Status of Micro and Macro Nutrients in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Suggesting the Importance of Cation Ratios

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic polymetabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from resistance to insulin action or inadequacy of insulin secretion. Role of the micro & macro nutrients in the pathogenesis of T2DM has not been studied thoroughly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of calcium, magnesium, zinc and chromium in relation to HbA1c in a group of subjects with T2DM patients. Methodology: The study comprised of seventy three patients with T2DM, attending the OP of a tertiary care medical college hospital. Thirty four individuals were with HbA1c < 7% (group 1) and thirty nine with HbA1c ≥ 7% (group 2). Cation concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and HbA1c by ion exchange chromatography. Results: The individual cation concentrations were not significantly different between the groups. Association of these serum ion concentrations with the glycemic control in group 2 (HbA1c 7%) was noted. Significant association of cation ratios with glycemic control was noted. Conclusion: The concentration of magnesium, zinc and chromium were low in subjects with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%). Cation ratios were significantly associated with the glycemic control in T2DM.