Evaluation of serum zinc levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and its correlation with glycosylated hemoglobin and overt diabetic complications

Background: Diabetes mellitus is the most prevalent disease in worldwide. It is characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and relative insulin deficiency. The goal of this study is to estimate serum zinc levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and correlation between serum zinc levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and complications in type 2 diabetes patients. Aims and Objectives: To estimate serum zinc levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, study correlation between serum zinc levels and HbA1c levels, and compare serum zinc levels, HbA1c, and overt diabetic complications. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary center. Diagnosed 100 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus were taken and detailed examination was done. Serum zinc levels were estimated by absorption spectrophotometry, and HbA1c levels were estimated using high-performance liquid chromatography method. Statistical software STATA version 14.0 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.6 ± 11.18 years with a male: female ratio of 2.1:1. Mean serum zinc levels in males with macrovascular complications were 43.65 ± 14.55 μg/dl, significantly lower than the mean serum zinc levels in females 67.31 ± 18.84 μg/dl, P < 0.0001. Serum zinc levels were low in patients with microvascular complications and macrovascular complications, which were statistically significant P < 0.0001 and an inverse correlation was observed between HbA1c levels and serum zinc levels (r = −0.4456, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Low serum zinc levels associated with micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. This study revealed an inverse relationship between HbA1c and serum zinc concentration in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.