title: Alterations of ionized and total magnesium levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this prospective study was to determine ionized and total magnesium (Mg) levels in pregnant subjects with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-five women, 26-28 weeks pregnant, were recruited for routine oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT); 45 had normal OGTT results and 40 were diagnosed with GDM. Electrolyte levels, including ionized and total Mg, were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Gestational age and BMI were similar between the two groups (p = 0.800, p = 0.025). Multivitamin use was higher in the control group (p = 0.036). Fasting blood glucose was higher in the GDM group (p < 0.001). The median total Mg levels were 1.9 mg/dl (range 1.6-2.2) in the control group and 1.8 mg/dl (range 1.2-2.1) in the GDM group (p < 0.001). The median ionized Mg levels were 0.5 mmol/l (range 0.4-0.6) in the control group and 0.4 mmol/l (range 0.4-0.5) in the GDM group (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study revealed a relationship between low total and ionized Mg levels and GDM, as in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The literature regarding type 2 DM and our findings suggest that Mg is the key ion in the pathophysiology of GDM. Low-dose Mg supplementation was not related to GDM; however, pharmacological doses in the various stages of pregnancy could be beneficial and should be investigated.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ufuk
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Goker Tasdemir
authors.forename: Nicel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tasdemir
authors.forename: Sevtap
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kilic
authors.forename: Remzi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Abali
authors.forename: Cem
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Celik
authors.forename: Hacer Cavidan
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Gulerman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005215:Fasting; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D008274:Magnesium; D002118:Calcium