Electrolyte Abnormalities in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the was is to evaluate electrolyte changes and the relationship between electrolytes and glucose regulation in type 2 diabetic patients.

MATERIAL and METHODS: Data of diabetic patients aged 30-90 years who came to the Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Nephrology outpatient clinics between 01.02.2015 and 30.12.2015 for any reason were reviewed. Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, using diuretics, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers or combination of these drugs, or calcium, magnesium, vitamin D supplementation, patients with vomiting and diarrhea, serious heart failure, cirrhosis, active malignancy, estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤60 mL/min 1.73 m2 , and those diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis are excluded from the study.

RESULTS: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 323 type 2 diabetic patients consisting of 161 women and 162 men were evaluated. Hypomagnesemia was the major electrolyte problem in our study group with a prevalence of 20.2%. A negative correlation was observed between serum glucose and sodium (p<0.05; r=-0.28). There was no correlation between glucose and other electrolytes (potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium).

CONCLUSION: Electrolyte imbalances are frequently seen in diabetic patients because of physiopathologic changes and therapeutic drugs as well as comorbidities. Evaluation of electrolytes during the follow up period of these patients, and in the case of any electrolyte abnormalities their appropriate management is important for decreasing both mortality and morbidity.