Study of serum copper and zinc levels in association with albumin and uric acid as antioxidant markers in type II diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Type II Diabetes mellitus (type II DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by oxidative stress. Free radicals play a pivotal role in the progression of diabetes and its complications. The role of trace elements in type II DM is always controversial. Antioxidants are very important in reducing the impact of oxidative stress. Hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress which in turn causes damage to copper binding proteins and lead to release of copper ions. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to establish an association of trace elements serum copper and zinc with serum albumin and uric acid as antioxidants in type II DM. Materials and Methods: Study includes 30 type II diabetic patients as cases and 30 normal individuals as controls. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and Post prandial blood sugar (PPBS), serum copper, zinc, uric acid and albumin levels were measured in all the subjects. In our study serum copper levels were increased and zinc levels were decreased in cases when compared to controls. FBS and PPBS levels in our study showed positive correlation with serum copper levels. Serum uric acid levels in cases were increased in comparison to controls. Although there was decrease in albumin levels in this study, it was not statistically significant. However, we could not establish an association of trace elements copper and zinc with the antioxidants like uric acid and albumin in our study probably because of the small sample size. Conclusion: Inclusion of trace elements like copper, zinc and antioxidants like uric acid, albumin in the panel of investigations for diabetes mellitus (D.M) may be useful in predicting the prognosis of type II DM and early detection of its complications.