Correlation of body mass index with handgrip strength and blood pressure indices among young adults

Objectives: Hand grip strength (HGS) is an important quantitative measure to evaluate the overall muscle strength of an individual. It is affected by factors such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and hypertension. This study aims to find out the correlation of BMI with HGS and blood pressure indices among young adults. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-two medical students between the age group of 18–20 years with no history of systemic illness, musculoskeletal disorder, hand pain or deformity were selected. Informed consent was obtained. Biodata and anthropometric measurements were documented in a proforma. HGS and endurance of the dominant hand were measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Blood pressure was recorded using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Data on BMI was sub grouped into underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese participants to compare the HGS among them. Results: There was a statistically significant negative correlation between BMI and HGS (r = ?0.513; P < 0.01), BMI and grip strength ratio (r = ?0.750; P < 0.01), and between BMI and handgrip endurance (r = ?0.359; P < 0.01). Statistically significant decrease in HGS was found among underweight (29.36 ± 7.01), overweight (26.18 ± 5.45) and obese participants (20.48 ± 3.12) with Kruskal–Wallis value ?2 = 14.231. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between BMI and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.603; P < 0.01), BMI and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.514; P < 0.01), BMI and pulse pressure (r = 0.228; P < 0.01) and between BMI and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.572; P < 0.01). Conclusion: BMI was found to be negatively correlated with HGS and positively correlated with blood pressure indices. This can influence the compatibility of medical students with the physical and emotional stress of course. Determinants such as grip span, hand span, skeletal muscle bulk, and arm and calf muscle circumference are to be considered for further research to improve the endurance of young adults.

A case–control study to assess the association of obesity and insulin resistance in hypertension at a tertiary care hospital in North Kerala

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally. Cardiovascular diseases account for most of the NCD deaths, followed by cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Detection, screening, and treatment of NCDs are the key components of response to NCDs. Aim and Objective: The objective of this work is to study the association of body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity, and insulin resistance with hypertension and those with both diabetes and hypertension. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was done among 30–70 years old people who came to Government Medical College, Kozhikode between August 2014 and July 2015. They were divided into two study groups and one control group. Complete history, physical, and laboratory examination was done among them and the data were entered in a pro format. Results: The mean ages in each group were 57.73, 58.5, and 48.71, respectively, in each group. The male: female ratio was 1.37:1, 1.06:1, and 1:1 in each group. BMI, waist circumference, waist hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were increased progressively in patients with hypertension and those with both hypertension and diabetes mellitus, respectively. Insulin resistance was highest in patients with both hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Obesity is an important contributor to the development of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Among the parameters to measure obesity, WHtR is considered the supreme. Insulin resistance is found in hypertensives and those with diabetes and hypertension.

Assessing the Changing Rationale of the Fisher Youth in Climate Change Hotspots of Kerala

The Indian fisheries and aquaculture statistics seems fail largely to capture the youth and children working in the sector. A detailed study in the area related to the rising interest of fishermen, especially the younger generation to move out of fisheries in search of new opportunities in other fields and the reasons for the same has not been carried out. Taking this into consideration, to throw insights into the changing rationale of fisher youth, and their preferences in the context of climate change and depletion in fish catch over the years, a study was conducted in three coastal villages of Ernakulam district with the objectives of assessing the socio-economic profile of the fishermen community, younger generations interest in choosing fisheries as a livelihood option, generational shift in fishing operations and reasons for the disinterest of the younger generation in choosing fisheries as an occupation. Low status job, low profit and income, poor working conditions, high capital investment and operating cost and seasonal nature of occupation was reported as the five major reasons because of which the younger generation is not interested in choosing fisheries as an occupation and a considerable generational shift in social, economic and professional status was observed.

