Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
16:59
Neo-Islet Formation in Liver of Diabetic Mice by Helper-dependent Adenoviral Vector-Mediated Gene Transfer
Published on: October 10, 2012
12.1K
Serum trace elements in insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes: a comparative study
Ahmed M Ahmed1, Omar F Khabour1,2, Akram H Awadalla3
1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia, ammohammed@taibahu.edu.sa.
Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity : Targets and Therapy
|December 26, 2018
Summary
Diabetes mellitus is linked to altered trace element levels. This study found lower zinc, magnesium, copper, and chromium in diabetic patients, with zinc and chromium also lower in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) versus non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is characterized by metabolic dysregulation, often accompanied by imbalances in essential trace elements.
- Trace element deficiencies or excesses can significantly impact glucose metabolism and diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the serum levels of key trace elements (Zn, Mg, Mn, Cu, Na, K, Fe, Ca, Cr, Se) in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
- To establish the relationship between trace element profiles and glycemic control markers (glucose, HbA1c) in diabetic populations.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 100 diabetic patients (40 IDDM, 60 NIDDM) and 50 healthy controls were analyzed.
- Biochemical assessments included glucose, lipid profiles, and HbA1c levels, alongside quantification of ten trace elements.
Main Results:
- Patients with diabetes exhibited significantly lower levels of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) compared to healthy controls (P<0.01).
- Zn and Cr levels were notably lower in IDDM patients compared to NIDDM patients (P<0.05).
- Inverse correlations were observed between Zn and Mg levels with HbA1c in both IDDM and NIDDM, and between Zn and fasting blood glucose in IDDM (P<0.05). No correlation was found with BMI.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a shared disturbance in trace element profiles across both IDDM and NIDDM, suggesting a common pathophysiological link.
- Specific trace elements like Zn and Cr may serve as potential biomarkers for differentiating diabetes types and assessing glycemic control.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Insulin Secretory Vesicles
6.9K
Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
6.9K
01:21Frequency-dependent Selection
24.0K
When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.
24.0K
01:28Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
3.2K
Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but...
3.2K
01:27Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
731
Insulin preparations are categorized by their duration of action into short-acting and long-acting types. Two strategies are used to modify insulin's absorption and pharmacokinetic profile: slowing the absorption post-subcutaneous injection, or altering human insulin's amino acid sequence or protein structure. These changes retain the insulin's ability to bind to the insulin receptor, but alter its behavior in solution or after injection.
Short-acting insulins are divided into...
Short-acting insulins are divided into...
731
01:25Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
1.3K
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
1.3K
01:17Drug Dependence
1.7K
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
1.7K