Serum electrolytes level in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients

Introduction: Type-2 DM is the commonest form of diabetes constituting nearly 90% of the diabetic population in any country. Diabetic nephropathy has become the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide and is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Electrolytes play an important role in intermediary metabolism and cellular function, including enzyme activities and electrical gradients. Serum concentrations of electrolytes have been shown to change with plasma glucose levels. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of hyperglycemia on serum electrolytes in type-2 DM patients and to compare it with those of non-diabetic healthy subjects. Material and Methods: 50 type-2 DM patients of both sexes having DM for more than 1 year between 40-60 years attending medicine OPD & 50 nondiabetics of both sexes of same age without hypertension, any renal diseases like stones, gestational DM, endocrine disorders, alcohol abuse were recruited. Serum Sodium, Serum Potassium and Serum Calcium level were checked in all participants and compared by using suitable statistical methods (Unpaired student t-test and p value). Results: As compare to nondiabetics type-2 DM patients have high Serum Potassium, Serum Calcium and low Serum Sodium. Conclusion: Increase in Blood sugar had direct relationship with Serum Potassium and Serum Calcium in type-2 DM patients and inverse relationship with Serum Sodium when compared to the nondiabetic subjects.