Association of Serum Magnesium Levels with Diabetic Foot Ulcer Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study (Code-T0291)

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality. Hypomagnesemia has been implicated in poor glycemic control and delayed wound healing in DFUs. Magnesium plays a crucial role in enzymatic processes, neuromuscular transmission, and insulin sensitivity. However, its association with DFU severity remains underexplored.

Aims and Objectives

1. To assess the incidence of hypomagnesaemia in diabetic foot ulcer patients with Type 2 DM
2. To evaluate the relation of hypomagnesaemia to various grades of diabetic foot ulcer as per Wagner grading in patients with Type 2 DM.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at RIMS, Imphal, from May 2023 to April 2025. A total of 80 diabetic foot ulcer patients were recruited. Fasting serum magnesium levels were measured using a colorimetric method and correlated with DFU grades. Additional parameters such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), HbA1c, serum urea, and creatinine were analyzed. Statistical tests, including ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation, were performed, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: The study found a significant negative correlation between serum magnesium levels and DFU severity (p < 0.001). Patients with higher ulcer grades exhibited lower magnesium levels, worsening glycemic parameters, and impaired renal function. The prevalence of hypomagnesemia was notably higher in severe DFU cases.

Conclusion: Hypomagnesemia is associated with increased DFU severity. Routine magnesium monitoring in diabetic patients may help prevent complications and improve outcomes. Further studies on magnesium supplementation in diabetes management are recommended.

Keywords: Diabetic foot ulcer, Hypomagnesemia, Magnesium, Diabetes Mellitus, Wagner classification, Glycemic control