Are insulin dependent diabetics in the West of Scotland prone to nutritional deficiencies?

In a cross-sectional survey, the weight, vitamin and mineral status of 57 insulin dependent diabetics attending a clinic in Glasgow were studied. There were no significant differences in any of the measured parameters between poorly controlled and better controlled diabetics (as assessed by HbA1 status). No gross evidence of nutritional deficiency was found although serum magnesium levels tended to be low. This may be clinically relevant as hypomagnesaemia is associated with cardiac arrhythmias and ischaemic heart disease.