Assessing the Alternative Livelihood Options for Climate Change Vulnerable Coastal Fishing Villages in Kerala, India

Fisheries and allied sectors provide means of livelihood to millions of people around the world. In India more than 14.5 million individuals depend on fisheries for their livelihood, with Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala being the main three marine fish producing states of the country. The social and economic contribution of fisheries as a sector cannot be ignored or go unnoticed. Similarly the impact of climate change on fisheries and its resultant impact on the livelihood of fisheries dependent communities cannot be ignored. To address these pertinent issues, we first need to understand the impact of climate change on fisheries and the need of alternative livelihood options from the perspective of the direct stakeholders i.e. fishermen. This study is an endeavour to look at the need of Alternative livelihood options (ALOs) because of climate change among the coastal communities in Poonthura and Elamkunnapuzha villages of Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulum respectively. Among the 222 marine fishing villages of Kerala, Poonthura and Elamkunnapuzha are the major fishing villages from the South West hotspot locales of India. The examination investigated different socioeconomic aspects, for example, fishing activity, basic household data, economic as well as historic and cultural dependence on fishing, employment and occupational structure, income distribution and assets, physical capital, financial capital, social capital, and exposure and awareness of the fishermen families to climate change by interviewing 1259 fishermen from Poonthura and Elamkunnapuzha. The study conducted in the most climate change vulnerable marine hotspots of Kerala (Elamkunnapuzha and Poonthura) explains the problems and prospects of the inhabitants in the sector and the importance of Alternative Livelihood Options (ALOs) in climate change adaptation.

Electronic health records and outpatient cardiovascular disease care delivery: Insights from the American College of Cardiology’s PINNACLE India Quality Improvement Program (PIQIP)

Background There has been a push toward implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) in federally-funded hospitals under the current policies initiated by the Indian government, with a lack of evidence supporting their adoption. We analyzed data from the American College of Cardiology’s PINNACLE (Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence) India Quality Improvement Program (PIQIP) to evaluate the association between EHR use and quality of cardiovascular disease care in India. Methods and Results Between 2011–2016, we collected data on performance measures for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) among 17 participating practices in PIQIP. There were 19,035 patients with CAD, 9,373 patients with HF, and 1,127 patients with AF. Documentation of co-morbidity burden in patients with CAD was lower among practices with EHR—hypertension (49.8% vs. 52.1%, p = 0.003), diabetes (34.9% vs. 38.3%, p < 0.001), and hyperlipidemia (0.2 vs. 3.9%, p < 0.001). On the contrary, documentation of medication prescription was higher in CAD patients seen at practices with EHR—aspirin (63.2% vs. 17.8%, p < 0.001), clopidogrel (41.7% vs. 27.4%, p < 0.001), beta-blockers (61.4% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001), and ACE-i or ARBs (53.9% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.001). Similarly, documentation of receipt of beta-blockers (43.8% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.001), ACE-i or ARBs (40.8% vs. 16.1%, p < 0.001), and beta-blockers + ACE-i or ARBs (36.4% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.001) was also significantly higher in patients with HF seen at practices with EHR. Among patients with AF, documentation of oral anticoagulation use was significantly higher among EHR practices—warfarin (42.5% vs. 26.1%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Documentation of receipt of guideline-directed medical therapy in CAD, HF, and AF was significantly higher in practices with EHRs in India compared with sites without EHRs. Our findings shed a spotlight on the value of EHRs in future health care policy-making in India with regard to widespread adoption of EHRs in primary and advanced specialty care settings across public and private sectors.

Epidemiologic studies targeting primary cardiovascular disease prevention in South Asia

South Asia has experienced a 73% increase in healthy life years lost due to ischemic heart disease between 1990 and 2010. There is a lack of quality data relating to cardiovascular risk factors and disease from this region. Several observational and prospective cohorts in South Asia have been established in recent times to evaluate the burden of cardiovascular disease and their risk factors. The Prospective Rural Urban Epidemiology (PURE) study is the largest of these studies that has provided data on social, environmental, behavioral and biologic risk factors that influence heart disease and diabetes. Some studies have also borrowed data from large datasets to provide meaningful insights. These studies have allowed a better understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors indigenous to the South Asian population along with conventional risk factors. Culturally sensitive interventions geared towards treating risk factors identified in these studies are needed to fully realize the true potential of these epidemiologic studies.

