Trace elements in type 2 diabetes mellitus and their association with glycemic control

Background: Alterations in serum levels of trace elements reported in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been linked with induction of T2DM and associated complications. Objectives: To assess serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) in T2DM patients with adequate and poor glycemic control. Patients and methods: This study was performed at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh. A total of 100 consenting T2DM patients comprising of 50 patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) less than 6.5% and 50 patients with HbA1c more than 6.5% along with a group of 50 normal healthy individuals were included in the study. Serum levels of Cu, Zn and Se were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument. Results: Among T2DM patients with HbA1c <6.5%, mean serum Cu levels (13.4+4.3 mu mol/L) were not different from the controls (14.5+1.92 mu mol/L) whereas Zn (9.9+2.7 mu mol/Lvs15+3.2 mu mol/L;p<0.0001) and Se levels (1+0.2 mu mol/Lvs1.62+0.2 mu mol/L; p<0.0004) were lower than the controls. Among T2DM patients with HbA1c >6.5% mean serum Cu (18.1+4.1 mu mol/Lvs14.5+1.9 mu mol/L; p<0.0001), Zn (15+3.2 mu mol/Lvs13.5+1.9 mu mol/L; p<0.009) and Se (1.62+0.2 mu mol/Lvs1.17+0.16 mu mol/L;p<0.0001) were significantly higher than the controls. HbA1c% negatively correlated with HbA1c >6.5% (r = -0.302; p<0.03). Conclusion: Cu, Zn and Se homeostasis was altered in T2DM patients and varied with glycemic control.