Copyright: Clinics Cardive Publishing (Pty) Ltd. publisher
of Cardiovascular Journal of Africa.
Abstract
Background:
Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals involved in glucose metabolism and cardiovascular function. Low levels of these minerals may contribute to metabolic complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study assessed the prevalence of calcium and magnesium imbalances and their associations with diabetes duration, adiposity, and dietary factors among adults with T2DM.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 339 adults with T2DM attending nine randomly selected clinics. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profile, anthropometric measurements, dietary diversity, and food intake were collected. Serum calcium and magnesium levels were measured and classified as low or high. Statistical associations were assessed at p < 0.05.
Results: Hypercalcaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hypermagnesaemia are common among adults with T2DM. Shorter diabetes duration (< 5 years) was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of both conditions (p < 0.05). Measures of adiposity, including overweight, obesity, and high-risk waist circumference, were also significantly associated with elevated mineral levels (p < 0.001). Low dietary diversity was linked to a higher prevalence of hypercalcaemia, while consumption of legumes was associated with lower prevalence of both hypercalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia (p < 0.001). Sociodemographic factors showed no consistent associations.
Conclusion: Hypercalcaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hypermagnesaemia are common among adults with T2DM and are primarily associated with diabetes duration, adiposity, and dietary patterns. Strategies focusing on weight management and improved dietary diversity may help reduce the risk of mineral imbalance in this population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 339 adults with T2DM attending nine randomly selected clinics. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profile, anthropometric measurements, dietary diversity, and food intake were collected. Serum calcium and magnesium levels were measured and classified as low or high. Statistical associations were assessed at p < 0.05.
Results: Hypercalcaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hypermagnesaemia are common among adults with T2DM. Shorter diabetes duration (< 5 years) was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of both conditions (p < 0.05). Measures of adiposity, including overweight, obesity, and high-risk waist circumference, were also significantly associated with elevated mineral levels (p < 0.001). Low dietary diversity was linked to a higher prevalence of hypercalcaemia, while consumption of legumes was associated with lower prevalence of both hypercalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia (p < 0.001). Sociodemographic factors showed no consistent associations.
Conclusion: Hypercalcaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hypermagnesaemia are common among adults with T2DM and are primarily associated with diabetes duration, adiposity, and dietary patterns. Strategies focusing on weight management and improved dietary diversity may help reduce the risk of mineral imbalance in this population.
Keywords:
calcium status, magnesium status, type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetes duration, body mass index, sociodemographic characteristics
Submitted: May 8, 2026;
Accepted: June 19, 2026;
Published: October 2, 2026
Cardiovasc J Afr 2025; 37: 404-411
Volume 37, Issue 4
Cardiovasc J Afr 2025; 37: 404-411
Volume 37, Issue 4
DOI Citation Reference: dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2026-051