Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common non-communicable diseases associated with high morbidity and mortality. Electrolyte disturbances are not uncommon among diabetic patients in hospital. However, there are limited data on the magnitude of electrolyte disturbances in the diabetic population. Common electrolyte disorders are sodium, potassium, magnesium and may be associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. These disorders are particularly common in decompensated diabetes, the elderly, or with renal failure. Besides the use of drugs for diabetes mellitus or comorbidities can also cause these disorders. Therefore, knowing the pathophysiology of electrolyte disturbance will be more successful in treatment. Clinicians need to make the right choice between antidiabetic agents not only on their effectiveness in lowering blood glucose and reducing cardiovascular risk, but also on the risk of electrolyte and acid–base disturbances in diabetic patients. Discontinuation of potentially disruptive drugs, as well as tight control of blood glucose, is of particular importance in the prevention of electrolyte disturbances in diabetic patients. Electrolyte concentrations should be considered as a routine test in the monitoring and treatment of diabetic patients.