Magnesium Deficiency is associated with Insulin Resistance among Nigerians with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Alteration in magnesium metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. However, findings from previous studies across different ethnic groups are inconsistent. Determinants of insulin resistance differ in different populations because of environmental and genetic reasons. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between plasma magnesium level and degree of insulin resistance among a group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Specialist Hospital in North Eastern Nigeria. Fasting plasma glucose, magnesium and insulin levels were estimated in 40 type 2 diabetic subjects and 40 apparently healthy controls. Insulin resistance was calculated as HOMA-IR. Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were more insulin resistant than the normal control subjects (4.1 ± 1.1 vs. 1.9 ± 0.4, p < 0.05). Decreased plasma magnesium level was associated with increased insulin resistance in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, independent of age and BMI (r = -0.52, p < 0.05). We conclude that subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus in this study have lower plasma magnesium level and that lower plasma magnesium is associated with increased insulin resistance. We recommend optimization of magnesium status in type 2 diabetic patients in our setting.