“EVALUATION OF SERUM ZINC, COPPER, MAGNESIUM AND IRON LEVELS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS”

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is supposed to be associated with fluctuations in the serum levels of trace elements. Conversely, research also suggests that early imbalances of specific elements may play an important role in upsetting of normal glucose and insulin metabolism. Aim: In the present study, our aim was to evaluate the essential trace elements like Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Magnesium (Mg) and Iron (Fe) in diabetic patients. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in 47 patients with type 2 DM along with 58 age and sex matched healthy controls. Various biochemical parameters like Fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin and trace elements like Zn, Cu, Mg and Fe levels were measured and compared. This study was conducted in Al- Quwayiyah Government General Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Results: The significantly decreased levels of Zn and Mg, whereas increased levels of Cu and Fe (P<0.001) in type 2 DM patients when compared to control groups. Conclusion: The hypothesis of the current study indicates that impaired trace element metabolism to be an additional risk factor for the development and progress of disease. We suggest that evaluate the above trace elements in early stage of diabetes, otherwise it may contribute in the development of further vascular complications in diabetes mellitus.