title: Trace elements in diabetes mellitus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diabetes Mellitus is the commonest major metabolic disease and most prevalent diseases worldwide.Its related morbidity is due to its micro and macro angiopathic complications.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to measure and compare the serum levels of zinc and magnesium in normal individuals and in diabetic patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analysis of minerals was done in plasma by using a Varian Spectra AA 220 model atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our observations showed a definite lowering of serum magnesium (p<0.001) and serum zinc levels (p<0.001) were significant in diabetic group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The cause of diabetic hypomagnesaemia is multifactorial. An altered metabolism, a poor glycaemic control and osmotic diuresis may be contributory factors. Decreased serum zinc levels in diabetes may be caused by an increase in urinary loss. These decreased levels of trace elements cause disturbances in glucose transport across cell membrane lead to insufficient formation and secretion of insulin by pancreas which compromise in the antioxidant defense mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, KAMRC Medical College and Hospital , L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad, A.P., India.
authors.forename: Praveeena
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: S
authors.forename: Sujatha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pasula
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sameera
keywords: Antioxidants; Diabetes Mellitus; Magnesium; Zinc