Impact of Dyselectrolytemia in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Cataract

Abstract

Background Derangements in serum electrolytes concentration play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract is unclear.

Objectives The objective of the present study is to estimate electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride and magnesium levels in serum and its association with diabetic cataract.

Subjects and methods The present study includes 60 Diabetic cataract (DC) patients, 60 Type 2 DM patients without cataract and 60 normal healthy individuals without cataract in the age group from 40-75 years of both genders.  Serum electrolytes were estimated by advanced Ion Selective Electrode method. Serum magnesium was determined by xylidyl blue method.

Results The study shows significant decreased in the concentration of serum magnesium (p<0.001) and increased in the concentration of serum sodium, potassium and chloride (P<0.001) in diabetic cataract patients when compared with diabetic and non-diabetic without cataracts. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed Glycemic status had negative correlation with serum magnesium (r= -0.321, r= -0.458). HbA1c had positive correlation with serum sodium (r=0.223) and potassium (r=0.166) were observed. Serum sodium (p<0.001), serum magnesium (p<0.001) and duration of DM (p=0.001) were significantly associated with diabetic cataract by using Multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion Dyselectrolytemia leads to electrolyte imbalance in lens which plays a significant role in the development of cataract formation in diabetes patients.