Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder; a clinical syndrome which occurs due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency or insulin resistance. Direct association of trace elements, such as magnesium in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, alteration in the metabolism of these minerals has been demonstrated in diabetes in many studies.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate magnesium, chromium, vanadium, and selenium levels in the serum of type 2 diabetic subjects.
METHODS:
The present study was conducted on fifty type 2 diabetic patients, and thirty age-sex-matched healthy controls. In groups, those having renal failure, lipemic serum, or using diuretics, antibiotics, and the pregnant, where excluded. Samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer.
RESULTS:
Serum levels of Mg in type 2 diabetic patients group were significantly lower than in the control group p< 0.001; a similar result was observed for serum Vanadium level p< 0.05. Serum Cr levels in both diabetic and control groups were below the reference range limits. Analysis of Se in serum of controls and patients indicated no significant difference.
Gender did not significantly affected plasma Magnesium, Chromium, Vanadium, and Selenium concentrations. Duration of the disease did not significantly affect plasma levels of (Mg, V, and Cr), but it significantly inversely affected the plasma level of (Se); decreased with increasing duration of diabetes (r = -0.3539) and p< 0.05.
CONCLUSION:
Diabetes mellitus can result in low levels of Mg and V especially in long standing and insulin treated patients which may affect their management