Association of Serum Magnesium Level with Insulin Resistance in Women with PCOS

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in reproductive-aged women, often associated with insulin resistance (IR), which increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and overall health burden. Magnesium (Mg²⁺), an essential mineral, can become deficient due to low intake, gastrointestinal loss, or increased urinary excretion. In women with PCOS, low magnesium levels may further impair insulin signaling and worsen IR. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum magnesium levels and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Dhaka (Oct 2022–Sep 2023), included 120 women (18–40 years) with PCOS. Insulin resistance was assessed via HOMA-IR, categorizing participants into insulin-resistant and non-insulin-resistant groups, and serum magnesium levels were measured. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using SPSS 27. Results: Among the 120 participants, 77 (64.17%) were categorized in Group A with a HOMA-IR level ≥2.1, while 43 (35.83%) were classified in Group B with a HOMA-IR level <2.1. The average serum magnesium concentration was significantly lower in Group A (1.51±0.59 mg/dL) compared to Group B (1.87±0.55 mg/dL; p=0.001). A significant inverse correlation was identified between serum magnesium levels and HOMA-IR (r= -0.301, p = 0.001). Conclusion: A low serum magnesium level is found associated with higher risk of insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of magnesium supplementation on metabolic outcomes in women with PCOS.