PLASMA ZINC CONCENTRATION IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS AND CONTROL GROUP IN SHIRAZ CITY, 2007

The relationship between diabetes and serum insulin and Zinc (Zn) levels is complex with no clear cause and effect relationships. Since Zn plays a clear role in the synthesis, storage and secretion of insulin as well as conformational integrity of insulin in the hexametric form, the decreased Zn, which affects the ability of the islet cell to produce and secrete insulin, might then compound the problem, particularly in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the changes of plasma Zn in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy control in Shiraz city. As a case-control study, we determined the serum Zn levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometer, blood HbA1c levels with columnar chromatographic method and Glucose, by enzymatic colorimetric method in auto analyzer. Data are reported as the Mean±SD and P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant Results of this study revealed that levels of Zn in serum of diabetic patients is lower than in the healthy control in Shiraz city (P<0.05). With respect to the result of this study, dietary educations about consuming enriched Zn foods such as sea foods and corn in diabetic patients is necessitated.