Association of Serum Magnesium, Insulin Resistance, and Atherogenic Dyslipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

CONTEXT: Magnesium is a primary intracellular cation involved in glucose metabolism, insulin signaling, and lipid regulation. Hypomagnesemia contributes to insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia. AIMS: The study aimed to examine the correlation between serum magnesium levels and insulin resistance and dyslipidemia among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Three hundred and seventy-five patients with T2DM were included in this cross-sectional study. METHODS: Serum magnesium levels were categorized as Group 1: <1.7 mg/dL, Group 2: between 1.7 and 2.7 mg/dL, and Group 3: >2.7 mg/dL. The data were measured in terms of anthropometric record, glycemic parameters, lipid profile, kidney markers, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis involved the use of analysis of variance, Chi-square, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression modeling. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypomagnesemia (<1.7 mg/dL) was 35.7%. Although group-wise variations in HOMA-IR were not statistically significant, multivariable linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index demonstrated that serum magnesium remained significantly associated with postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) (β = 19.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.94-32.08; P = 0.004) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = 7.60, 95% CI: 3.08-12.11; P = 0.001). Patients with lower serum magnesium levels had a higher prevalence of microvascular complications, particularly nephropathy and retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Serum magnesium levels were associated with glycemic control, lipid profile, renal functioning, and microvascular complications in T2DM. Periodic surveillance and possible correction of magnesium deficiency may represent a potential complementary approach requiring further evaluation.