Association of Serum Magnesium with Clinical and Optical Coherence TomographyMarkers of Diabetic Retinopathy (Code-T0315)

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision impairment in diabetic
patients. Chronic hyperglycemia leads to retinal microvascular damage, influenced by various
metabolic factors, including serum magnesium levels. Hypomagnesemia has been implicated in
the progression of diabetic complications, but its association with clinical and optical coherence
tomography (OCT) markers of DR remains unclear.
Aims and Objectives
Aim: To study the Association of Serum Mg levels in patients with Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
Objective:
 Evaluate the association of Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy with S. Magnesium levels.
 Assess the relation of S. Magnesium levels to HbA1C in Diabetic Retinopathy.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on diabetic patients with varying degrees of
DR. Serum magnesium levels were measured and correlated with DR severity based on fundus
examination and OCT findings, including central macular thickness (CMT) and retinal nerve
fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of
these associations.
Results: Patients with lower serum magnesium levels exhibited more severe forms of DR. A
significant negative correlation was observed between serum magnesium levels and CMT
(p<0.05), suggesting a role in diabetic macular edema. Additionally, RNFL thinning was more
pronounced in hypomagnesemic patients, indicating potential neurodegenerative changes.
Conclusion: Low serum magnesium levels are associated with increased severity of DR and
retinal structural alterations on OCT. Monitoring magnesium levels may aid in early detection
and better management of DR.
Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy, serum magnesium, optical coherence tomography, central
macular thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer, diabetic macular edema.