Correlation Between Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Levels and Serum Electrolyte Imbalance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Hospital-Based Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2595Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, HbA1c, sodium, magnesium, electrolyte imbalance, hyponatremiaAbstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is frequently complicated by alterations in body water and renal tubular handling of ions, leading to clinically relevant electrolyte disturbances. These abnormalities can aggravate neuromuscular symptoms, cardiac excitability, and outcomes, yet they are often overlooked in routine glycemic follow-up.
Objectives: To evaluate the pattern of serum electrolyte imbalance in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to assess the relationship between HbA1c and key serum electrolytes.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Venous blood samples were analyzed for HbA1c and serum sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. Electrolyte imbalance frequencies were summarized, and Pearson’s correlation was used to examine associations between HbA1c and electrolyte concentrations.
Results: Participants had a mean age of 55.8 ± 10.2 years, and 60% were men. Mean HbA1c was 8.6 ± 1.7%. Overall, electrolyte imbalance was detected in 46% of patients. Hyponatremia was the most frequent abnormality (29%), followed by hypomagnesemia (21%) and hypocalcemia (17%). HbA1c showed a significant inverse correlation with sodium (r = -0.44) and magnesium (r = -0.39), whereas correlations with potassium, chloride, and calcium were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Poorer glycemic control was associated with lower serum sodium and magnesium levels. A substantial proportion of adults with type 2 diabetes exhibited at least one electrolyte abnormality, underscoring the need for concurrent biochemical monitoring during routine diabetes care.
Recommendations: Periodic electrolyte profiling, especially sodium and magnesium, should be integrated into the follow-up of patients with elevated HbA1c, alongside targeted counseling on hydration, diet, and adherence to therapy.
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