjects. Serum magnesium levels of diabetic patients and healthy subjects showed no significant difference (1.69 ± 0.30 vs. 1.76 ± 0.31 mg/dL, P > 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between intracellular and 24-hour urinary magnesium excretion (r = -0.548, n = 80, P < 0.01). There was no correlation between serum and intracellular magnesium (r = -0.021, n = 80, P > 0.05) and, serum and 24 hour urinary magnesium excretion (r = -0.128, n = 80, P > 0.05).