[Influence of insufficient zinc on immune functions in NIDDM patients]

The serum zinc level and immune functions were analyzed in 34 patients with NIDDM before and after the treatment with zinc gluconate supplement during conventional therapy (after the blood glucose level stabilization). The results showed that before treatment the level of serum zinc and red cell C3b receptor rosette(RBCK-C3b RR), T-lymphocyte subgroup CD3, CD4, and CD4/CD8 were decreased(P < 0.01), while CD8, red cell immune complex rosette(RBC-ICR) were increased. After treatment with zinc gluconate for 1 month the serum zinc level, RBC-C3b RR, RBC-ICR, CD3 and CD4/CD8 became normal, CD8 also approached to normal. All the above figures were significantly different before and after zinc therapy. The data showed that various degrees of lowering of serum zinc and abnormal immune functions were present during the conventional antidiabetic therapy. Thus, zinc supplement should be used as an important adjunctive therapy for NIDDM patients.