Validity of prostate health index and percentage of [-2] pro-prostate-specific antigen as novel biomarkers in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: omani tertiary hospitals experience

Objectives: Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in older men. The Ministry of Health Oman Cancer Incidence Registry 2013 lists cancer of the prostate as the first most common cancer in males. Therefore, early detection is important and prostate-specific antigen [PSA] is widely used as an established laboratory test. However, despite its wide use, its value in screening, particularly in asymptomatic males, is controversial when considering the risks and benefits of early detection

Methods-. This prospective, observational study included 136 males [67.0+/-8.9 years; range 45-90] who were scheduled for a prostate biopsy in two different tertiary care teaching hospitals in Oman: the Royal Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Blood specimens from these patients were collected at the same setting before obtaining a prostatic biopsy

Three PSA markers [total PSA [tPSA], free PSA [fPSA], and [-2]proPSA [p2PSA]] were measured and the Prostate Health Index [phi] calculated. The histopathological report of the prostatic biopsy for each patient was obtained from the histopathology laboratory of the concerned hospital along with clinical and laboratory data through the hospital information system. Results: Phi has the highest validity markers compared with other prostate markers, with a sensitivity of 82.1%, specificity of 80.6%, and area under the curve [AUC] value of 0.81 at a cutoff of 41.9. The other prostatic markers showed sensitivities and specificities of 78.6% and 25.9% for tPSA; 35.7% and 92.6% for%fPSA; and 64.3% and 82.4% for%p2PSA, respectively. The AUCs at the best cutoff values were 0.67 at 10.1 pg/L for tPSA; 0.70 at 11.6% for%fPSA; and 0.55 at 1.4% for%p2PSA. An association between phi values and aggressiveness of prostate malignancy was noted. Of the 28 patients with prostate cancer, 22 patients had tPS A > 4 [ig/L. However, no patient had phi in the low-risk category, and five, six, and 17 patients had phi in the moderate-, high-, and very high-risk categories, respectively. Conclusions: Phi outperforms tPSA and f PSA when used alone or in combination, and appears to be more accurate than both markers in excluding prostate cancer before biopsy. Use of this biomarker helps clinicians to avoid unnecessary biopsies, particularly in patients with gray-zone tPSA level. Phi is the strongest marker that correlates proportionally with Gleason Score; therefore, it is also useful in predicting the aggressiveness of the disease. This is the first reported experience for the use of p2PSA and phi in Oman, the Middle East, and North Africa

Photosynthesis at the far-red region of the spectrum in Acaryochloris marina

Acaryochloris marina is an oxygenic cyanobacterium that utilizes far-red light for photosynthesis. It has an expanded genome, which helps in its adaptability to the environment, where it can survive on low energy photons. Its major light absorbing pigment is chlorophyll d and it has α-carotene as a major carotenoid. Light harvesting antenna includes the external phycobilin binding proteins, which are hexameric rods made of phycocyanin and allophycocyanins, while the small integral membrane bound chlorophyll binding proteins are also present. There is specific chlorophyll a molecule in both the reaction center of Photosystem I (PSI) and PSII, but majority of the reaction center consists of chlorophyll d. The composition of the PSII reaction center is debatable especially the role and position of chlorophyll a in it. Here we discuss the photosystems of this bacterium and its related biology.

Hepato-protective effect of rutin via IL-6/STAT3 pathway in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induces hepatotoxicity in animal models, including the increased blood flow and cytokine accumulation that are characteristic of tissue inflammation. The present study investigates the hepato-protective effect of rutin on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. RESULTS: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group I (control group) received 1 mL/kg of dimethyl sulfoxide intragastrically and 3 mL/kg olive oil intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks. Group II received 70 mg/ kg rutin intragastrically. Groups III and IV received CCl4 (3 mL/kg, 30 % in olive oil) intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks. Group IV received 70 mg/kg rutin intragastrically after 48 h of CCl4 treatment. Liver enzyme levels were determined in all studied groups. Expression of the following genes were monitored with real-time PCR: interleukin-6 (IL-6), dual-specificity protein kinase 5 (MEK5), Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), epidermal growth factor (EGF), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), Janus kinase (JAK), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL). The CCl4 groups showed significant increases in biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and up-regulation of expression levels of IL-6, Bcl-XL, MEK5, FADD, EGF, STAT3 and JAK compared with the control group. However, CCl4 administration resulted in significant down-regulation of Bcl2 expression compared with the control group. Interestingly, rutin supplementation completely reversed the biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and the gene expression alterations induced by CCl4. CONCLUSION: CCl4 administration causes alteration in expression of IL-6/STAT3 pathway genes, resulting in hepatotoxicity. Rutin protects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity by reversing these expression changes.

