Serum magnesium in insulin-dependent diabetic patients: Effect on peripheral nerves conduction velocity

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to measure the serum level of magnesium in insulin-dependent diabetic patients and the effect of magnesium depletion on the conduction velocity in the peripheral nerves of the lower limbs. This study was conducted on 45 subjects divided into 3 groups Group Ia 15 diabetic subjects [type I] with serum Mg level serum Mg level >/= 1.7mEq/L. Group II 15 healthy control subjects. All subjects were studied by proper history and clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, HbAlc, serum magnesium level and nerve conduction study of common peroneal, posterior tibial, and sural nerves. Our findings showed decrease serum magnesium levels in diabetic groups than in control group [F= 67.823, P= 0.000], and those subjects with hypomagnesemia showed a significant decrease in motor nerves conduction velocity; common peroneal, and posterior tibial nerves [F= 17.954, 31.452, and P= 0.000] as well as a significant decrease in sensory nerve conduction velocity; sural nerve [F= 19.889, P= 0.000]. Significant negative correlations were found between fasting and post prandial plasma glucose, HbA1c, and serum magnesium level [P= 0.000]. Significant positive correlations were found between serum magnesium level and nerve conduction velocity [motor and sensory]. Hypomagnesemia in type-1 diabetes mellitus may be responsible about bad control of diabetes as well as occurrence of complications, especially neuropathy. Motor and sensory nerves conduction velocity decreased significantly and positively correlated with serum micro g level. Mg supplementation in large doses may improve nerve conduction