Investigation of the Serum Levels of Zinc, Copper, and Magnesium in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in glucose metabolism. Poor glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) commonly leads to oxidative stress and further diabetic complications. Trace elements, such as magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), play a role in the process of lipid peroxidation, pathogenesis, and exacerbation of diabetic complications. The present study aimed to investigate trace elements in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Golestan province in 2022.

This case-control study was conducted on 26 children with type 1 diabetes and 26 non-diabetic children. After 12 hours of overnight fasting, 2 ml of venous blood was taken from the samples. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 18) using chi-score and logistic regression tests at a significance level of 0.05.

The serum level of zinc was lower than the normal level in 42.3% of children with diabetes and 15.4% of the non-diabetic group. Moreover, the serum levels of copper and magnesium were lower than normal in 7.7% and 11.5% of children with diabetes, respectively. Body mass index, gender, and duration of diabetes demonstrated no significant relationship with zinc, copper, and magnesium levels.

Having type 1 diabetes causes a decrease in serum levels of zinc and copper in children. According to body mass profile, gender and duration of diabetes are not associated with this serum reduction.