Comparative Evaluation of Magnesium, Zinc,
Chromium in Normal Controls, Diabetic patients and
in Diabetic patients with Diabetic Retinopathy in
Western Saudi Arabia.
Dr.Khader Farwan MD , FRCSC
Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the serum levels of Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn) and Chromium (Cr) in
normal, diabetic patients and in the diabetic patient with diabetic retinopathy in
Western Saudi Arabia.
Setting: King Abdul Aziz University Hospital (KAAUH), Jeddah.
Study design: Comparative, non-randomized study.
Patients and Methods: The serum levels of Mg, Zn and Cr were analyzed by using
atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAA) in 10 normal controls, 15 diabetic
patients(DM), 10 patients with Moderate to severe Non Proliferative Diabetic
Retinopathy (NPDR) and 15 patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR),
hence totaling 50 patients.
Results: There was a significant hypomagnesaemia noted in DM patients and in
NPDR patients when compared to Controls, however hypermagnesaemia was noted in
the patient with PDR. The serum levels of Chromium also showed similar decrease in
DM patients and in NPDR patients with a mild non-significant increase in the patients
of PDR. There was a gradual hypozincaemia noted with increasing spectrum of
Diabetic severity.
Conclusion: The evaluation of Mg, Cr and Zn may indicate the severity of diabetic
retinopathy.
Key words: Serum levels, Magnesium, Chromium and Zinc, Diabetic patients,
Diabetic Retinopathy