Alterations of Ionized and Total Magnesium Levels in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background/Aims: The aim of this prospective study was to determine ionized and total magnesium (Mg) levels in pregnant subjects with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Eighty-five women, 26-28 weeks pregnant, were recruited for routine oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT); 45 had normal OGTT results and 40 were diagnosed with GDM. Electrolyte levels, including ionized and total Mg, were analyzed. Results: Gestational age and BMI were similar between the two groups (p = 0.800, p = 0.025). Multivitamin use was higher in the control group (p = 0.036). Fasting blood glucose was higher in the GDM group (p < 0.001). The median total Mg levels were 1.9 mg/dl (range 1.6-2.2) in the control group and 1.8 mg/dl (range 1.2-2.1) in the GDM group (p < 0.001). The median ionized Mg levels were 0.5 mmol/l (range 0.4-0.6) in the control group and 0.4 mmol/l (range 0.4-0.5) in the GDM group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed a relationship between low total and ionized Mg levels and GDM, as in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The literature regarding type 2 DM and our findings suggest that Mg is the key ion in the pathophysiology of GDM. Low-dose Mg supplementation was not related to GDM; however, pharmacological doses in the various stages of pregnancy could be beneficial and should be investigated.

Effect of various doses of vitamin D supplementation on pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial

“…GDM insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia may cause microvascular disease, resulting in the thickening of the basement membrane in capillary walls. This also contributes to the occurrence of maternal hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (26). In the present study, patients in the groups receiving high and medium doses of vitamin D supplementation were observed to display reduced insulin, HOMA-IR and total cholesterol levels.…”

Serum Magnesium Levels in Preterm Infants Are Higher Than Adult Levels: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Changes in magnesium status in pregnant women may translate into effects on glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and the contractile response of uterine muscle. Thus, earlier reductions in maternal magnesium have been associated with an increased incidence of gestational diabetes [ 65 , 66 , 67 ] and may contribute to both preterm delivery and preeclampsia [ 36 , 68 , 69 ]. Few well-designed trials have examined the impact of dietary magnesium supplementation in pregnant women; thus, the benefits and risks of such remain controversial [ 70 ].…”

Estimation of Serum Magnesium in Bangladeshi Gestational Diabetic Mother

“…The low serum magnesium levels seen in the diabetic population may be a consequence of insulin resistance and dietary magnesium intake and intestinal hypo absorption may also be a factor in the low serum magnesium levels. Goker Tasdemir et al (2015) 16 found that there is no statistically significant difference in serum magnesium concentrations between healthy pregnant women and women with GDM.…”