Association of Serum Magnesium Status and Calcium–Magnesium Ratio with Diabetic Retinopathy in an Urban Hospital of Kolkata

Abstract

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a prominent microvascular consequence of diabetes and a main cause of vision loss. Emerging data suggests that magnesium insufficiency and calcium-magnesium imbalances may play a role in its aetiology.

Methods: This study evaluated serum magnesium levels, calcium levels, and the calcium-magnesium (Ca/Mg) ratio between diabetic retinopathy patients and controls. A total of 200 patients (100 cases and 100 controls) were examined. Biochemical parameters were assessed and statistically compared, with p-values < 0.05 indicating significance.Results: Cases had considerably lower serum magnesium levels than controls, with a higher prevalence of hypomagnesemia among them. The Ca/Mg ratio was much higher in some cases, indicating a relative imbalance between calcium and magnesium. The results were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The changed mineral profile was related with a higher incidence of diabetic retinopathy.Conclusion: This study found a robust link between hypomagnesemia, an elevated Ca/Mg ratio, and diabetic retinopathy. Magnesium shortage appears to be a major factor in the development of microvascular problems in diabetes. Monitoring and adjusting magnesium levels may be a useful technique for early management and prevention of diabetic retinopathy. Additional large-scale investigations are needed to validate these findings.