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Chromium, zinc and magnesium status in type 1 diabetes
Ching-Chiang Lin1, Yeou-Lih Huang
1aDepartment of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung bPlanning Department, Fooyin University Hospital, Pingtung cDepartment of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University dDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital eDepartment of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Purpose Of Review:
Chromium, zinc, and magnesium are involved in insulin signal transduction, glucose metabolism, and cellular antioxidative defense. This review details the statuses of chromium, zinc, and magnesium in type 1 diabetes patients.
Recent Findings:
Blood levels of trace elements (especially magnesium and zinc) were lower in type 1 diabetes patients than in controls and were even lower in type 1 diabetes patients with poor glycemic control. Studies with mouse models have shown that chromium and magnesium supplementation alleviated diabetes-induced complications and improved glycemic control.
Summary:
Many studies indicated positive correlations between decreased levels of serum chromium, zinc, and magnesium and poor glycemic control. The supplementation of type 1 diabetes patients with zinc, magnesium, and chromium may help to control diabetes and prevent diabetes-related oxidative injuries, but require further study.
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