Serum and Urine Levels of Zinc and Selenium in Diabetics in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the serum and urine zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) in diabetics and non-diabetics in Calabar, Nigeria. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), urine creatinine and serum and urine zinc and selenium levels were determined in 60 diabetic subjects aged between 35-75 years and 40 age-matched non-diabetic subjects using colorimetric methods and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The FPG, urine Zn and Se levels were significantly higher and serum Zn and urine creatinine levels lower in diabetics than those of non-diabetics. No significant difference was observed in the serum Se levels of both groups. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between serum Zn and serum Se (r = 0.368), urine Zn and urine Se (r = 0.446) and a negative correlation (p < 0.05, r = -0.287) between serum Se and urine Se levels of diabetics. There was no association between serum and urine zinc levels of diabetics. Diabetes alters the metabolism of zinc and selenium by increasing their urinary excretion.

Key words: serum, urine, selenium zinc and diabetes

Journal of Medical Laboratory Science Vol.13(1) 2004: 17 - 22