Serum magnesium and zinc levels in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional analysis

Abstract Background Magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements involved in insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, and antioxidant defense. Their imbalance has been linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet data from Egyptian populations remain limited. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital including 43 patients with T2DM and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, serum magnesium, and zinc, were assessed. Statistical analyses evaluated between-group differences and correlations with clinical variables. Results Compared to controls, patients with T2DM had significantly higher BMI, FBG, HbA1c, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (all p < 0.05). Mean serum magnesium (1.3 ± 0.1 vs. 2.6 ± 0.1 mg/dL) and zinc (48.0 ± 0.8 vs. 63.5 ± 0.6 µg/dL) concentrations were markedly lower in T2DM (both p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between trace elements and glycemic indices, lipid profile, age, BMI, or diabetes duration. Gender-based subgroup analysis showed no differences. Conclusion Serum magnesium and zinc are significantly reduced in Egyptian patients with T2DM, independent of demographic or clinical factors. Regular monitoring and potential supplementation may represent cost-effective strategies to improve metabolic control and reduce diabetes-related complications.