CORRELATION BETWEEN ZINC AND FASTING BLOOD SUGAR IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND THEIR FIRST DEGREE RELATIVES

The altered levels of some essential trace elements and antioxidant minerals
have been observed in diabetic patients. Zinc, as an antioxidant and essential trace element, plays a
significant role in the function of many enzymes. Altered zinc content seems to be one of the
contributing factors in the pathogenesis of this disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate
serum level of zinc (Zn) and the correlation between zinc and fasting blood sugar (FBS) in patients
with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their first-degree relatives (FDR).
Methods & Materials: 46 subjects with T2DM, 46 FDR and 50 healthy subjects were involved in this
study. Serum concentrations of Zn were measured by colorimetric kit (Biorex, UK). Fasting blood
sugar was assayed using the standard kit (made by Pars Azmoon Inc., Tehran, Iran).
Results: We found decreased levels of Zn (P<0.001) in FDR when compared to healthy controls. FBS
levels were negatively correlated with Zn (r=0.431,P=0.003) in patients with T2DM. However, there
was no correlation between FBS level and Zn (r=0.024,P=0.8) in FDR.
Conclusion: Finally, patients with T2DM and their FDR has altered metabolism of Zn which may
contribute to increased risk of developing T2DM later on in FDR’s life.