Copper, zinc, and magnesium levels in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract

SummaryA relationship has been reported between trace elements and diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated the role of such a relationship in 83 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (40 men and 43 women), with a mean duration of diabetes of 3.9 ± 3.6 years. Patients with nephropathy were excluded. Thirty healthy nondiabetic subjects were studied for comparative analysis. Subjects were subdivided into obese and non-obese. Diabetic subjects were also subdivided into controlied and uncontrolled groups; control was based on fasting blood glucose and serum fructosamine levels. Plasma copper, zinc and magnesium levels were analysed using a GBC 902 double beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Plasma zinc and magnesium levels were comparable between diabetic and nondiabetic subjects, while copper levels were significantly elevated (p<0.01) in diabetic patients. Age, sex, duration and control of diabetes did not influence copper, zinc, or magnesium concentrations. We conclude that zinc and magnesium levels are not altered in diabetes mellitus, but the increased copper levels found in diabetics in our study may merit further investigation of the relationship between copper and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Zinc Status in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Relation to the Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy

“…During progression to DNP and in MAU stages, morphological and structural changes occur in the glomerular and basement membrane of the kidneys, hyperfiltration, thickening of glomerular basement membrane (GBM), mesangial expansion and podocyteloosing. All of these changes will cause leakage of albumin along with other enzymes and trace metals to the urine leading to marked increase of these markers [13]. Therefore, hypozincaemia observed in diabetics can be attributed to hyperzincuria.…”

Serum Total Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Ph in Sudanese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

“…Alteration in the metabolism of trace elements like calcium, magnesium potassium is associated with DM (3) . Trace elements are accepted as essential for optimum health, because of their diverse metabolic characteristic and functions (4) . Trace elements participate in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to oxidative stress.…”

Interaction between essential trace and toxic elements in the scalp hair samples of smokers and alcohol user diabetics

“…Clinical research suggests that the body's balance of trace elements and minerals can be disrupted by diabetes mellitus [1,2]. Conversely, research also suggests that early imbalances of specific elements may play an important role in upset-ting healthy glucose metabolism and insulin action.…”

“…Trace element deficiencies mostly occur in combination with chronic diseases and malabsorption. Chronic hyperglycemia can cause significant alterations in the status of some micronutrients and furthermore, some of these nutrients can directly modulate glucose homeostasis [3,4]. The deficiencies of certain minerals such as magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) have been shown to predispose a person to glucose intolerance and to promote the development of diabetic complications [5].…”