Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of clinically obtainable improvements in metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes on biochemical cardiovascular risk factors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood and 24-h urinary samples were obtained from 49 patients with type 1 diabetes before and after a run-in period and after 3 months of intervention, with frequent adjustment of insulin dosage according to measured blood glucose concentrations. RESULTS: The intervention caused a mean insulin dosage increment of 10%, a 20% decrease in fasting plasma glucose concentration, a 10% decrease in albumin corrected serum fructosamine, and a somewhat lesser decrease in HbAlc.A 14% decrease in the renal excretion of magnesium (Mg) was observed, but without a change in average serum Mg concentration. Serum HDL cholesterol increased 4%, and serum triglycerides decreased 10% as an average. Looking at individual patients, the decrease in serum triglycerides correlated with both the change in serum total Mg concentration and with the increase in insulin dosage. Using the change in serum total Mg concentration and in insulin dosage as independent variables in a multiple regression analysis, the coefficient of correlation with the decrease in serum triglycerides was 0.52. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate but clinically obtainable improvement of metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes seems to reduce the loss of Mg, increase serum HDL cholesterol, and decrease serum triglycerides. The decrease in serum triglycerides was associated with the change in serum total Mg concentration. These reductions in Mg loss and serum triglycerides might reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in patients with type 1 diabetes.