Research Article Investigation of Imbalance of Trace Elements in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disorder that is associated with the imbalance of trace elements which are involved in many functions especially enzyme activities. Changes in the levels of serum elements probably can create some complications in type 2 diabetes.The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of the trace elements of zinc and copper, Body mass index, Glucose and HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to a normal group. This case-control study was performed on 60 men with type 2 diabetes and 60 healthy men. Glucose levels were measured by glucose oxidase method. Body mass index was calculated from each person’s weight and height. The serum levels of zinc and copper were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry and the levels of HbA1c were measured by ion exchange chromatography. The results were analyzed using the SPSS software version 21, and the data were reported as Mean ± SD. In this study, the serum zinc level in the diabetic group was significantly lower than in the control group. The levels of serum copper in diabetic patients were higher than in normal subjects, but the difference was not significant. Our results suggested that the measurement of trace elements along with determination of other biochemical parameters can be performed for monitoring diabetic complications. Also, it seems impaired metabolism of these trace elementsand antagonistic interaction between them may have a contributory role in the progression of DM and its complications.