Glycemic control of type 2 diabetic patients after short-term zinc supplementation

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine whether a short-term zinc supplementation contributes to beneficial changes in glycemic control among type 2 diabetic patients. Seventy-six diabetic subjects and 72 normal adults participated in this study. Subjects were divided into supplemented and control groups. Forty-four diabetic patients and 34 normal subjects were supplemented with 50 mg zinc daily as zinc gluconate for 4 weeks. Zinc status was assessed from fasting plasma levels and urinary excretion. The effects of zinc supplementation on fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, and C-peptide were measured at the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of supplementation. The changes in glycemic control indicators were compared between diabetic groups, classified by baseline HbA1c levels, and by diabetic duration. At baseline, the incidence of marginal zinc deficiency in the diabetic group, as determined by plasma zinc level, was approximately twice as high as in the normal adult group. The changes of HbA1c concentration, and fasting blood glucose following supplementation were not statistically significant in diabetic subjects. In normal subjects, a significant decrease of HbA1c occurred only in the zinc supplemented group. No significant changes were observed for serum insulin and C-peptide in diabetic as well as normal subjects. However, when the changes were compared by baseline HbA1c level, we found that diabetic subjects with HbA1c ≥ 7.5% showed significantly improved levels of HbA1c and fasting glucose after Zn supplementation. While such improvement in fasting blood glucose was significant among diabetics with shorter diabetic duration, significant levels of increase in serum insulin and C-peptide were observed in zinc supplemented subjects with longer diabetic duration. Fasting blood glucose was significantly decreased, whereas serum insulin and C-peptide were increased in diabetics with marginal zinc status. Therefore, we suggest that Zn supplementation for a short-term period may improve glycemic control in diabetic patients with higher HbA1c levels and marginal zinc status.

Honey - A Novel Antidiabetic Agent

“…Even though the amounts of these minerals in honey may be low 4, 9, it is suggested that daily ingestion of honey might achieve adequate concentrations of these minerals and thus exert pharmacological responses 66. Coupled with the evidence which demonstrates increased serum concentrations of these minerals after honey supplementation 143, these ions might also contribute to the antidiabetic effect of honey 176, 178. Increased C-peptide and insulin secretion 66, 132 and modulation of appetite-regulating hormones such as leptin, ghrelin and peptide YY 119, 148, 179 as a result of honey supplementation may also contribute to improved glycemic control.…”

Pharmacokinetics of zinc in pre-diabetes: a pilot study

“…6,15 Several studies have also demonstrated a relationship between serum Zinc levels and glycaemic control in patients with Type-2 diabetes, and an improvement in glycaemic control with short-term Zinc supplementation. 15,16 However, whether hypozincaemia precedes diabetes or results from altered Zinc metabolism due to diabetes has been much debated. The most recent evidence, including the present study suggests that hypozincaemia is also present even in those with pre-diabetes, hence preceding the onset of Type-2 diabetes.…”

Zinc Prevents the Development of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in db/db Mice

“…Diabetic patients often suffer from Zn deficiency at the late disease stage, particularly those whose glucose is poorly controlled [21,22,23,24]. Zn supplementation has beneficial effects on glucose and lipid control [25].…”