The Effect of Serum Zinc and Magnesium on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Keywords:
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Glycemic Control, Glycated hemoglobin, Serum Zinc serum MagnesiumAbstract
Background: Magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) are essential elements in glucose metabolism, insulin action, and antioxidant defense. Their deficiency or imbalance is frequently observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), making their measurement clinically relevant for understanding metabolic disturbances in this disease.
Aim of study: To evaluate serum levels of magnesium and zinc in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Babylon city, Iraq and to examine their association with glycemic control, thereby clarifying their potential role in metabolic regulation and diabetes management.
Subjects and Method: This case control study was carried out in Babylon City between February and October 2025. A total of 200 type 2 diabetic patients (100 with adequate glycemic control and 100 patients with poor glycemic control), as well as 60 healthy subjects as control group were enrolled. Both patients and controls were recruited from a private clinical laboratory in Babylon City, namely Al-Zahrawi Medical Laboratory
Result: The HbA1c is inversely correlated with each of serum magnesium (ρ = −0.276, p < 0.001) and serum zinc (ρ = −0.182, p = 0.003), and the lower levels of these micronutrients were associated with poorer glycemic control. A weak significant positive correlation was found between serum magnesium and serum zinc (ρ = 0.123, p = 0.048).
conclusion: Serum magnesium and zinc levels are significantly reduced in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in those patients with poorly controlled glycemia, and that levels of both are inversely proportional to glycated haemoglobins level.
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