Association of Fasting Insulin with Plasma and RBC Micronutrients Copper, Zinc in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Copper and Zinc are extremely important trace elements involved in a number of metabolic processes. Imbalance of a trace element may be the consequence of certain disorders. 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 levels of Zn affect the ability of the islet cell to produce and secrete insulin thus complicating the problem, particularly in Type 2 diabetes. Cu is an integral part of numerous enzymes like cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase that are involved in metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to find out the association between fasting plasma insulin and plasma, RBC Cu and Zn among both the control healthy also newly diagnosed type 2 DM. A case control study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry jointly with the Department of Endocrine Medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. A total of 64 non-smokers, non- alcoholic, normotensive subjects free from renal and hepatic diseases were included in this study. Among them thirty three were newly diagnosed type - 2 DM. Thirty one were age and sex matched healthy control. Mean±SD of fasting insulin was 13.13±7.87 µU/ml and 16.53±13.78 µU/ml in healthy controls and newly diagnosed type -2 DM. The median values of RBC Zn of both groups were 6984.00 ppb and 5155.50 ppb respectively (p<.001). Significant negative correlation was found between plasma Insulin and RBC Zn (p<.0001, r = -.7881) in newly diagnosed type 2 DM. Others showed no significant correlations. All the median values of trace elements significantly differed between groups. Micronutrients derangement could be related to type -2 Diabetes Mellitus development as well as its complications.