Assessment of Serum Electrolyte Abnormalities in Type II Diabetic Patients Presenting in Gulab Devi Hospital, Lahore

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Objectives: Patients with diabetes are more likely to experience electrolyte imbalances,
which may be caused by an imbalance in the distribution of electrolytes. Impaired electrolytes balance in
diabetics may lead to micro and macro vascular complications.The objective of this study is to investigate
disturbances in serum electrolytes including Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+) and Chloride (Cl) in Type II
diabetics.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 6 months. 3cc blood
samples of 100 Type II diabetic patients were collected from diabetic OPD and medicine wards of Gulab Devi
Chest Hospital Lahore and processed in Pathology lab of Gulab Devi Educational Complex to assess the
electrolyte abnormalities in these patients using a predesigned proforma.
Results: Out of 100 samples of type II diabetic patients, there were 65 patients in which serum sodium levels
were decreased. The mean levels of fasting blood sugar, serum sodium, potassium and choloride were
267.13±81.814 mg/dl, 130.13±5.408 meq/l, 4.0807±0.486meq/l and 99.053±4.5879 meq/l respectively.
Conclusion: In this study, serum sodium levels were significantly decreased in type II diabetic patients,
while no significant alteration observed in serum potassium and chloride levels. Serum electrolytes should
be routinely measured in diabetics to prevent complications.
Keywords: Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Serum Electrolytes