Isolation of Campylobacter from human stool samples.

Context: Campylobacter is an undetected cause of diarrhoea especially under 5 years of age in most of the countries. Isolation of this organism is diffi cult, expensive and cumbersome. Aims: Our objective of this study was to isolate this pathogen from the stool specimens on routinely available blood containing laboratory media using the candle jar for creating the microaerophilic atmosphere in our setup. Settings and Designs: A descriptive study. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 stool samples were inoculated onto selective and non-selective media with and without fi ltration using a 0.45 μm membrane. The inoculated media were simultaneously incubated in microaerophilic conditions using the Anoxomat as well as in candle jars at temperatures 37°C and 42°C. The culture isolates were confi rmed by standard phenotypic tests. A simplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid of Campylobacter was performed on the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the culture isolates as well as on the DNA extracted from the stool fi ltrates. Statistical Analysis: Data was expressed as a proportion. Results: Campylobacter could be isolated in 5 out of 50 stool samples using both the Anoxomat as well as the candle jar. Furthermore, we did not fi nd any difference between the isolation using the selective and blood containing media as well as the different incubation temperatures. All the fi ve were confi rmed phenotypically and genotypically to be Campylobacter jejuni. The PCR results corroborated with that of the culture. Conclusions: Isolation by culture was as sensitive as that of the PCR.

Assessment of glomerular filtration rates by cockcroft-gault and modification of diet in renal disease equations in a cohort of Omani patients

Glomerular filtration rate [GFR] is the best index of renal function and is frequently assessed by corrected creatinine clearance [CCL[cr]]. The limitations of CCL[cr] have inspired researchers to derive easy formulas to estimate GFR, with Cockcroft-Gault [C-G] and the modification of diet in renal disease [MDRD] being the most widely used. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of these equations by finding the relation between CCL[cr] and estimated GFR [eGFR] by C-G, modified C-G and MDRD equations. From 2007 to 2011, 158 subjects were analysed for serum creatinine and CCL[cr] at Bowsher Polyclinic, Muscat, Oman. The C-G equation was used to obtain eGFR[C-G] which was adjusted to body surface area [BSA] to obtain eGFR[mC-G], and the MDRD equation was used to obtain eGFR[MDRD]. The eGFR[MDRD], eGFR[mC-G] and eGFR[C-G] were then compared to CCL[cr]. The eGFR[MDRD], eGFR[mC-G] and eGFR[C-G] significantly correlated with CCL[cr], with a slightly stronger correlation with eGFR[MDRD] [r = 0.701, 0.658 and 0.605, respectively]. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the diagnostic accuracy of eGFR[MDRD] for diagnosing chronic kidney disease [CKD] was higher than that of eGFR[mC-G], which in turn was higher than that of eGFR[C-G] [area under the curve was 0.846, 0.831, and 0.791; cut-off limits were 61.9, 58.3 and 59.5, respectively]. C-G and MDRD equations can be an alternative to the CCL[cr] test for assessing GFR, thus avoiding the need for the cumbersome and expensive GFR test. The MDRD formula had greater validity than the C-G equation and the C-G equation validity was improved by an adjustment to BSA

Thymoquinone Treatment Alleviate Ovariectomy-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Damage in Rats.

