Association of serum magnesium with insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) consists of a constellation of metabolic abnormalities that confer an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Low magnesium level is an important pathogenic factor in most of the disorders of MS and also contributes to increased cardiovascular risk. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to find the association of serum magnesium with insulin resistance in patients with MS. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Kerala after obtaining clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Thirty subjects with MS who satisfied at least 3 features of national cholesterol education program adult treatment panel III criteria in the age group of 45–65 years were selected and 30 normal subjects after proper exclusion and obtaining written informed consent. Serum magnesium levels and fasting C-peptide levels were measured. Insulin resistance was calculated from fasting serum C-peptide and fasting plasma glucose value using homeostasis model assessment. Results: The mean values of magnesium levels were significantly lower, and insulin resistance was higher in patients with MS when compared to normal subjects. The correlation of serum magnesium levels with insulin resistance was negative and significant. Conclusion: The present study shows that hypomagnesemia can result in insulin resistance. Magnesium supplementation can reduce insulin resistance and improve glycemic controls and reduce cardiovascular risk.