Serum Trace Elements in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Studies suggested that imbalances of several trace elements may play an important role in normal glucose and insulin metabolism. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in serum levels of copper, zinc, iron, and magnesium in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their effect on glycemic control. Sixty female patients with T2DM and seventeen healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Fasting plasma samples were obtained from the patient and control groups. Trace elements were studied using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Correlation analyses of trace elements with metabolic parameters were analyzed using Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient. T2DM patients had a significantly high fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and microalbuminuria levels (p< 0.05). Serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in patients with T2DM compared with the healthy controls (2.0 +/- 0.2 ng/mL vs. 2.3 +/- 0.2 ng/mL, p< 0.05). Serum copper levels showed a negative correlation with diabetes duration (r= -0.338, p= 0.011), and iron levels were negatively correlated with body mass index and C-reactive protein (r= -0.407, p= 0.009; r= -0.390, p= 0.017). Serum magnesium levels indicated a correlation with HbA1C and creatinine clearance (r= -0.371, p= 0.049; r= -0.462, p= 0.023), but no significant correlation was found with any of the other variables and zinc levels. The present study found low levels of magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc in women with T2DM, which supports a close relationship of the above trace elements with glucose metabolism. Low magnesium levels has been linked to poor glycemic control in T2DM; therefore, magnesium deficiency should be prevented in patients with diabetes.