Decreased serum concentration of ionized calcium in insulin‐dependent human diabetes mellitus

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Low serum ionized calcium concentrations were observed in twenty‐five insulin dependent diabetic outpatients compared with twenty‐three age‐matched normal subjects: mean 1.16 mmol/l (SEM 0.01) versus 1.20 mmol/l (0.01), P < 0.002. Despite this, there was no compensatory increase in serum concentrations of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone, nor was serum total calcium decreased in the diabetic patients. Serum magnesium was significantly decreased in the diabetics compared with normals: mean 0.75 mmol/l versus 0.83 mmol/l, P < 0.001. No significant correlation could be demonstrated between serum magnesium and serum ionized calcium or parathyroid hormone in the diabetic patients. Since no significant correlations were observable between serum ionized calcium and indices of diabetes control, the etiology and pathogenesis of decreased serum calcium ion in insulin‐dependent human diabetes mellitus remain unknown.