2024, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A

Background: Trace elements have a significant impact on diabetes, and an imbalance in trace element levels in diabetes mellitus (DM) contributes to the occurrence of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The objective of this work was to examine alterations in concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in serum and their correlation with the occurrence of DN among individuals with type 2 DM.

Methods: This observational work was performed on 80 participants aged above 20 years old, both sexes, diagnosed with type 2 DM with or without out DN. Participants were categorized into three groups: Group 1 (n=20): subjects with type 2 diabetic mellitus without DN, Group 2 (n=40): subjects with type 2 DM and DN which subdivided into two equal group according to urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) [Microalbuminuria group (n =20): (ACR 30 to 300 mg/g) and macroalbuminuria group (n=20) (ACR > 300 mg/g)] and Group 3 (n =20): healthy control group.

Results: Mean serum Zn level is higher in the microalbuminuria group than macroalbuminuria group 121.7, and 51.6, respectively. In addition, there is significant positive correlation between the two groups which means that the more microalbuminuria in the group the more Zn precipitate. A substantial variation was existed among both groups which means that serum Cu level increase in microalbumiuria than macroalbuminuria. The Zn and Cu was substantially distinct among three groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Serum Zn level decrease significantly while serum Cu level increase in type 2 DM. Serum Zn level and Cu increase with microalbuminuria than macroalbuminuria.