Copper, Magnesium and Selenium Levels in Serum Samples of Male Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Ifeanyichukwu Martin Ositadinma *
Department of Immunology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ngwu Amauche Martina
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Trace elements are known to enhance the complete function of the immune system; avert uncontrolled expression and synthesis of inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of Copper, magnesium, selenium in male individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Study Design: Prospective cohort study.
Place and Duration of Study: Medical outpatient clinic and Chemical Pathology Laboratory both of Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, between January and December 2016.
Methodology: Forty male individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and forty apparently healthy male individuals within the age range of 45 - 75 years were recruited for this study. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), trace elements (copper, magnesium and selenium) was measured at six months interval.
Results: The mean values of Cu, Mg, Se were significantly lower at pre-treatment compared to apparently healthy control values (18.40 +/- 5.25 vs 95.16 +/- 30.32 µg/dl, 1.23+/- 0.16 vs 1.51+/- 0.09 mg/dl and 268.47+/-54.32 vs 349.63+/- 32.95 µg/l respectively) (p= <0.001, <0.001 and <0.001 respectively). At 6 month into treatment in comparison to pre-treatment values, there were significant decreases in HbA1c and Mg (5.76+/-0.50 vs 9.74+/-1.25 %, 0.26+/-0.02 vs 1.23+/-0.16 mg/dl respectively) (p= <0.001, <0.001 respectively).
Conclusion: The levels of copper and magnesium were lower at pre-treatment, while magnesium was lowest at 6 month into treatment. In this study there is continuous increase in serum selenium levels during the treatment period.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, month, copper, magnesium, selenium.