A Study of Serum Magnesium, Zinc, Copper and Glycohemoglobin In Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Magnesium and some trace elements known to act as antioxidants or to be related directly to glucose metabolism may be altered in diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present work is to study the state of these elements in relation to disease duration, control and complications. The study included 25 children with type 1 diabetes and 13 apparently healthy controls studied for serum magnesium, zinc, copper and blood HbA1c. Serum magnesium, zinc and copper were significantly lower in diabetic children than in controls. Serum magnesium was significantly lower in cases with longer duration of disease (>5years). Serum magnesium level negatively correlated with the duration of diabetes. Serum zinc was significantly lower in uncontrolled than in controlled and in complicated than in uncomplicated cases. Serum zinc level correlated negatively with the degree of disease control (HbA1c). It is to be concluded that serum magnesium, zinc and copper are deficient in diabetic children. This deficiency may be related to disease control and/or complications. Supplementation of diabetic children with these nutrients may help in control of the disease and its complications.