Effect of oral magnesium supplementation on the lipid profile and blood glucose of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Controversial reports are available regarding the effect of magnesium (Mg) on lipid profile and glycaemic control in diabetic patients. The present study was designed on 1) compare serum Mg levels in diabetic patients with those of non-diabetic controls and 2) to assess the effect of oral Mg supplementation on lipid profile and blood glucose of these patients. METHODS: The study included 40 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and 54 age and sex matched non-diabetic controls. After the baseline investigations of all the subjects (n=94) including blood glucose, serum lipid and magnesium, the diabetic patients (study group) were supplemented with 600 mg of Mg oxide daily for 12 weeks. They were followed up every four weeks (for a total duration of twelve weeks) and investigated for the above parameters. RESULTS: Mean serum magnesium at baseline in the diabetic patients was significantly lower than that in controls (1.44 +/- 0.48 mg/dl Vs 2.29 +/- 0.33 mg/dl; p < 0.001). A significant fall in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and a rise in HDL cholesterol levels was observed 4 to 8 weeks after initiation of magnesium supplementation and continued till the end of the study i.e. 12 weeks. Fasting and post-prandial blood glucose levels did not show any significant change after twelve weeks of magnesium supplementation when compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: A significant hypomagnesemia was observed in diabetic patients as compared to controls and Mg supplementation resulted in a beneficial effect on the lipid profile of these patients with no significant effect on blood glucose levels.

Patient compliance: the cornerstone of successful therapeutics.

In this review, it has been emphasized that the health professional plays a very important role in ensuring patient compliance. Though a variety of methods and tools have been discussed to improve patient compliance, the content and quality of communication between the patient and the physician is crucial in preventing, identifying and resolving non-compliance problems.