Magnesium deficiency and vascular complications in Type 1 diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Magnesium deficiency as a reversible driver of vascular complications in type 1 diabetes
IRAS ID
337472
Contact name
Ramzi Ajjan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with vascular complications that increase mortality risk, underpinned by extensive vascular disease coupled with an enhanced thrombotic environment. We have found that individuals with T1D have lower plasma magnesium concentrations than in age/sex-matched controls and that these reduced levels associate with impaired fibrin clot lysis. Hypofibrinolysis predicts cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes and targeting this pathway has the potential to reduce thrombosis risk. We hypothesise that adequate plasma magnesium concentrations are important for normal haemostasis. We propose to examine the role(s) of magnesium in regulating fibrinolysis using in vitro/in vivo approaches and employing a clinical study of magnesium supplementation in deficient T1D individuals. We will analyse the effects of magnesium on thrombotic/fibrinolytic potential, glycaemic and insulin resistance measures as well as patient well-being. We also will determine whether magnesium deficiency (and subsequent supplementation) induces molecular
changes in coagulation factors that may influence fibrinolysis. This work will provide a mechanistic understanding of how magnesium controls fibrinolysis and will determine the usefulness of monitoring plasma magnesium in T1D and correcting abnormally low levels. In turn, this may pave the way to new T1D management strategies that reduce the mortality risk using a safe and affordable supplementary therapy.REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
24/WS/0084
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion