Publication:

Dyselectrolytemia in hyperglycaemic crisis patients with uncontrolled non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Background Diabetes is a group of disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels. Disturbances in serum electrolytes sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl‑) is found in diabetes. The objective of the study was to investigate the disturbances in concentrations of serum electrolytes in hyperglycaemic crisis, uncontrolled non – insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients: early detection and treatment of such abnormalities, leading to better quality of life of patients.

Methods Data was collected prospectively over a period of 1 year and analyzed retrospectively. Of the 131 subjects included in the study, two groups were formed; 60 hyperglycaemic diabetes mellitus patients and 71 healthy volunteer as controls. Biochemical analysis for Na+, K+, Cl- was performed by ISE method using Easy – lyte automatic electrolyte analyzer. The random glucose levels were estimated by direct Hexokinase enzymatic method using Cobas Interga 400. Unpaired t-test was done to find out the difference between the two paired groups and Pearson's correlation was calculated to know the correlations between electrolytes and random glucose levels.

Results In uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, increase in serum Na+ and Cl- levels were observed to be highly significant (p<0.001, respectively) while that of K+ showed significant (p<0.05) alterationsConclusions: The study demonstrated significant association of Na+, K+ and Cl- with hyperglycaemia in patients with hyperglycaemic crisis in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. So, electrolytes should be measured during the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.