Association of serum electrolyte with renal function, in diabetes mellitus-a pilot study

Introduction: Decompensated diabetes mellitus with impaired renal function, acid-base disorders are often associated with electrolyte imbalance. Analysis of electrolytes is often advised without a true indication in Diabetes Mellitus. So our objective was to analyze serum electrolyte profile in diabetes mellitus to determine whether routine measurement of electrolytes can be safely avoided in diabetes. Study Design: This was a retrospective study of hospital records of all Diabetes Mellitus cases who were advised kidney function test during the period January 2014 - August 2015. Medical records and laboratory results of 190 Diabetes Mellitus cases could be retrieved and retrospectively viewed for clinical diagnosis, result of Laboratory investigation i.e. Fasting blood sugar, serum urea, creatinine, Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, PO4-.One hundred ninety Diabetes Mellitus cases were divided into 3 groups based on their serum creatinine levels i.e. Group-I (n=98) serum creatinine 3 mg/dl. Results: Out of 190 patients 114 had electrolyte disorder. Serum sodium levels were altered in 45% of Group-I patients, more evident in Group-II (64%) and Group III (89%). Approximately 51% Diabetes Mellitus cases had deranged Serum K+ levels in Group I. Hyperkalemia and hypochloremia were common electrolyte disorders both in Group-II and Group III. Group- I had hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia whereas hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia were more commonly registered in Group-II (40%, 37% respectively) and Group-III (68%, 61% respectively). Conclusion: So it is concluded that in diabetes mellitus electrolyte derangements occur even with normal renal function. So routine measurement of serum electrolyte could not be avoided in Diabetes Mellitus. However, the frequency of electrolyte derangement is more with deterioration of the renal function in Diabetes Mellitus. Keywords: Retrospective study, Decompensated Diabetes Mellitus, Electrolyte disorders