The present study has designed to investigate the effect of thymoquinone (THQ) on the status of hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system following ovariectomy (OVX) in Wistar rats. Animals were randomly assigned into five groups; sham, OVX and OVX+THQ treated groups in three doses (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day) orally by gavage for eight weeks. In serum, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were estimated. In liver tissue, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total glutathione (T-GSH), non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH) levels as well assuperoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were also determined. Serum pre-oxidative markers (AST, ALT and ALP) were significantly increased in OVX rats compared to sham group. THQ inhibited these levels in a dose dependent manner. The lipid peroxidation product, TBARS, was significantly increased in OVX animals, which was inhibited by the THQ. In contrast, T-GSH and NP-SH levels were decreased in OVX rats, THQ treatments ameliorated these levels. Activities of SOD and CAT were significantly reduced in OVX group. THQ treatments significantly enhanced their activities in a dose dependent manner.The present results revealed the preventive effect of THQ on hepatic oxidative damage-induced by ovariectomy in rats.

Glioblastoma multiforme y embarazo / Glioblastoma multiforme and pregnancy

Reportamos el caso de una paciente de 27 años de edad, G2P1, a quien se le diagnostica en la semana 20 de gestación un tumor supratentorial frontal izquierdo tipo glioblastoma multiforme, el cual se manifestó con una crisis de ausencia. La conducta tomada fue quirúrgica y la paciente fue sometida en la semana 28 a craneotomía bajo anestesia general, con monitoreo fetal, con resultados exitosos para la madre y el feto. Dado lo infrecuente de esta asociación, creemos importante su reporte.

This is a case report of a 27-year-old female patient, G2P1, diagnosed at 20 weeks of gestation with a left frontal supratentorial tumor of a glioblastoma multiforme type, which manifested in the form of ictal absence. The patient was taken to surgery on week 28 and underwent a craniotomy under general anesthesia and fetal monitoring, with a successful outcome for both the mother and the fetus. We consider it important to report this case given this rare association.

Breast cancer among patients with breast mass attending national Hadhramout centre of health laboratories, Yemen

To describe the current scope of breast cancer in Hadhramout in Yemen and to identify the common type of breast cancer in our people. This study included all patients with breast lesions who attended National Hadhramout Centre of Health Laboratories with breast mass, during a period of four years [January 2006-December 2009]. Patients were assessed clinically, radiologically and/or fine needle aspiration cytology then referred to the laboratory center to confirm the diagnosis by histopathology. Fine needle aspiration cytology was introduced as a preoperative diagnostic tool in the investigations of palpable breast lumps. The data were collected from the referral sheets and the patients themselves. Data were analyzed using a computer SPSS program. A total of 635 cases of breast lumps were diagnosed. Malignant lesions comprising 142 [22.4%] of all cases. 137 female and 5 male patients. It was common in the age group 40-49 [29.6%]. The mean age 48 [SD=15.4]. The most common type of malignancy is invasive ductal carcinoma which represents 86.6% [n=123] of all malignant cases. The left breast affected in 76[53.5%] cases, the right in 63[44.4%] while in 2% both breasts were affected Breast carcinoma cases were less frequent in comparison with other cancers but more common in the 40-49 years age group. Our patients have no access to screening programs. Cancer screening helps detect breast cancer at an early stage, and this would improve the outcome. In view of these findings we propose the implementation of breast screening programs.

Refractory iron-deficiency anemia in a young patient a rare presentation of celiac disease

Refractory iron deficiency anemia can be an atypical presentation of celiac disease. A 24-year-old male was presented with a six year history of iron deficiency anemia, did not respond to oral iron therapy and received 21 pints of blood; upper endoscopy, duodenal biopsy and serology proved the diagnosis of celiac disease. After gluten-free diet the condition improved within two weeks and regained his normal life after 6 months with the normalization of hematological parameter and serum antibodies. The celiac disease should be considered in patient with refractory iron deficiency anemia.

