Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
2
Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
3
Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
4
Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
10.21608/aimj.2025.446530
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) involves metabolic disruptions affecting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, coupled with impaired insulin secretion and action. Trace elements (TE) play a vital role in insulin synthesis, improving insulin sensitivity, and facilitating glucose metabolism.
Objective: This study evaluated serum levels of magnesium(Mg), manganese(Mn), copper(Cu), chromium(Cr), selenium(Se), cobalt(Co), and zinc(Zn) in T2DM patients and their association with glycemic control and diabetic microvascular complications.
Methods: 150 participants were split up into three groups for the study: 50 had good glycemic control, 50 had poor control, and 50 were healthy controls. Clinical, biochemical, and electrophysiological assessments were conducted to evaluate TE levels, glycemic parameters, kidney function, and diabetes complications.
Results: TE levels were significantly lower in diabetics, especially those with poor blood sugar control, than in healthy controls(p<0.001). Glycemic indicators like HbA1c, fasting glucose, and postprandial glucose were found to be negatively correlated with TE levels, whereas kidney function(eGFR) was positively correlated with TE. Higher albuminuria, more advanced diabetic retinopathy (DR), and worsening neuropathy were all associated with lower TE levels (p<0.05). Logistic regression revealed strong associations between Zn, Se, and Cu deficiencies and poor glycemic control. Zn deficiency was linked to severe albuminuria, Mg deficiency to CKD stages≥3b, Cu and Se deficiencies to proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR), and Mn deficiency to overt neuropathy.
Conclusion: TE deficiencies were significantly linked to inadequate glycemic control. And microvascular complications. Regular monitoring of TE levels may aid in early intervention and improve diabetic care.
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