Breast diseases in Southern Yemen

To investigate the magnitude of breast diseases, and its frequency distribution in different age groups in Hadramout, Yemen. This is a prospective study conducted at the Central Laboratory of Ibn-Sinna Hospital Hadramout, Yemen from January 2006 to December 2009. Patients attending surgical units for breast problems were eligible. Patients were assessed clinically and referred to the laboratory center to confirm the diagnosis by histopathology. The data were collected from the patients and referral sheets. A total of 635 cases of breast disease were diagnosed. This includes 604 female and 31 male patients. Benign breast diseases [BED] was the most common lesion found in this study comprising 493 cases [77.6%], and 142 [22.4%] comprised malignant cases. Among BBD, the most common lesion was fibroadenoma [40.5%] followed by fibrocystic changes [16%], other benign breast lesions [10%], and inflammatory lesion [8%]. The age groups affected by BBD were: 20-29 years for fibroadenoma; 30-39 years for fibrocystic change; 20-29 years for other benign breast lesions; and 30-39 for inflammatory lesions, and carcinoma of the breast was common in the 40-49 age group. The left breast was affected in 331 [52%] cases, the right in 283 [45%], while in 3%, both breasts were affected. Fibroadenoma was the most frequently diagnosed benign breast lesion in Hadramout. An educational program is needed to alert patients of the significance of breast masses

Mycetoma in south Yemen

Mycetoma is one of the chronic,endemic diseases in many tropical and subtropical countries in the world. It is commonly distributed in the rural and high altitude areas. It is caused by true fungi or higher bacteria that gain access to the human body typically via a thorn prick or open wound. This is the first scientific study done about the disease in South Yemen [Hadramout]. To know the extent and to study Mycetoma in South Yemen [Hadramout]. All mycetoma cases who were managed in Ibn-Sinna hospital, Hadramout, from march 2004 to march 2008 were included in this descriptive study.The patients came from three governorates [Hadramout, Shabwa and Al-Mahra].The diagnosis depended on the clinical picture, radiological and histological investigations to confirm the disease and to identify the causative organism. 16 patients were studied in this report, aged between 20 -59 years, their mean age was 34 years. Male to female ratio was 4:1 and the duration of the disease between 1 -18 years [the mean was 9 years]. Half of the patients were farmers. The color of the mycetoma grains was black in 12 patients and white to yellow in 4.The right foot was affected by the disease in 14 patients; the left foot and the right knee was involved in each of the remaining 2 cases. The bone was involved in 6 patients, and 6 patients gave a history of trauma or thorn prick. The causative organism was Eumycetoma in 14 cases and Actinomycetoma in two. Eumycetoma patients were treated with Itraconazole and surgery or Ketoconazole and surgery or Itraconazole only or Ketoconazole only The Actinomycetoma cases were treated with Cotrimoxazole with surgery or with Cotrimoxazole only.11 patients were greatly improved with their treatment. Mycetoma is widespread in Yemen. As it is part of the international mycetoma belt, multi-center studies are needed to evaluate the extent of the disease and to find out a standard policy of management and prevention

Hypomagnesemia in type 2 diabetic Omani patients

To study serum total magnesium [Mg] levels in type 2 diabetic Omani patients, and to find the relation between Mg levels and glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], body mass index [BMI], and age of the patient. This work was carried out at the Bousher Polyclinic, Muscat, Oman from January to October 2008. We compared 34 type 2 diabetic patients with non-diabetic subjects as regards serum total Mg. We assessed diabetic patients in terms of age, gender, HbA1c, BMI, and their medications. Subjects at risk for apparent causes of hypomagnesemia or hypermagnesemia were excluded. The mean serum total Mg level was 0.92 mmol/L [SD 0.06] in the control subjects, and 0.81 mmol/L [SD 0.08] in the diabetic group, and although almost all our diabetic patients have no hypomagnesemia, their levels of serum total Mg were significantly reduced compared with control subjects. T-test shows that our diabetics have significantly lower total Mg levels with a difference of 0.12 mmol/L [p=0.000] irrespective of age and gender. The Mg levels are positively correlated with age, but no correlation with HbA1c and BMI. Although ionized and intracellular Mg levels are more reliable than total serum Mg in assessing Mg deficiency, low total serum levels of Mg are frequently seen in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Further studies on the role of Mg supplementation in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications and similar studies in type 1 diabetes mellitus are recommended